CM Labs Expands Catalog for Overhead and Underground Operations with Debut of Horizontal Directional Drill Simulation Training Solution

• CM Labs Simulations launches the Intellia Horizontal Directional Drill Simulator Training Pack for underground utility operator training.

• The new simulator complements their existing portfolio, enabling comprehensive training for both overhead and underground equipment on a single platform.

• It offers risk-free, flexible training with detailed hazard simulation, bore path planning, and tracks over 20 performance metrics for operator assessment.

• The training pack integrates with advanced instructor tools for enhanced monitoring and will be showcased at The Utility Expo 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Experience the underground Intellia Training Pack, which expands CM Labs’ portfolio of solutions for safe, risk-free utility operator development, at The Utility Expo 2025 booth #S4020.

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CM Labs Simulations, the leading vendor for simulation-based training solutions in the utilities, construction, and ports industries, today announced the launch of its latest offering for the utilities sector: the Intellia Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Simulator Training Pack. This cutting-edge solution allows utilities, contractors, and unions to train underground utility equipment operators in a flexible, risk-free environment for faster onboarding and upskilling. The debut takes place at The Utility Expo 2025, October 7–9 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The HDD joins CM Labs’ growing catalog of utilities-focused training packs for both overhead and underground operations, including the industry’s only Mini Excavator and Digger Derrick simulators. With this addition, CM Labs now offers a complete underground fleet training solution, from excavation and backfill to trenchless installation, all available on a single simulator. Unlike live equipment or OEM simulators, the HDD Training Pack provides a lower-cost, scalable platform that’s part of an integrated solution, complete with a training management system and complementary utility training content. Operators benefit from risk-free training in essential skills, with key features like bore path planning, fault and hazard simulation, and a full HDD curriculum.

“The launch of our Horizontal Directional Drill training pack represents a pivotal expansion into underground utilities,” said Lisa Barbieri, VP of Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at CM Labs. “For the first time, utilities can train operators across both overhead and underground equipment on a single, scalable platform with zero real-world risk and full performance visibility.”

The Horizontal Directional Drill Simulator Training Pack is compatible with CM Labs’ leading instructor tools: Intellia Instructor and Intellia Drone View, which provide next-generation trainee monitoring, performance evaluation, and training management features, including the ability to monitor exercises from below ground.

“The training pack tracks over 20 performance metrics, including completion time, missed safety steps, collisions, and equipment damage,” said Devon Van de Kletersteeg, CM Labs’ Utilities Product Growth Manager.  “This provides trainers with actionable insights that they can use to improve operator safety and productivity. It also offers a solid record of training that demonstrates due diligence. Best of all, it’s a complete solution that’s both convenient and always available. Training can happen whenever and wherever it’s needed.”

CM Labs designed the training environment to challenge operators with underground hazards they are likely to encounter. Rocks and underground utilities, for example, are meticulously recreated in high detail for a training experience that prepares operators for the challenges they will face on real worksites.

Using controls styled after several leading OEMs, the training pack provides a flexible solution that can be further customized to suit an organization's exact needs. It also delivers a comprehensive curriculum that offers both structured training and sandbox exercises for full training flexibility.

To see the Horizontal Directional Drill Training Pack in person, visit CM Labs at booth #S4020 at The Utility Expo 2025, taking place October 7–9 in Louisville, Kentucky, or contact the sales team for a demo and learn how utilities, contractors, and unions can accelerate operator readiness.