Virtual Training at Scale: XR, AI and the Future of Industrial Workforce Training

Purpose and goal

Swedish industry must rapidly upskill workers due to new processes, products, and global competition while ensuring safety and productivity. XR can streamline learning but lacks scalable integration. This project, with Volvo Trucks and SSAB and Luleå municipality, will develop frameworks for XR adoption, explore AI-based virtual agents, and provide knowledge for effective, scalable use of XR in industry, supporting long-term skills development.

Expected effects and result

The project pursues a twofold agenda: developing a framework for the sustainable adoption of XR in industry by addressing organisational, pedagogical, and technical needs, and integrating AI to enable adaptive, personalised, and scalable training. XR is framed as a learning infrastructure supporting both preparatory and in-task learning, with AI-driven agents providing real-time guidance, feedback, and performance support in industrial settings.

Planned approach and implementation

The project will implement XR and AI-based training solutions through two case studies. At Volvo Trucks, scalable XR modules with robust assessment will reduce costly, centralised recertification for BEV technicians. At SSAB and Luleå municipality, XR will support large-scale upskilling during the fossil-free steel transition, combining simulation, adaptive feedback, and standardised content to ensure timely, flexible, and high-quality competence development across the workforce.