Stellantis Deploys VR Forklift Training in Michigan
Manufacturing operators are adopting virtual reality tools to standardize safety protocols and speed up equipment training.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Manufacturing
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Stellantis is expanding the use of virtual reality forklift simulators for employee training following a year-long pilot at its Sterling Heights Stamping Facility. The company installed two additional units at its National Training Center in Warren during the week of October 19, 2026, to standardize safety protocols for recurring three-year training cycles.
Why it matters
The technology aims to accelerate training timelines while reducing the risk of workplace accidents by simulating obstacle navigation and pedestrian interaction. By moving performance tracking into a virtual environment, operators can improve efficiency without putting physical equipment or personnel at risk during the learning phase.
Stellantis integrated the simulator into recurring training cycles that occur every three years. Two additional units were installed at the National Training Center in Warren to support this expansion.
The players
Stellantis
A multinational automotive manufacturer that operates major assembly and stamping facilities across North America.
The details
The simulation software uses virtual yellow arrows to guide operators through target areas for picking up or depositing crates. Training modules force operators to navigate complex obstacle courses and react to simulated pedestrian movements. Stellantis acquired this technology following a pitch event called Factory Booster Day, and the company is currently evaluating the deployment of these simulators to additional manufacturing facilities.
Timeline
October 2025: VR forklift simulator launched at Sterling Heights Stamping Facility.
October 19-25, 2026: Two units installed at the National Training Center in Warren.
October 22, 2026: Media demonstration of the simulator occurred.
Market Landscape
This move follows a pilot program sourced through the Factory Booster Day pitch event, signaling a broader industry shift toward virtualized safety training. The transition at Stellantis reflects a growing reliance on simulated obstacle training to replace conventional classroom-and-floor learning.
Operators in high-risk sectors should monitor the performance of VR-based training in reducing physical safety incidents. Integrating these simulated modules into recurring training schedules can help standardize operator skill levels while minimizing downtime caused by traditional on-floor training.
The takeaway
Virtual reality offers a repeatable, low-risk method for training staff on complex equipment navigation. Warehouse managers should track the cost-to-benefit ratio of these units against traditional hardware training intervals to determine if virtualized modules are suitable for their facility size.
Further reading
For broader trends in facility safety, see the latest Manufacturing updates.
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Do you trust that new virtual reality job training tools will actually make your workplace safer?
