Planning a plant or machine is the be-all and end-all. In this phase, the foundations are laid to ensure that the machine is later optimally designed for the respective application. Many different disciplines, from mechanics and electronics to software development, are involved in this planning process at the same time – ideally. We at machineering have long been aware of the importance of this process and have long been able to optimize it with our iPhysics simulation software. After all, the smooth structure of the production process and thus production planning are a decisive success factor. If we assume that all processes and machines are becoming increasingly complex, new technologies are needed that can map this complexity in new ways. In our opinion, AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) are ideal for this. As the perfect complement to a simulation, the virtual world is ready to make the planning process even more imaginable, flexible and verifiable. All generated data can be visualized, flexibly viewed, discussed and evaluated right from the start – across all specialist departments. The focus here is on location-independent collaboration in the virtual world. The new collaboration tool is designed to ensure cross-departmental, cross-divisional and cross-plant collaboration without the need to develop the necessary expertise to use the IT systems of the other department. According to experts, virtual reality offers the greatest savings potential not only in terms of travel costs, but above all in terms of planning time and labor costs. Last but not least, the improved presentation options improve planning quality and avoid errors.
In our experience, these advantages have become established across several areas of application: Training, presentation and, above all, planning. This applies to both VR and AR. Models generated from real-time CAD data can be superimposed on the planned environment as a hologram at a very early stage in the process.
Designers first create a completely digital image, the simulation model. With the help of virtual reality goggles, they can then immerse themselves completely in their design, move around freely, try things out and identify problems. In virtual reality, for example, dependencies between the individual machines and work processes become visible. The handling of the system for employees can also be tested at the design stage. This means that planning errors can be avoided in advance, several conceivable variants can be tested in collaboration with the user and easily changed with just a few clicks. This deep insight is the decisive advantage that every company should take advantage of if it wants to remain competitive.
At machineering, we recognized this trend early on and connected various VR + AR glasses to iPhysics as standard. The technology is there – so we use it.
