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This VR Biz Trains Forklift Drivers... and Makes Bank

Feb 27, 2026
A deep dive into a $2.1M virtual reality forklift training business that pairs hardware kits with recurring software licenses. Short scenes cover how the VR simulator works and who buys it. Tension rises around automation risks and whether this is SaaS or a hardware rental play. The conversation ends with who would be the right type of buyer and practical due diligence concerns.
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ANECDOTE

Navy Redneck Parasailing Parable

  • Mills recounts a Navy training workaround called the "redneck parasailing" method that got retired after injuries.
  • The story was used as an icebreaker to frame VR training as a safer simulation substitute for risky physical drills.
INSIGHT

Hybrid Hardware Plus Software Model

  • The business mixes hardware VR forklift simulators with recurring software licenses rather than being pure SaaS.
  • The offering includes a premium simulator, mobile/web apps, remote trainer connectivity, and hardware inventory sold to technical colleges and commercial clients.
INSIGHT

Automation Threat To Forklift Training

  • Automation poses a long-term threat as warehouses adopt robotic forklifts and automated ports, reducing human forklift roles.
  • Heather and others referenced videos of autonomous forklifts and automated Shanghai ports as signals of this trend.
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