Highly immersive skills training in VR. Enable repetitive practice with MR training. And connect remote locations through networked learning in a shared space. Go beyond the constraints of time, location, and equipment, and support a wide range of training scenarios with flexibility.
case
( Case Studies )
During the development of its welding simulation, the Welding Business Division of Kobe Steel, Ltd. and Kobelco Welding Techno Co., Ltd. cooperated
In 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.
The VR group showed less variation in evaluation scores, and all participants reached a consistent skill level.
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.
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.
FEATURES
( Features )
01
Real-world welding training
In addition to VR's high level of immersion, WeldNext includes an MR mode that enables training in real-world environments. By rendering only the base materials and torch in VR, it makes practical skill acquisition possible with an accurate sense of distance to the workpiece and in a variety of welding positions.
02
Remote real-time instruction
In a networked environment, instructors and administrators can enter the same VR space, check welding conditions in real time, and provide guidance immediately. This helps address instructor shortages, supports collaboration with overseas sites, and enables new training frameworks.
03
Capture expert techniques in VR
Record the movements of skilled welders in VR space and reproduce them at any time. Because trainees can learn while following hand movements, previously tacit knowledge becomes visible and highly reproducible skill acquisition becomes possible.
04
Also supports pipe welding training
WeldNext also supports welding on curved pipe surfaces. It recreates the unique molten pool behavior and posture-control difficulty of curved surfaces, helping learners acquire more advanced practical skills.
05
Updates (supports feature additions and bug fixes)
By reflecting on-site issues and user feedback, WeldNext continuously expands and improves its features. Through ongoing updates, it provides a training environment that keeps evolving.
TRAINING MOVIE
Function
( Main Functions )
10-step current adjustment
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
Choose from seven types of base materials, including fillet welds, groove welds, and pipe welding.
Switch to left-handed mode
In addition to right-handed operation, the system can also be switched to left-handed operation to suit the trainee.
Multilingual support
Supports multiple languages, including English. (*Scheduled for sequential updates.)
WeldNext+ is a subscription service designed to connect, accumulate, and evolve training. With the power of data and networks, it expands the possibilities of training even further.
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.
