Bursa Technical University (BTU) is bringing a new dimension to forklift and reach truck operator training through its new project supported under the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. With the multimodal industrial training simulator developed for the first time in Türkiye using extended reality technologies, operators will be able to receive safe and realistic training.

BTU’s Specific XR Application within the MASTER project (SkillXR) has been awarded support within the scope of the Horizon Europe program’s MASTER (Mixed Reality Ecosystem for Teaching Robotics in Manufacturing) project. The project is coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan Altuntaş from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Computer Engineering, with contributions from Dr. Zafer Karadayı of NaraXR and Emre Bülbül from the Borçelik Technical Academy.

Real forklift experience in a virtual environment

The SkillXR system, designed for the training of forklift and reach truck operators, is equipped with a real forklift cockpit, a 2DoF motion platform, a Meta Quest 3 VR headset, multisensory feedback (visual, auditory, and haptic), and an instructor control panel. This setup provides operator candidates with a training experience that supports muscle memory development and closely simulates real industrial environments. The training scenarios cover all stages, from safety checks and emergency procedures to load handling, navigation tasks, and performance analysis.

A strong triple model in university–industry collaboration

The educational content and academic coordination of the SkillXR project are managed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan Altuntaş from BTU, while the system design and implementation are carried out by Dr. Zafer Karadayı from NaraXR, and field applications by Emre Bülbül from the Borçelik Technical Academy (BTA). These three institutions combine their expertise in educational technologies, academic curriculum development, and industrial experience to present a model of collaboration that sets an example at the European level.

The only project accepted from Türkiye

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Volkan Altuntaş stated that the SkillXR project is the only one accepted from Türkiye under the European Commission’s MASTER – Multimodal Interaction for XR-based Robotics Training (EC-11) call. He added, “Our project is conducted under the Horizon Europe framework. It aims to explore the innovative use of extended reality (XR) technologies in human–machine interaction and vocational skills training.”

Rector Çağlar: Projects focusing on university–industry collaboration are our priority

BTU Rector Prof. Dr. Naci Çağlar stated, “As a university, we always prioritize research, development, and university–industry collaboration-focused projects. The SkillXR project is not only a technological innovation but also an exemplary initiative contributing to the digital transformation of vocational training. Its support by the European Union is of great importance, as it demonstrates the current level of our university’s international R&D capacity. I congratulate our academics and all stakeholders who contributed to this success.”

Emre Bülbül: A valuable investment in the future of skilled labor in industry

BTA Director Emre Bülbül shared his views on the project: “At BTA, one of our main goals is to integrate vocational education with technological opportunities and contribute to the development of employees. The SkillXR project has been an important step toward this vision. The system developed using extended reality technologies will make industrial training safer, more accessible, and more effective. This collaboration is a valuable investment in digital transformation and the future of skilled labor in industry.”

Zafer Karadayı: A new paradigm in education through XR technologies

Dr. Zafer Karadayı from NaraXR commented: “SkillXR is not just a simulation system, but an innovative example showing how extended reality technologies can have a transformative impact on education. The system we developed enables users to interact seamlessly between the real and virtual environments, making the learning process more intuitive, safe, and lasting. Integrating XR technologies with industrial training will introduce a new paradigm to vocational education in both Türkiye and Europe.”