Towards Zero Prototyping of Factory Layouts and Operations Using Novel Gaming and Immersive Technologies

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This project aims to integrate a world-leading UK-developed Discrete Event Simulation (DES) tool called WITNESS with two complementary innovations in gaming technologies: Oculus Rift, a Virtual Reality (VR) goggle, and Microsoft Kinect, an integrated 3D sensing device. The resulting technology will address the barriers that prevent more effective use of modelling and simulation in manufacturing by incorporating novel immersive VR and live event feedback capabilities into WITNESS. It will enable engineers to (i) design and test new processes and layouts in an immersive collaborative environment generated from the simulation model, (ii) compare the model with the actual shop-floor, (iii) action any necessary changes from within the virtual environment, (iv) verify whether the requested changes are implemented, and (v) whether the expected outcome is achieved. This project will result in (i) a step change in the way that DES software is used, (ii) compelling, highly marketable software products for the consortium, (iii) significant savings in the lead partner's globally expanding factory operations, and (iv) improvement in the UK industry's competitiveness.