Tag: training

Beyond Game Engines: A Simpler Way to Create Immersive 3D Training

Posted on by iQ3Connect

🚀 Introduction: Why Immersive Training Needs a Simpler Future

Immersive 3D training is reshaping how organizations prepare their workforce—especially in fields like automotive, energy, and manufacturing.
Yet, many companies still rely on game-engine-based tools (like Unity, Unreal Engine, or derivative authoring platforms) that require deep technical expertise, long development cycles, and complex deployment pipelines.

 

iQ3Connect takes a different approach.

Our web-based, no-code platform lets trainers, instructional designers, and subject-matter experts build and deploy immersive 3D training modules—directly from a browser—no coding or game-engine skills required.

 

In short: immersive training creation should be as easy as building a slide deck, and now it is.

🎼 The Traditional Path: Game Engines and Their Offshoots

 

1. High Barriers to Entry

Game engines were originally built for entertainment and gaming, not enterprise learning.
Even products “simplified” on top of these engines still depend on complex underpinnings that require:

  • Developers skilled in scripting and 3D asset management

  • Device-specific optimization for VR, AR, PC, and mobile

  • Dedicated teams to build, test, and deploy new versions

That means longer timelines, higher costs, and ongoing dependency on specialized talent.

 

2. Complex Deployment

Most game-engine-based platforms require packaging training experiences as stand-alone applications, with separate builds for each device or OS.
This creates friction:

  • Installers and updates on each headset or PC

  • IT bottlenecks for distribution and maintenance

  • Limited scalability across large or distributed teams

When training content changes—say, a new maintenance step or safety regulation—those updates must be rebuilt, re-tested, and re-deployed.

 

3. Maintenance and Version Control Challenges

Each new version of the software or hardware SDK can break compatibility, requiring updates to your content pipeline. Over time, organizations end up maintaining multiple versions of the same module just to keep pace with device changes—draining time and resources.

🌐 The iQ3Connect Approach: Simplicity Through the Web

 

1. No-Code Authoring for SMEs and Trainers

With iQ3Connect, anyone—not just developers—can create immersive, instructionally accurate training modules.
All you need is a browser.
Drag-and-drop objects, define steps, and build 3D learning flows in minutes—no engine, no installs, no code.

“Customized and instructionally-accurate training modules can be built quickly and instantly deployed to any VR, AR, PC, tablet, or mobile device—all through a web browser.”

 

2. Instant Web Deployment

Once built, your immersive training is live—instantly accessible through a secure web link.
Learners simply click and launch on any device: headset, tablet, laptop, or phone.
There’s no need for app packaging, store submission, or IT setup.

 

3. Rapid Updates & Iteration

Need to change a procedure or add new instructions?
Edit it directly in-browser and republish—no re-coding or rebuilding required.
Your global workforce always accesses the most current version of the training, automatically.

 

⚡ Game-Engine-Based Tools vs iQ3Connect: The Key Differences

FeatureGame-Engine-Based ToolsiQ3Connect Platform
Ease of UseRequires developers, coding, asset workflowsNo-code, browser-based authoring
Time to DeployWeeks or monthsMinutes
Device SupportSeparate builds per headset/deviceUniversal browser access
MaintenanceFrequent rebuilds and updatesInstant updates, one version for all
ScalabilityLimited by IT and device logisticsGlobal web scalability
Total Cost of OwnershipHigh (licenses, dev time, maintenance)Low (cloud-based, self-service)

🔧 Example: Building an EV Maintenance Module in Minutes

 

In our recent live event, we showcased how a complete immersive 3D EV repair and maintenance training module can be built in just 15 minutes using iQ3Connect.

The result: a fully functional, web-deployed experience accessible instantly across VR, AR, and desktop—without touching a game engine.

 

 

🌎 The Bigger Picture: Democratizing Immersive Learning

 

The iQ3Connect approach:

  • Expands access to XR training creation across non-technical teams.

  • Reduces costs by eliminating proprietary engines, plugins, and maintenance cycles.

  • Accelerates innovation by enabling rapid prototyping and deployment.

  • Future-proofs content, as browser-based delivery adapts seamlessly to new devices and standards.

For industries facing rapid change—like EV manufacturing, clean energy, and aerospace—this agility is critical to staying competitive. 

In addition, as demand for skilled workers continues to rise, immersive virtual training is proving to be a powerful lever for advancing both education and workforce readiness. For educators and policymakers committed to preparing students for meaningful, high-demand careers, these solutions represent a practical, scalable, and future-focused path forward (read our blog on rethinking career and technical education.)

 

🏁 Conclusion: Build Smarter, Not Harder

Game engines and their derivative products helped pioneer immersive learning, but they weren’t designed for scalable, everyday enterprise use. As organizations push to train faster, reach more learners, and lower costs, no-code web-based solutions like iQ3Connect offer a smarter path forward. 

 

See how simple immersive 3D training creation can be.

Request a Demo

Accelerating XR Training Development with Gaussian Splatting and iQ3Connect

Posted on by iQ3Connect

Background

Organizations face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality, scalable training that accurately represents complex equipment, facilities, and workflows. Yet the creation of 3D training content traditionally requires CAD models, laser scanning, or extensive manual modeling—processes that are slow, costly, and constrained by data availability.

 

Gaussian Splatting fundamentally changes this paradigm.

 

iQ3Connect now provides full support for Gaussian Splatting within our browser-based, enterprise XR platform, enabling creation of immersive training environments from simple photos or video. The result is a significant reduction in content development time, faster deployment of workforce training programs, and broader access to real-world operational knowledge.

 

What is Gaussian Splatting?

Gaussian Splatting is an advanced 3D reconstruction technique that converts standard images or video into a photorealistic, spatially accurate scene representation. Unlike mesh-based or voxel-based approaches, Gaussian Splats are computationally efficient, streamable, and exceptionally lightweight—making them ideal for real-time XR applications.

Key benefits include:

  • High fidelity reconstruction of real environments

  • Minimal capture requirements (standard mobile or video cameras)

  • Lower cost and faster turnaround compared to LiDAR or manual modeling

  • Immediate web and XR compatibility when processed in iQ3Connect

For training leaders, this capability unlocks rapid digitization of equipment, facilities, and processes—even when CAD data is unavailable or restricted.

 

Enterprise Training Advantages

✔ Accelerated Digitization of Equipment & Facilities

Capture real-world environments using only standard photography or video. No CAD, LiDAR, or modeling expertise required.

 

✔ Reduce Dependence on Engineering Data

Gaussian Splats provide a reliable alternative when CAD data is missing, outdated, proprietary, or too large for XR deployment.

 

✔ Integrate Multiple Data Modalities

iQ3Connect enables seamless combination of:

  • Gaussian Splats

  • CAD models

  • Point clouds (e.g., LAS, E57)

  • 360° images and videos

  • Operational documents (PDFs, videos, SOPs)

This creates a comprehensive, context-rich training environment.

 

✔ Streamlined Multi-Device Deployment

All Gaussian Splats processed in iQ3Connect are optimized for:

  • VR headsets

  • AR devices

  • Web browsers

  • Mobile and tablet

No local installation, plugins, or large downloads are required.

 

Common Tools for Creating Gaussian Splats Compatible with iQ3Connect

Several open-source and commercial tools generate splat formats (e.g., .ply, .splat) that can be imported directly into iQ3Connect. Common creation tools include:

 

1. Nerfstudio (with Gaussian Splatting pipelines)

An extensible framework that supports Gaussian Splat reconstruction from photo sets or video sequences.

  • Ideal for: High-quality reconstructions and research workflows

  • Output: .ply, .splat

 

2. Gaussian Splat Studio

A user-friendly application for generating splats from images or video with minimal setup.

  • Ideal for: Quick conversions and operational teams without ML expertise

  • Output: .splat

 

3. SplaTAM

A real-time SLAM-based Gaussian Splatting tool—excellent for capturing environments with a moving camera.

  • Ideal for: Handheld/mobile scanning, fast field capture

  • Output: .splat, .ply

 

4. Luma AI (NeRF-based with export options)

While primarily focused on NeRFs, Luma’s capture tools can be used as input for splat conversion workflows.

  • Ideal for: Smartphone-based capture with cloud processing

 

5. DotSplat and Mobile Splat Tools

Lightweight mobile pipelines emerging from open-source communities that export splat-compatible point clouds.

 

Here are three paid tools for creating 3D Gaussian splats (i.e., using the Gaussian Splatting technique) :

 

1. KIRI Engine

A mobile & web cloud-based 3D capture app that supports Gaussian splatting (“3DGS”) plus mesh export. Offers editing, masking, and export to formats like OBJ, GLTF, PLY. Paid subscription required for full 3DGS feature. 

 

2. Postshot

A desktop application (Windows) for processing captures into Gaussian splats locally (no cloud), with live preview/training, full control over data and export into 3D workflows. Best for users with suitable GPU. Paid version.

 

3. Splatware

Splatware: A cloud platform built for professionals and teams to generate, edit, animate, host and export Gaussian splatting 3D models, including hosting/sharing and marketplace options. Has tiered paid plans (Free → Pro → Enterprise).

 

All of the formats produced by these tools can be processed through the iQ3Connect 3D Importer and converted into XR-ready assets.

 

Technical Workflow: Importing Gaussian Splats into iQ3Connect

iQ3Connect streamlines the process of converting Gaussian Splats into optimized training-ready scenes.

 

1. Capture the Environment

Use photos, video, or drone footage. Ensure:

  • Adequate coverage around the subject

  • Consistent lighting where possible

  • Sufficient overlap between frames

 

2. Generate the Gaussian Splat

Process the captured media using one of the tools listed above. Export in .splat, .ksplat or .ply format.

 

3. Import into the iQ3Connect 3D Importer

Inside the platform:

  1. Open 3D Import

  2. Select Add Model

  3. Upload the Gaussian Splat file

The system automatically optimizes the file for real-time rendering and cross-device compatibility.

 

4. Convert to an XR-Ready Model

iQ3Connect performs:

  • Level-of-detail (LOD) optimization

  • Rendering performance adjustments

  • Spatial scaling/normalization

  • Single-click XR preparation

The result is a splat that performs efficiently even in multi-user XR sessions.

 

5. Build a Rich Training Environment

Within the iQ3Connect Workspace, teams can combine the splat with:

  • Engineering CAD

  • LiDAR point clouds

  • Workflow steps and procedures

  • Media assets (PDF, video, 360° images)

  • Labels, markers, and hotspots

  • Guided training modules and assessments

This flexibility allows training developers to replicate a complete operational environment—not just a single asset.

 

6. Deploy to the Workforce

Publish your training or collaboration session and access it across:

  • VR and AR devices

  • PC and laptop browsers

  • Tablets and smartphones

All with no software installation.

 

Experience Gaussian Splats in iQ3Connect

Explore a live Gaussian Splat example in your browser. Use the WASD and mouse to navigate in the 3D space. Share the link with your colleagues to meet in realtime in the collaborative workspace.


👉 Live Experience

 

Looking Ahead

iQ3Connect will continue to expand support for Gaussian Splats, including advanced editing, annotation, and automated training authoring capabilities. Future examples will highlight real-world applications across manufacturing, energy, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors requiring high-fidelity training environments.

 

Explore How Gaussian Splats Can Modernize Your Training Workflow

 

👉 Request a customized demo
👉 Evaluate integration with your existing content pipeline
👉 Begin creating XR training content in minutes—not weeks

Request a Demo

Build VR and AR Training with CAD Models—Streamline Your JT to XR Workflow

Posted on by iQ3Connect

Streamlining VR & AR Training With JT File Support in iQ3Connect

iQ3Connect support for JT files significantly streamlines the process for bringing 3D CAD designs into immersive experiences, whether for real-time collaboration, training, and experience creation. By using this lightweight file format, the CAD-to-XR pipeline, from model export, to data transfer and processing, can be reduced from hours to minutes.

 

JT files can be exported from most CAD systems such as Siemens NX, Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo, and Product Lifecycle Management systems such as Siemens Teamcenter.

 

Key Advantages of JT Files in the CAD-to-XR Workflow

1. Rapid, Automated CAD-to-XR Pipeline
With iQ3Connect’s JT file support, you can import large, complex CAD assemblies into virtual reality or augmented reality in just minutes. Benchmark results show:

  • JT files with 10 million polygons: Import into XR in under 30 seconds.

  • JT files with 100 million polygons: Ready for immersive training in under 10 minutes.

2. Custom Level of Detail for Every Use Case
iQ3Connect lets you define quality settings for each part or assembly. Whether you need high-fidelity visualization for engineering reviews or lightweight models for VR training, JT files support precise optimization.

3. Lightweight & Efficient Data Handling
JT files are specifically designed for efficient data sharing and management, making them perfect for large assemblies and distributed teams. They maintain essential manufacturing information and hierarchy while minimizing file size.

4. Versatile Visualization & Collaboration
Use JT files in iQ3Connect for high-accuracy engineering visualization or optimize for fast, interactive training experiences. The flexibility makes them valuable for manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and beyond.

 

Why Use JT Files for VR and AR Training?

So, what are JT files? .JT (Jupiter Tessellation) is an openly-published ISO-standardized 3D data format for visualization and collaboration. JT files are used across industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace for data exchange, supplier collaboration, and long-term data retention. They encapsulate intricate geometric details and metadata, including geometry, color, and material properties, while maintaining a lightweight structure.

 

How iQ3Connect Simplifies JT to XR Training Creation

By supporting JT files, iQ3Connect enables:

  • One-click import of CAD models for VR and AR training or real-time collaboration

  • Faster CAD-to-XR conversion with minimal manual processing

  • Seamless sharing and review of complex engineering data in immersive environments

 

Start building your next immersive training or collaboration project with iQ3Connect and JT files—unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and engagement for your team.

 

Upload your JT files and start creating XR experiences today!

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Transforming Traditional Maintenance Training in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing with Digital Immersive Training

Posted on by iQ3Connect

Background

In the competitive world of pharmaceutical manufacturing, plant reliability and operational safety depend on well-maintained equipment and a workforce that’s always ready. Yet for many companies, maintenance teams are a mix of in-house and contract staff, and high turnover can make it hard to deliver consistent, high-quality training.

 

The Challenge: Informal Training and High Turnover

At a major Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer, most equipment is maintained by on-site engineers. About 40% of the maintenance staff are contractors, and turnover rates are high. New hires are typically trained by senior engineers through hands-on, on-the-job learning.

While practical, this approach often means training quality can vary and is difficult to assess or standardize. There are no formal assessments or feedback loops, so managers have little insight into how well maintenance procedures are understood or followed.

 

A Digital Solution: Experiential Immersive Training

To address these challenges, the company began exploring digital experiential training as a scalable, modern alternative. After reviewing several platforms, the maintenance team selected iQ3Connect for its interactive, immersive approach—designed to deliver standardized, engaging training experiences.

 

As a first step, the focus was placed on vacuum pump maintenance—a routine and critical task, with around 300 pumps in operation across the plant. The team saw this as an ideal starting point for immersive training, with plans to expand to other core equipment like filters, dryers, agitators, and reactors. There is also interest in developing similar training for electrical maintenance tasks.

Implementation: From Real-World Procedure to Digital Module

The new digital training solution translates detailed maintenance procedures into an interactive VR module. Engineers learn and practice every step of the pump maintenance process in a risk-free virtual environment, receiving instant feedback and clear visual cues.

 

 

Benefits include:

  • Standardizing training content regardless of staff changes or instructor style,

  • Enabling faster onboarding of new employees,

  • Providing trackable assessments and actionable feedback,

  • Reducing errors and supporting compliance with safety protocols.

 

Next Steps and Organizational Impact

Encouraged by the success of the vacuum pump module, the company is planning to roll out immersive training for additional equipment, making advanced, feedback-driven learning a cornerstone of their maintenance organization.

 

This case highlights how digital experiential training can overcome traditional training barriers in pharmaceutical manufacturing—empowering maintenance teams, reducing operational risk, and supporting long-term business performance.

 

 

Interested in digitalizing your maintenance training? Contact iQ3Connect to learn how immersive, interactive solutions can help your organization achieve training excellence.

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