WAN Co-Develops Construction Machinery Simulator "METATORE" with Three Partner Companies, Aiming for Nationwide Sales of the Product Version in 2026

Revolutionizing construction machinery operation training and safety education: in partnership with three companies, Jitsuta Chugoku Co., Ltd., Tagami Juki Kaihatsu Co., Ltd., and Yamaguchi Co., Ltd., nationwide sales are scheduled to begin at CSPI-EXPO 2026.

World Area Networks Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Hiroshima City; CEO: Ayumu Mitani) has completed development of the beta version of "METATORE," a next-generation training platform that uses DX to support workforce development and safety management in the construction and civil engineering industries, and will begin joint development with three partner companies toward the product version. Bringing together the insights gained from trials at each site, WAN plans to launch the product version at CSPI-EXPO 2026.

What is METATORE?

"METATORE" is a system that uses cutting-edge 3DCG and physics simulation technology to realistically recreate construction sites, providing comprehensive support for construction machinery operation training and safety education.

Users can practice in a virtual space with an experience that comes as close as possible to operating real construction machinery, allowing them to acquire skills efficiently while also raising their safety awareness.

METATORE product image

Key features

Development background

In the construction industry, as skilled operators continue to age, a labor shortage on the order of about 80,000 people a year persists, and the number of workers on site is declining rapidly. Yet training young workers takes three to five years of time and effort, and securing people who can contribute immediately is not easy. At the same time, fatal occupational accidents exceed 300 every year, accounting for about 30% of the total across all industries, and serious, life-threatening risks still exist on job sites.

Drawing on our many years of experience in 3DCG/XR development, WAN therefore developed a virtual simulator that allows operation training just like on real machines, in a safe environment.

At the XR & Metaverse Fair in November 2024 and the "DX Solution Fair" in July 2025, the beta version was highly rated, and we received many comments such as "the feel of the controls is realistic" and "it could be used for new-employee training."

At the DX Solution Fair, we received strong responses from skilled operators

Having received many requests from the construction and civil engineering industries, we will move forward with development of the product version toward 2026 together with the partner companies below.

Development partners

Three companies specializing in the construction and civil engineering industries are participating in this project, each cooperating in trials of METATORE and in expanding its sales channels within their areas of expertise.

Jitsuta Chugoku Co., Ltd. (Hiroshima City)

Provides integrated sales, rental, inspection, repair and maintenance of surveying instruments, BIM/CIM-related products, meteorological and hydrological equipment and more. Also sells and supports ICT construction machinery and 3D measuring instruments, and runs a custom wooden furniture business. Founded in 1947 (current corporation established in 1999).
Official website: https://jtch.co.jp/

Tagami Juki Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. (Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture)

In addition to civil engineering, paving and pipe construction, the company offers UAV (drone) photogrammetry, 3D measurement, construction with ICT construction machinery, structural inspection surveys, infrared thermographic surveys, 360° VR photography, 3D content production and more. Founded in 1969.
Official website: https://www.tagami-juki.com/

Yamaguchi Co., Ltd. (Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Engaged in general civil engineering work, scaffolding and earthwork, agricultural and forestry civil engineering and other construction, as well as intermediate treatment and recycling of industrial waste. The company also manufactures and sells recycled crushed stone (RC-40), operating mainly in Nanao City and Nakanoto Town. Founded in 1960 (current corporation established in 1975).
Official website: https://www.kabu-yamaguchi.net/

Expected benefits

Efficient and safe training for new employees

Operating construction machinery normally has to be learned over time under the guidance of veterans, and training young workers has been a heavy, time-consuming burden. With METATORE, trainees can practice repeatedly in a virtual space and acquire skills in a short period without a veteran always having to be at their side.

Reducing accident risk on site

Construction sites always involve danger, and it is difficult to completely eliminate the risks that lead to occupational accidents. Because such hazardous work scenarios can be simulated in advance, workers can understand the risks and learn appropriate actions before entering the actual site.

Reducing environmental impact

Conventional training on real machines has inevitably involved fuel consumption and noise, as well as issues such as equipment wear. METATORE can greatly reduce these, lessening environmental impact while also cutting training costs.

The future World Area Networks envisions

WAN's mission is "Shaping the future through creation and challenge," and the goal of this business is "to open up the future of people and industry through the power of digital technology." We aim to provide new environments for learning and working beyond physical constraints in the construction industry and a wide range of other fields, and to realize a society in which anyone can acquire skills with peace of mind. METATORE is the first step, and going forward we will integrate it with AI and IoT and expand its functions, including operation evaluation and support for passing on skills.