The implementation of virtual reality in digital factory-a comprehensive review
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2021
Abstract
The global trend in manufacturing has shifted from a manufacturing-centric process toward a user-centric process. This has resulted in a shorter lifespan and a high product replacement rate of any consumer product. Germany has introduced the concept of Industry Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0) to convert manufacturing processes and mechanisms into cyber-physical systems (CPS). Digital factory, being the first step into CPS and IR4.0, is being targeted as the most important evolution of the manufacturing industry. This paper defines digital factories and their differences between other similar domains such as smart factories, CPS, and virtual factories. The requirements and goals of a digital factory are explained in detail to facilitate future digital factory tool developments. Furthermore, the current challenges faced in the implementation of the digital factory are proposed to be approached by adapting an interoperable virtual reality technology. This paper emphasizes the usage of virtual reality (VR) in simulating a digital factory that aids in the decision-making and efficient operation of a manufacturing facility. Furthermore, recommendations gathered from previous studies for developing VR-based digital factory tools are also explained in detail in this paper.
Keywords
Industry Revolution 4, 0 (IR 4, 0), Digital factory, Virtual factory, Virtual reality (VR), Smart factory, Cyber-physical system (CPS)
Divisions
mechanical
Funders
University of Malaya Impact Oriented Interdisciplinary Research Grant Programme, IIRG (IIRG001A-19IISS)
Publication Title
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Volume
115
Issue
5-6
Publisher
Springer
Publisher Location
236 GRAYS INN RD, 6TH FLOOR, LONDON WC1X 8HL, ENGLAND