Method for an enhanced assembly planning process with systematic virtual reality inclusion

Abstract

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) technology is a promising approach to eliminate crucial problems in assembly planning. This approach presents an enhanced assembly planning process with valuable integrated VR assistance for a definite structured detection of planning failures. It integrates the VR validation of the assembly in a workshop after the specification step of the assembly planning process. Detailed holistic instructions for the workshop preparation and the VR use are given. This includes a data flow model, hardware requirements and the workshop team structure as well as testing the single assembly steps and the detection and evaluating of planning failures. Further, a procedure for improving those imperfections during the VR workshop is developed. Changes will be written back into the specifications book and the planning will be implemented in the physical factory. This leads to an enhanced detection and improvement of planning failures before the realization of a new assembly station.