WAN Takes Part in Developing Tadano's Mobile Crane Training Simulator

Drawing on our expertise in 3DCG and VR development, we supported everything from recreating five actual crane models to implementing skill evaluation and training features.

World Area Networks Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; CEO: Ayumu Mitani; "WAN") has taken part in the development of the "Lift Training Simulator," a mobile crane training simulator developed by Tadano Ltd.

Using the 3DCG and VR content development technologies it has built up over the years, WAN provided technical support for the development of the simulator, including recreating five models of Tadano rough terrain cranes in 3DCG and building training features, automatic scoring, and a replay function.

Tadano Ltd.'s press release is available here

Features of the simulator

Operation training true to the real machines

Because the simulator reproduces the movements of five models of Tadano rough terrain cranes, users can train with actual crane operation in mind.

Visualizing training results for efficient operator development

The simulator includes a feature that quantifies crane operation, which has often been judged by feel. Users can see their own proficiency and areas for improvement, and instructors can coach based on objective data.

Review operation results with the replay function

With the replay function, users can check their operation results while freely changing the viewpoint and visually review how their path differed from the ideal path. This lets users repeat training while checking their own areas for improvement, without an instructor having to be present at all times.

Usable without VR headsets or an internet connection

Training can be carried out flexibly to suit the environment. For example, in addition to an immersive VR mode, the simulator also supports training on a monitor. It is also an application that allows training to be carried out in environments without an internet connection.

Manage all users' proficiency in one place on the administrator screen

Administrators can view all registered users in a list and check each user's overall rank and per-course evaluations. Supervisors can use this to understand skill levels and to guide subsequent instruction.

Background: Construction workers down 30% in 30 years, with young workers making up only about 10%

The number of people working in construction peaked at 6.85 million in 1997 and fell to 4.77 million in 2024, a decrease of about 30%*1. Workers aged 55 and over account for 36.7% of the total, while those aged 29 and under make up only 11.7%*2, making it an urgent issue to secure and develop the workforce over the medium to long term.

One of the tasks that requires this kind of skill transfer is operating mobile cranes. Crane operation is not simply a matter of using levers to move loads with millimeter precision; it requires the skill to operate accurately and safely while adapting to the swaying and condition of the load and to a site environment that changes from moment to moment. For this reason, developing a fully qualified operator is said to take years of experience, yet the number of skilled operators is declining. In addition, although operators' skills are often developed on actual construction sites, safety and environmental constraints make it difficult to secure enough training environments that come close to real-world practice.

Against this background, Tadano, which manufactures and sells construction cranes, began developing the "Lift Training Simulator," which lets users practice crane operation in a safe environment without using the actual machine.

Drawing on its expertise in developing simulators that use 3DCG and VR, WAN took part in the development of the simulator. Based on Tadano's knowledge of cranes, WAN reproduced the behavior of real crane models in 3DCG and implemented various features that support the evaluation of operating skills and the review of training results.

Company profile

World Area Networks Co., Ltd. (headquarters: Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture; representative: Ayumu Mitani) is a digital content production company specializing in 3DCG and XR (VR/AR/MR). WAN works on a wide range of projects, including training simulators and remote operation apps for the construction and civil engineering fields, virtual exhibitions for museums and universities, and projection mapping.

https://wan-hiroshima.jp/

Inquiries about this release
Marketing Department
Contact: https://wan-hiroshima.jp/contact/ Phone: 082-207-2601

Sources
*1: Engineering Management Division, Kyushu Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "Current Status of and Initiatives for Public Works, FY2025"
*2: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, "White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan, 2026"