The platform combines technician assessment, virtual-reality training, and hands-free repair guidance to help shops build skills and boost productivity.
SEMA Nov. 3, 2026 — Automotive technicians will have access to a new combination of immersive training and AI-powered repair assistance with the full release of NAPA XcceleratoR at SEMA 2026.
Developed through a partnership involving NAPA, Solera, AutoVitals, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), and Skillmaker, the technician productivity platform combines skills assessment, immersive learning, and hands-free access to repair information. Its full release brings together a 53-lesson curriculum, extended-reality (XR) training goggles, and technician smart glasses designed to support learning and everyday repair work.
The platform helps shop owners assess technician capabilities, identify skills gaps, and target training where it is needed, while giving technicians access to repair guidance without leaving the vehicle or interrupting their work.
Three capabilities connect training and repair work
NAPA XcceleratoR is built around three functions: Assess, Accelerate, and Tech Assist.
Assess establishes a baseline of technician skills. Using XR goggles, an approximately 45- to 60-minute assessment identifies strengths and areas for improvement. Shop managers can use the results to guide hiring, onboarding, training, and ongoing development.
Accelerate provides immersive, hands-on learning through virtual training environments. Technicians first watch repair procedures from an experienced technician’s perspective, then practice in a simulated shop using virtual tools, parts, and vehicle components. Guided repetition and immediate feedback help learners build skills before working on customer vehicles.
The complete curriculum includes 53 lessons, more than 148 hours of immersive learning, and 170 tests. Training is available in English and Spanish, with content aligned with preparation for ASE G1, A4, and A5 certifications.
Tech Assist provides repair guidance while technicians are working on a vehicle. Technician Smart Glasses connect to the NAPA XcceleratoR mobile app, providing voice-activated access to repair information and technical guidance.
The system draws on NAPA Know How, Solera’s Identifix Direct-Hit XR, and AutoVitals, letting technicians ask questions and receive spoken responses without repeatedly leaving the work area to check a computer or mobile device.
Industry partners bring expertise together
Each partner contributes a different area of expertise to the platform.
NAPA provides its Know How information resources, automotive expertise, and established relationships with repair facilities. Solera contributes Identifix’s diagnostic and repair information, drawing on nearly four decades of experience and its database of vehicle-specific information and confirmed fixes.
AutoVitals brings expertise in digital vehicle inspections, shop workflow, and customer communication, with further workflow integration still in development. ASE brings more than five decades of experience in technician assessment, certification, and credentialing, while Skillmaker provides the technology and immersive learning environment that connect the platform’s training and assistance capabilities.
Together, the partners aim to address two ongoing challenges for automotive repair businesses: developing a skilled workforce and providing technicians with the information and support needed to complete repairs efficiently.
SEMA demonstrations
NAPA XcceleratoR was featured at a media event on Nov. 3 at the SEMA Media Room in Las Vegas, where attendees had the opportunity to learn about the platform and participate in hands-on demonstrations.
During SEMA, Nov. 3–6, NAPA is exhibiting at booth 11817 in the North Hall. Solera is at booth 31215 in the South Hall on the second floor, AutoVitals is at booth 11327 in the North Hall, and ASE is at booth 11079 in the Tools and Equipment section.
For more information, visit napaxccelerator.com.
About NAPA XcceleratoR
NAPA XcceleratoR is a technician productivity platform powered by Skillmaker and offered through NAPA. It combines skills assessment, immersive training, and hands-free repair assistance to help automotive shops develop technician capabilities and support daily repair operations. Learn more at napaxccelerator.com.