Somero Enterprises, Inc.

S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine

Somero offers their customers the S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® – one of the most technologically advanced Laser Screed^® machines available in the world. A self-propelled machine, driven by four-wheel drive and steer capabilities, featuring a 20-foot / 6-meter telescoping boom equipped with a wide placement head that spreads, levels, and vibrates concrete in a single pass—the S-22EZ includes advanced features designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and versatility in concrete leveling and finishing. Key special features include: 360° machine rotation, and choice of pivoting screed heads.

Use of a Laser Screed machine not only speeds up the concrete laying process but also ensures a higher level of flatness and compactness, making it ideal for large floor pours and high-quality concrete flooring projects. Somero’s industry-leading equipment, coupled with their best-in-class training at The Somero Concrete Institute, sets them apart as a market leader in their industry.

Somero Concrete Institute Training

Somero is passionate about the success of their customers, which is why they have created the Somero Concrete Institute, a comprehensive training facility dedicated to providing education on Somero’s products and offering unparalleled education and support. The S-22 EZ Laser Screed Training Simulator, developed by ForgeFX Simulations, will be the latest training experience to be offered by Somero, as they strive to deliver unparalleled learning opportunities through a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on training.

S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine Simulator

ForgeFX Simulations works closely with Somero subject matter experts to develop their S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine Simulator training program. This highly realistic, interactive, and engaging training simulation application significantly enhances the learning of operators by immersing them in a fully virtual environment that contains a detailed and accurate digital 3D replica of the S-22 Laser Screed^® Machine. Taking advantage of Meta’s Quest mixed reality hardware, the simulator delivers users simulated physical controls, buttons, and feedback mechanisms that afford the ability to rapidly become familiar with the machine, learn and master the controls and maintenance techniques, and comprehend the fundamentals of using the equipment properly and effectively. Utilizing Meta Quest’s superior hand-tracking capabilities provides for a more fully immersive experience, where users have a greater sense of presence and agency.

The training simulator features networked multiuser support that lets trainers and trainees work and train together collaboratively in the virtual world, regardless of their individual locations in the physical world. This feature of the Somero simulator has the potential to significantly reduce the amount of time and cost typically associated with this level of training, while also increasing the access trainees have to qualified trainers.

Virtual Pre-Start Checklist

A prestart check must be performed prior to each use of the machine to ensure its readiness and reliability before use. This involves checking that all systems of the machine are powered and ready for operation, as well as regular alignment checks to ensure that the laser components are correctly aligned for precise leveling of concrete. The virtual training simulator supplies operators with a means to learn how to correctly conduct the prestart check, so they become familiar with the machine’s safe performance and operating essentials, which is facilitated by a thorough prestart check. While performing the prestart check, trainees are instructed to check connections and fittings to look for any signs of leaking fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid, as well as any damaged components or components that have settled overnight.

Within the simulated prestart check, trainees are given the ability to perform virtual hands-on maneuvers, like rotating the auger of the screed head by hand. These hand-based interactions are achieved by leveraging the Meta Quest’s state-of-the-art hand-tracking abilities, to more fully engage users. Trainees are instructed that the auger head is sharp and can cause injury, while also being shown that the auger should spin freely without interruption or resistance. The application enables users to interact with the virtual machine, use hand tools to test and adjust the machine, confirm fuel and oil levels on the display screen, check hydraulic and electrical lines, and all of the other prestart check activities they’ll be required to perform on the physical machine. Combining proven prestart check practices and procedures, with simulation-based training techniques, facilitates the ability for Somero to deliver a holistic approach to technology adoption in the concrete and construction industry.

Cockpit Familiarization and Basic Controls

After completing the prestart check, Somero’s Advanced Laser Screed® Machine Simulator takes operators on a guided and interactive tour of the operator’s platform, introducing them to the S-22EZ’s controls. By providing virtual cockpit and basic controls familiarization, the simulator teaches operators how to start and stop the engine, as well as maneuver the screed head and drive the machine itself. The machine has two sets of controls: software controls via the soft buttons around the display, and physical analog controls via the two joystick pods. The simulator provides training on both sets of controls, delivering a comprehensive virtual training environment for users to become fully comfortable with machine operation. This level of training is crucial for operating a laser screed machine efficiently and safely. The training simulator allows operators to become comfortable with the machine in a controlled environment before working on the physical equipment, ensuring they understand the use, purpose, and operation of all controls and instruments. This initial step is essential to prevent accidents, improve efficiency, and ensure quality workmanship from the start.

Somero’s training simulator enhances operator’s learning processes by providing a safe and realistic virtual environment, where skills can be practiced and refined, without the risks and costs typically associated with physical real-world training.

Display Panel and Software Emulation

The display is the center of the S-22EZ operations and shows numerous virtual gauges to monitor machine operation, as well as housing soft keys to navigate through screens and set parameters. Complete understanding and mastery of the display is essential for effective operation of the machine, and a core component of Somero’s S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine Simulator.

The simulator trains operators to properly inspect the gauges on the display to ensure that the machine is running correctly. For example, trainees are taught within the simulator that the pressure gauge should display 500-600 psi without any functions engaged, and that the hydraulic oil temperature should reach 100F before operation begins. Instilling these basic and important operating practices into trainees standard operating procedures produces more highly trained operators, reduces unnecessary wear-and-tear on equipment, and allows the machine and the operator to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.

Joystick Pod Control Training

The Somero S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine controls include two joystick pods that directly affect components of the machine, like the boom, auger, and stationary machine rotation. Mastery of these joystick controls is integral to the function of Somero Advanced Laser Screed® Machine, and thus a primary component of the training simulator as well. Trainees learn how to use the two joysticks, and the controls they house, in order to run the machine properly. For example, trainees learn not only that moving the left joystick forward extends the boom forward, and moving it backwards retracts the boom, but they also learn that the speed of the boom is dependent on how far forward or backwards the joystick is rotated.

Accident-Avoidance Training

In addition to providing training on how to control the machine, the Somero S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine Training Simulator trains operators in accident-avoidance through the following of correct procedures. When operated improperly, heavy industrial equipment can be dangerous, and a laser screed machine is no exception. It is possible to tip the machine by extending the boom arm past the halfway point when the stabilizers are retracted, thus a subject that the simulator provides training on.

To prevent the machine from tipping, the S-22EZ is equipped with four stabilizers that can extend to support the machine while in use. The simulator teaches operators how to extend and retract the stabilizers correctly in order to properly use the machine and avoid tip over accidents. This type of training engages and motivates learners to develop desired behaviors, competencies, and performance through interactive and engaging training sessions.

Comprehensive Virtual Reality Laser Screed^® Machine Training Simulator 

The Somero Simulator includes many advanced features and that provide trainees with a comprehensive simulation-based training package. Including everything from networked multiuser support, to guided and unguided modes, to real-world physical controls integration; the Somero S-22EZ Advanced Laser Screed^® Machine Training Simulator is a best-in-class simulator program that Somero and ForgeFX designed to meet the needs of the new generation of operators. As the workforce is evolving, and the new generation of workers have grown up with the internet, video games and interactive media—as opposed to the newspaper, board games and non-interactive movies. The result is that the traditional training methods may no longer be as effective as they once were, and organizations must adopt new training methods if they hope to capture and hold the attention of trainees.

The utilization by Somero of a virtual reality training simulator for laser screed machine operations marks a significant advancement in the field of construction and equipment training. By leveraging the immersive and interactive capabilities of VR technology, this training program offers a comprehensive learning experience that is both efficient and effective. Trainees benefit from the ability to engage in realistic simulations of operating conditions, providing for hands-on practice in a safe, virtual, and controlled environment. This method not only enhances the understanding and retention of operational procedures, but also significantly reduces the risks associated with physical training. The advantages of VR training, including cost and time efficiency, improved safety, and increased flexibility, provide trainees with a solid foundation in machine operation while also preparing them for the complexities of real-world application.