Digital factory – virtual reality environments for industrial training and maintenance

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the use of virtual reality (VR) platforms, which is an integrated part of the digital factory for an industrial training and maintenance system. The digital factory-based VR platform provides an intuitive and immersive human–computer interface, which can be an efficient tool for industrial training and maintenance services. The outcomes from this study suggested that use of the VR platform for training and maintenance of complex industrial tasks should be encouraged and use of the VR platform for that purpose should be further evaluated. This paper highlighted the generic concept of the application of virtual reality technique within the digital factory to industrial maintenance and to build a low-cost VR application for a training and maintenance system. An application case on virtual reality technique in a power plant operations and maintenance is demonstrated within the scope of this research. Overall research implications on virtual reality concept in industrial applications are concluded with future research directions.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital factory
• virtual reality
• human–machine interface
• virtual operations and maintenance
• industrial application
• case example

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ahm Shamsuzzoha

Ahm Shamsuzzoha has been working as a University Lecturer, School of Technology and Innovation, University of Vaasa. He received his PhD in Industrial Engineering from the University of Vaasa, Finland in 2010 and his Master of Science (Mechanical Engineering) degree from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. His major research and teaching interest lies in the area of enterprise collaborative networks, operations management, product customization, simulation modelling and supply chain management. He has published several research papers in both reputed international journals and conferences.

Rayko Toshev

Rayko Toshev has been working as a University Lecturer, School of Technology and Innovation, University of Vaasa. He received both of his PhD and Masters in Industrial Management from the University of Vaasa, Finland. His major research and teaching interest lies in the area of enterprise ICT, Additive manufacturing, virtual factory, Automation and Robotics and operations management. He has published several research papers in both reputed international journals and conferences.

Viet Vu Tuan

Viet Vu Tuan working as a Sales Tools Engineer at Wärtsilä Oy, Vaasa, Finland since November 2017. He got his Bachelor degree in Information Technology from Vaasa University of Applied Sciences on December 2017 with major in Software Engineering. His research focuses mainly on software development, cyber security, and information systems solutions. E-mail: [email protected].

Timo Kankaanpaa

Timo Kankaanpaa working as a Principal Lecturer, Department of Information Technology, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences. He received his Licentiate of Science (Economics and Business Administration) degree from University of Vaasa. His research is mainly focused on software development and application, collaborative enterprises and energy technology. He has published several research papers in both reputed international journals and conferences.

Petri Helo

Petri Helo is a Professor of the Logistics Systems Research Group at the University of Vaasa, Finland. He received his PhD in Production Economics from the University of Vaasa, Finland in 2001. He is also involved in developing logistics information systems at Wapice Ltd. as a partner. His areas of expertise include agile manufacturing, technology management and system dynamics. He has published several research papers in international journals and conference proceedings.