How Linde Material Handling uses virtual reality for driver training

"I immediately realized how much potential there was in this idea," says Carina Goldhammer, Customer Hospitality and Project Management at Linde Material Handling, who took over the project management in June 2024. In fact, the idea of using virtual reality (VR) for the training and development of forklift truck drivers is almost obvious. After all, you can't cause any damage in the virtual world during the driving lesson – but you can with a real forklift truck weighing several tons.

The unique thing about the solution: The Linde Forklift Simulator can be easily set up and dismantled at different locations, as the mobile setup consisting of VR goggles, pedal and steering unit and tablet weighs just 50 kilograms. "By using original Linde parts such as the joystick, pedals and steering wheel, the simulator gives you the feeling of driving a real Linde Material Handling truck," says Goldhammer.

Anyone who puts on the VR glasses is immediately immersed in a virtual world of forklift trucks: You can see a 360-degree panoramic view from the driver's cab of a forklift truck, which the testers praised enthusiastically in their feedback. "The simulation of realistic movements conveys an authentic driving experience," explains the project manager. A trainer can select and start the training program via tablet. There are different levels of difficulty to choose from, from simple driving maneuvers to complex tasks such as precise pallet handling.

According to Carina Goldhammer, the virtual version offers many advantages compared to conventional driver training: "Virtual training increases safety, enables effective assessment of driving ability and can be customized." The ability to simulate dangerous situations realistically is particularly helpful – without even the slightest risk of actual accidents.

VR training is therefore not only suitable for novice drivers, but also for special training and advanced training with experienced forklift truck drivers. In the future it may also be possible to complete the legally required annual safety instruction virtually and combine it with appropriate training. This option will not only guarantee greater safety in the warehouse, but will also ensure increased efficiency and more flexible training processes – thereby saving time and costs, while employees benefit from realistic, clear and low-risk training methods. Last but not least, the VR application also makes it possible to test new or temporary employees virtually before their first "real" assignment in the physical warehouse environment and to be prepared for it if necessary, which will offer companies much more security.

"Another advantage is the flexibility of the training," says Goldhammer. "We can respond directly to the specific requirements of our customers and map everyday operating situations or special challenges as a simulation." For example, the customer's environment can be programmed into the simulation accordingly and represented true to the original. The training is rounded off by a modern learning management system that documents the participants' progress and enables detailed evaluations – a valuable tool for participants, trainers and companies alike.

The system was presented to customers and dealers during a test phase, for example at the product launch of the latest generation of forklift trucks at the Linde Experience Hub in Aschaffenburg. This was an excellent opportunity for Carina Goldhammer and her team to gather initial opinions on the project. The two prototypes, which were presented under the name "Virtual Drive," attracted a lot of attention. Goldhammer reports: "The enthusiasm was so great that sometimes long queues formed in front of the simulator."

Even experienced forklift truck drivers praised the high quality and realism of the forklift simulator, which was developed in collaboration with a Belgian company. The evaluation of customer feedback shows that the concept is well received: "I felt like I was sitting in a real forklift truck" and "very realistic" were some of the comments from customers.

On a scale of 0-5, an average of 4.4 people would recommend training with the Linde Forklift Simulator to their colleagues. Alongside the praise, there was also constructive criticism, for example regarding motion sickness, a sensitivity to movement that can occur with VR applications.

This promising project is still in the test phase at our subsidiary Linde Material Handling. It has not yet been decided exactly how the Linde Forklift Simulator will be used and marketed in the future. The system will presumably be offered both for sale and for rent and could thus revolutionize driver training.

Carina Goldhammer, who obtained her forklift license 10 years ago, speaks from her own experience: "In my position as an office worker, of course, I don't sit in the driver's cab very often, even though I work for a forklift manufacturer," she laughs. Thanks to the many virtual test drives, however, she now feels confident again when handling real forklifts. A clear statement that the Linde Forklift Simulator will achieve its goal of increasing driving safety.