Key Takeaways
SKYREAL 1.22, released April 2026, is a major update to the industrial XR/VR platform by SKR Technologies. Built on Unreal Engine 5.7, it delivers boot time reduced by up to 5× and asset streaming up to 10× faster.
- Skyreal VR : improved WBS, In-VR Material Library, Incarnate Upper-Body manikin
- XR Center : redesigned UI, Unified Generic Agent, PostgreSQL migration
- Advanced Physics (XDE) : snap connectivity, cable flexibilization, new VR commands
- 5 new extensions : Astronaut Manikin, Moon Base, Navisworks navigation, Xbox Controller
- Zero-Cook Workflow : run SKYREAL directly from the UE Editor, no map cooking required
Skyreal VR : New Features in 1.22
Versatile hierarchical product breakdown
In various scenarios, engineers require a flexible tool to organize and deconstruct complex projects into manageable structures. This is particularly critical in VR-based engineering design workflows, where hierarchy and assembly logic must map to real-world production constraints.
The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) serves as a generic framework adaptable to multiple industrial use cases, including : Manufacturing Bill of Materials (MBOM), Functional Breakdown, Custom Grouping Views, …
In this release, the WBS is improved and implemented in VR :
- Side Panel View: Added the ability to dock or split the WBS window to the left for a more streamlined workflow.
- Metadata Editing: Users can now edit metadata directly on WBS nodes.
- Customizable Colors: Enhanced visual organization with fully adjustable color settings.
Extensions Unified Access
Quick-Launch Integration: Extensions are now automatically integrated into the primary Menu across all UI layouts (Desktop & VR).
Incarnate Upper-Body
Take control of the virtual manikin using the head and arms for delicate spaces, particularly in prone or lying down postures. A key feature for ergonomic analysis and MSD prevention in industrial environments.
Desktop Material Library as a command
You can now access the material library as a command directly from your desktop interface.
In-VR Material Library
Access the complete Material Library directly in VR to instantly apply materials and textures to your CAD.
Major Performance Optimizations
We have drastically streamlined the Skyreal VR experience, critical for manufacturing in virtual reality use cases where teams work iteratively on large assemblies. Boot time is now reduced by up to 5x.
We’ve also refined asynchronous loading, providing a massive performance boost that makes asset and data streaming up to 10x faster.
XR Center : What’s New in 1.22
Navigation & UX Overhaul
New Top Bar Navigation: A redesigned header for more intuitive and faster navigation across the platform.
Note: Tabs can be undocked
Enhanced Experience Home: Significant stability and performance boosts for the home page, ensuring a smoother entry point.
Global Performance Gains: Under-the-hood optimizations for a snappier and more responsive interface across the entire XR Center.
New Experience Creation
There is now a new UI to create experience and set permissions.
Unified Generic Agent
All-in-One Deployment: A single agent now replaces the legacy Prep and Collab agents, capable of handling multiple tasks within a single installation.
Versatile Worker Modes: Each agent can be configured as one of three specialized workers:
- Collab Worker: Manages multi-user collaborative sessions.
- Prep Worker: Handles the conversion of source files into Unreal Engine assets.
- Forge Worker: Executes automated pipeline scripts.
Forge & Processing Enhancements
Compute XDE Physical Mesh: New capability for advanced physical mesh computation within the Forge.
Smart Component Merging: Merge 3D components and products using custom criteria for optimized scene hierarchy.
Open4Service: “Build your own” forge agent scripts, allowing for fully customized automation workflows or use our scripts available on demand :
- XDE envelope optimisation
- Precompute envelope
- envelopedecimation
- Merge structure with strategies:
- Metadata: merge matching metadata name/value
- DepthFromLeaf: merge levels below max minus depth
- PartLimit: Merge parts until limit
- RemoveLevels: Merge nodes at specified leaf levels
Database Infrastructure
PostgreSQL Migration: Transitioned to PostgreSQL for improved stability and performance (Say goodbye to ArangoDB for a more robust data experience).
IT Administration & Deployment
Marketplace – Integrated Extension Management: IT Admins can now upload and manage extensions directly from the Admin page.
Simplified Configuration: Streamlined setup process with modernized configuration files for easier installation.
Settings Migration: Key parameters have been moved from local config files to the IT Admin UI, allowing for centralized management and easier adjustments.
Advanced Physics (XDE) : Updates in 1.22
XDE integration improvements
Stability improvements and deeper product integration, providing industry-grade simulation accuracy.
Add and move Intermediate pipe clamps points for granular control
Create snap connectivity to simulate realistic assembly sequences, where components interact through real-time collisions and precise fastening behaviors — extending SKYREAL’s physics integration in virtual reality with production-grade simulation accuracy.
Flexibilize cable from CAD : Convert cables from CAD model to physics-driven solver, enabling live bending and realistic flexibility for previously static cable geometries.
New Tools
Cable attach system with embedded snap available in the Tool Library.
New Commands
New types of commands are now available in VR
Extensions Catalog : 5 New Extensions
New extensions
Discover the latest extensions now available for Skyreal VR. You can browse the full catalog online and simply contact our support team to add the ones you need to your XR Center.
Astronaut Manikin
Integrate a fully articulated manikin in extravehicular activity (EVA) gear. Perfect for testing reachability, visibility, and posture within specialized space environments
Moon Base Environment
A high-fidelity environment replicating a lunar outpost. This technical backdrop allows you to contextualize space assets and validate exploration scenarios.
Monochromatic Environment
To meet the specific requirements of our clients, we have introduced a monochromatic environment designed for specialized visualization needs.
Navisworks Desktop Navigation (Experimental)
Adopt Navisworks-style navigation standards with this extension, ensuring a seamless transition between softwares.
Xbox Controller Navigation
Navigate using an Xbox controller with a dedicated User Interface for a smooth, gaming-inspired control experience.
This release is built on Unreal Engine 5.7
We are proud to present the release of SKYREAL 1.22 based on Unreal Engine 5.7.
NEW : Zero-Cook Workflow, SKYREAL in UE Editor
Instant Playback: Run Skyreal directly from the Unreal Engine Editor without the need for map cooking.
Enhanced Productivity: Significantly reduces iteration time and speeds up the production of editor experiences.
Please make sure to update Unreal Engine if this hasn’t been done already. For a full overview of Unreal Engine for industrial applications using PLM data, see our dedicated article.
Looking for a comparison with the previous version? Read the SKYREAL 1.21 release notes to see how each update builds on the last.
