Organisation: Seabery Augmented Technology
Position: Global Sales & Partnerships Director

Antonio Fernández is an advocate for educational innovation, specializing in the integration of digital simulation technologies to enhance technical and vocational training. With a strong track record of collaboration with educators, policymakers, and international institutions, his efforts focus on leveraging advanced tools—especially augmented reality—to build inclusive, learner-centered environments that foster autonomy and practical skills.
He has contributed to interdisciplinary projects aimed at modernizing curricula, promoting equitable access to high-quality technical education, and supporting professional development for instructors. Antonio is regularly involved in academic forums, publishes on the pedagogical impact of emerging technologies, and actively drives cross-institutional collaborations bridging industry and education.
His approach centers on evidence-based advocacy and international best practices, reflecting a commitment to shaping educational strategies that empower students and respond to the evolving demands of the global workforce.
The Global Impact of Augmented Reality Simulation in Skills Training: Welding as a Catalyst for Industry and Community Advancement
Presentation
The modernization of technical education demands innovative approaches to prepare learners for an evolving workforce. Augmented Reality (AR) simulation delivers immersive, practical training experiences that build real-world skills with enhanced safety, efficiency, and accessibility.
Focusing on welding as a case study, this session examines how AR simulators enable learners to develop critical technical and safety competencies through hands-on, data-driven practice—reducing reliance on consumable materials and lowering environmental impact. The global scalability of these solutions bridges training gaps in underserved and remote communities, supporting equitable access and curricular localization.
The session presents international experiences and data illustrating how AR-enabled skills training strengthens ties between education, industry, and community—resulting in greater employability, community development, and responsiveness to local and global workforce needs. Broader benefits include fostering lifelong learning, promoting sustainability, and enhancing evidence-based collaboration between stakeholders. Ultimately, AR-based skills training empowers students and educators to meet new industry demands and contribute to sustainable economic growth worldwide.
Keywords: Augmented reality, technical education, welding simulation, digital skills, global workforce, student autonomy, educational innovation, sustainability, access to education, industry-community partnership
El Impacto Global de la Simulación de Realidad Aumentada en la Formación Profesional: La Soldadura como Impulsor del Avance de la Industria y la Comunidad
La modernización de la educación técnica exige enfoques innovadores para preparar a los estudiantes para una fuerza laboral en constante evolución. La simulación de Realidad Aumentada (RA) ofrece experiencias de capacitación inmersivas y prácticas que desarrollan habilidades prácticas con mayor seguridad, eficiencia y accesibilidad.
Centrándose en la soldadura como caso práctico, esta sesión examina cómo los simuladores de RA permiten a los estudiantes desarrollar competencias técnicas y de seguridad críticas mediante prácticas prácticas basadas en datos, reduciendo la dependencia de materiales consumibles y el impacto ambiental. La escalabilidad global de estas soluciones cubre las brechas de capacitación en comunidades marginadas y remotas, promoviendo el acceso equitativo y la adaptación curricular.
La sesión presenta experiencias y datos internacionales que ilustran cómo la formación profesional con RA fortalece los vínculos entre la educación, la industria y la comunidad, lo que se traduce en mayor empleabilidad, desarrollo comunitario y capacidad de respuesta a las necesidades de la fuerza laboral local y global. Los beneficios más amplios incluyen el fomento del aprendizaje permanente, la promoción de la sostenibilidad y la mejora de la colaboración basada en la evidencia entre las partes interesadas. En definitiva, la capacitación en habilidades basadas en RA capacita a estudiantes y educadores para satisfacer las nuevas demandas de la industria y contribuir al crecimiento económico sostenible a nivel mundial.