NAPA Auto Care: XR Training Programs

NAPA Auto Care Introduces XR Training Programs

NAPA Auto Care has launched innovative XR training programs to enhance technician skills and address the growing demand for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) training. The initiative, highlighted by Matt Crumpton, director of auto care programs at NAPA Auto Parts, aims to revolutionize the automotive industry through cutting-edge technology and immersive learning experiences.

The Rising Demand for ADAS Training

ADAS technology is rapidly becoming a critical component in modern vehicles, surpassing even electric vehicles (EVs) in terms of market saturation. Crumpton emphasized that many NAPA Auto Care centers have already invested in ADAS training, reporting a significant return on investment. One center reported that ADAS services now account for 20% of their business, highlighting the technology’s lucrative potential.

Leveraging Extended Reality (XR) for Training

The NAPA Autotech XcceleratoR program, recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as a certification pathway, utilizes Skillmaker, an AI-powered extended reality (XR) platform. This program addresses the skilled-labor shortage in the industry by providing first-person immersive simulations combined with AI feedback. According to Crumpton, the XcceleratoR program can shorten technician training from years to weeks, making it a game-changer in the automotive training landscape.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Crumpton noted that even if all technician positions were filled today, it would still take two to three years to fully train them using traditional methods. The Autotech and XR program offers a solution to this problem by accelerating the training process. By leveraging XR and AI technologies, NAPA Auto Care is helping to fill critical roles more quickly and efficiently.

Episode Overview

In a recent episode, Crumpton discussed various aspects of NAPA’s initiatives, including his career path, auto care programs for over 18,000 NAPA Auto Care centers in the U.S., ADAS training opportunities, and the extended reality training programs. The episode also included a lightning round, providing a comprehensive look at NAPA’s innovative approaches to technician training.

Conclusion

NAPA Auto Care’s XR training programs represent a significant step forward in addressing the skill shortage in the automotive industry. By combining ADAS training with AI-powered extended reality tools, NAPA is not only enhancing technician skills but also ensuring that the industry remains at the forefront of technological innovation.