Using Virtual Reality tools to support simulations of manufacturing instances in Process Simulate: The case of an iCIM 3000 system

Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology in Trnava, Institute of Production Technologies, 91701 Trnava, Slovakia.

^* Corresponding author: radovan.holubek@stuba.sk

Abstract

Nowadays the trends in manufacturing are aimed at exploding and using the full potential of production devices and systems. In this context, Simulation and VR tools play a key role in the evolution of such systems specially if used in conjunction. By using these tools, the present paper focused on the analyses of an iCIM 3000 system. The main goal of the paper lied on studying the possibilities of increasing the efficiency and effectivity of whole system and its individual devices. This was achieved by means of the creation of simulations and their comparison to the real system. At the same time, the results of the simulations themselves also became the basis for further and richer analyses by means of the use of VR tools that allowed a much deeper and detailed take of the whole system. The use of VR tools offered a better assessment and comprehension of the system under study what at the same time also worked as a feedback for the improvement of the initial simulations, and this by eliminating and/or improving unnecessary movements and collisions. The results of this study have a positive significance in the improvement of the system once these are implemented.