Overview
The purpose of this project was to investigate the role that visualization and virtual reality could play in the decision making process when manufacturers are faced with investing in new technology. Often, traditional accounting methods do not reflect many of the hidden benefits of implementing new manufacturing technology. To investigate potential changes in processing and the effect these changes would produce on the cost/benefit of implementation of new technology, a discrete event simulation has been combined with a virtual reality factory. This factory provides a visual, three-dimensional space in which to explore the effect of various product mixes, inspection schedules, and worker experience on productivity. Eventually, the model will include changes to the machines in the cell. This model was based on an actual flexible machining line at the Sauer-Sundstrand factory in Ames, Iowa. The geometric models of all the machines were created and implemented in a virtual world. The output of the simulation software AweSim is used to control the part flow through the factory. The virtual environment can be viewed in the C2, an N-vision helmet, or stereo projected on a screen and viewed using CrystalEyes stereo glasses. The interaction device is a Fakespace PinchGlove equipped with a Flock of Birds tracker. Additional details on the creation of the virtual factory and the implementation of the discrete event software output can be found in the publication listed below.
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