For work you can’t do over,
a place to practice over and over.

NEWS

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ABOUT WELDNEXT

Welding Training Tool

WeldNext is a hands-on training tool that simulates true-to-life welding workwithout base metals or a dedicated work environment.Because you can rehearse the real job anywhere, just as it is set up on site,it cuts the risk and cost of scrapped parts and accelerates workforce development.

FEATURES

01

Rehearse the actual job

Display virtual base metals freely while checking the actual work environment and jigs, recreating layouts close to real work — including difficult postures and situations. Because you work on virtual base metals, you can “rehearse” jobs that normally allow no second attempt.

* MR mode lets you work while still seeing the real world with the headset on.

02

No heavy equipment, minimal setup

All you need is a VR device (Meta Quest 3) and the dedicated attachment for your welding process. No large equipment is required — just put on the headset, launch the app, and start training on the spot.

03

True-to-life working conditions

Supports three processes — shielded metal arc, semi-automatic, and TIG — and allows training on fillet welds, grooved joints, and pipe-shaped base metals. You can visually check a realistically reproduced weld pool up close while you work.

TRAINING MOVIE

CASE STUDY

During the development of its welding simulation, the Welding Business Division of Kobe Steel, Ltd. and Kobelco Welding Techno Co., Ltd. cooperated

For WeldNext, we worked with the Welding Business Division of Kobe Steel, Ltd. and Kobelco Welding Techno Co., Ltd. to accurately simulate weld bead formation, molten pool behavior, and the timing of metal melting. By recreating a work feel close to the shop floor, WeldNext enables practical skill acquisition.To verify learning effectiveness in a VR environment, we conducted a comparative study using our previous product, "NUP Welding" (sold from 2020 to 2025), dividing learners into a VR group and a hands-on group. As a result, the VR group demonstrated proficiency equal to or greater than the hands-on group.

Evaluation Method

Learners were divided into a hands-on group and a VR group for training. After training, the weld beads they produced were reviewed by multiple skilled welders and scored on a 10-point scale based on in-house criteria.

Comparison chart of VR and hands-on welding training results Tap to enlarge
  1. The VR group showed less variation in evaluation scores, and all participants reached a consistent skill level.
  2. In the evaluation of time required to reach an average score of about 3.5, the VR group achieved it in about 2 days, while the hands-on group achieved it in about 3 days.It proved effective in accelerating the proficiency of beginners.
  3. At the final evaluation, the rate of participants scoring 4 points or higher tended to be higher in the VR group. (VR group: 100%, hands-on group: 50%)

* Product quality assurance and defect support fall within the responsibility of ImaCreate Co., Ltd., the manufacturer.

FUNCTIONS

10-step current adjustment

Current adjustment icon
Just like in real practice, the current can be adjusted in 10 steps to suit the selected base material, including fillet weld joints.

Selectable base materials

Base material selection icon
Choose from seven types of base materials, including fillet welds, groove welds, and pipe welding.

Switch to
left-handed mode

Left-handed mode icon
In addition to right-handed operation, the system can also be switched to left-handed operation to suit the trainee.

Multilingual support

Multilingual support icon
Supports multiple languages, including English. (*Scheduled for sequential updates.)
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PRODUCT

VR Headset

VR Headset

Dedicated Controller

Dedicated Controller
Dedicated Attachment

Welding Processes

Position
Flat / Horizontal / Vertical
Diameter
3.2 mm / 4.0 mm
Base Material Configuration
Bead-on plate, fillet (multi-pass), groove with backing bar, pipe
Position
Flat / Horizontal / Vertical
Diameter
1.2 mm
Base Material Configuration
Bead-on plate, fillet (multi-pass), groove with backing bar, pipe
Position
Flat / Horizontal / Vertical
Diameter
2.4 mm
Base Material Configuration
Bead-on plate, fillet (multi-pass), groove with backing bar, pipe
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Turn skills into an asset.

In addition to the standard version's training functions, WeldNext+ provides four features to connect, accumulate, and make use of training.Rather than ending with individual training, it turns the skills gained into a technical asset that remains at the worksite.

Record and Capture Movements

Record your work and save it to the server for replay. Capture an expert's welding procedure and tacit skills become a model lesson that can be reproduced at any time, preserving expertise on site even after retirement.

Save Base Material Layouts

Save assembled base material configurations to the server and load them when needed. Create a training setup based on your actual work once, then let anyone practice repeatedly under the same conditions as a standardized training program.

Multiplayer Mode

Instructors and trainees at different locations enter the same virtual space and communicate by voice chat for real-time review and guidance. Build an instruction system for understaffed sites and overseas plants without travel.

Record, Analyze, and
Review Training Data

Automatically aggregate session counts and scores, and review recorded welding movements. Track each trainee's proficiency and progress numerically, providing objective evidence for daily coaching, training plans, and assignment decisions.

FAQ

Before Purchase

A: Please contact us by email. A representative will get in touch with you.

A: We are sorry, but it is not available through electronics retailers. Purchases can only be made through this website.

A: We are sorry, but we do not offer sales of the equipment alone.

About WeldNext

A: No actual welding machine or base materials are required to use WeldNext. However, MR mode also allows you to prepare an environment closer to a real worksite for training.

A: WeldNext can be used in locations without an internet connection. However, if you want to record or save the operator's movements, or use multiplayer with remote locations, you need WeldNext+. Using WeldNext+ requires an internet connection (Wi-Fi).

A: The device can be used while wearing glasses, contact lenses, or a mask.

A: WeldNext can be used for outdoor training. However, if direct sunlight shines on the device lenses, the internal screen may be damaged. Please store it so that it is not exposed to external light sources.

About the Proof of Concept

A: At Kobelco E&M Co., Ltd., we compared the proficiency of a group that performed welding using actual materials during new employee training and a group that trained using VR welding training.

A: The proof of concept demonstrated strong learning outcomes for beginners. *This does not mean the same effect is guaranteed for everyone.

For work you can't do over,a place to practice over and over.

Request a WeldNext Consultation