John Deere launches Extended Reality Training System

John Deere Co., based in Illinois, has launched its Extended Reality (XR) Training System, an immersive headset designed to help operators, dealers and customers learn about their machines. Unveiled at the 2026 ConExpo-Con/Agg, March 3-7 in Las Vegas, the system uses a combination of virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.

The first release, available to both John Deere customers and dealers, will focus on the 650 P-Tier Dozer and the 210 P-Tier Excavator.

According to John Deere, the XR system is designed to be completely portable, enabling training to take place at dealerships, jobsites, classrooms and events. In addition, the system aims to support operator training, machine walkarounds and high-level sales and technical learning, all within one platform through a configured Meta Quest 3 or Pico 4 Ultra Enterprise headset.

It will feature operator-focused virtual reality lessons, including daily maintenance walkarounds, controls familiarization and direct interaction modules such as trenching and spreading. Augmented reality experiences will support electrical component location and machine walkarounds, John Deere says.

In addition to structured lessons, the system includes a sandbox mode, modeled after the John Deere Coal Valley, Illinois, training site. The company says this mode will allow users to explore and operate machines in a simulated environment without guided instruction, supporting familiarization, education and customized instruction.

A challenge mode, featuring timed and gamified operation features, will also be available. Future enhancements, including new machine additions, expanded lessons, additional functionality and broader access options, are forthcoming.

“This technology represents a major step forward in how we prepare our customers and operators to be successful from any location,” says Curtis LeConte, project manager for next generation training at John Deere. “By making our training more portable and accessible, we’re delivering a powerful new way to train users in machine operations, maintenance, as well as key features, without the limitations of traditional training simulators.”