Use of VR in the field of manufacture
Virtual reality - it's not just games and fun. Within virtual applications, it is possible to create accurate digital twins of real environments, both existing and planned. Such real-world digital twins introduced into the VR space enable a very fast and efficient way to simulate and optimize processes, cheap prototyping of new products, creation of job related teaching and training materials as well as a source of materials for easy-to-understand visualizations and sophisticated presentations of products or even whole factories.
Simulation and optimization of processes
Digital simulations performed in the digital twin of the real space, with the digital twins of the machines used, allow the optimization of all production processes. Above the digital model, it is possible to test the efficiency of various layout, supply and control of robotic workplaces, people and machines, detect collisions of moving parts and perform safety tests during changes made in the production line.
For more information, check Prespective software for digital twins.
Virtual prototyping
It's not necessary to invest significant money and time into production of a physical product for the initial prototyping, instead it's possible to verify functionality and flawlessness of these products through their digital models connected with real control systems right in the virtual environment simulating real world. This makes it possible to detect all initial errors, fine-tune functional processes and simultaneous working by several "independend" professions (mechanical engineers, programmers...)
Education and training of employees
Presentations and visualizations in virtual reality through the VR headset break connection with anything happening in the real world and thus gain higher attention of users. Furthermore, VR applications allow a much higher degree of authenticity and interaction with the user than in the case of traditional media. This can be used in the creation of materials for teaching and training employees in several verticals:
- Detailed interactive presentation of individual workplaces
- Simulation of failures and crisis situations
- Tests of knowledge of individual workplaces and their elements
- General training - safety, new products...
The detailed materials created in this way significantly reduce the cost and speed up the training of new employees at a specific workplace. Thanks to better education, employees are more sure during working, have reduced risk of injury and lower likelihood of causing damage.
Workflow inventory
Maintenance and repair work often requires strict procedures specified by the manufacturer. Only a limited number of employees usually have this knowledge. Transforming workflows into an augmented reality application allows anyone without knowledge to perform any basic maintenance and repair operations.
The AR application projects the individual steps (including the necessary information) in real time directly on the target device and the employee then must only replicates the displayed steps. An alternative is also applications working with remote assist of the employee by an expert, who navigates the employee verbally and visually through the AR application - such applications significantly speed up the correction of minor faults and increase the efficiency of experts' work.
Business and presentation purposes
Digital models of real products are great material for presentations - they can be easily converted into animation reflecting their functionality, extended for visual highlighting, labels, action elements and other modifications increasing informational value of the visualization. This type of visualization is completely understandable for most audiences and can be used for the presentation of new products to management, customers and sellers.