Virtual Reality in Discrete Event Simulation for Production–Assembly Processes

Abstract

The connection of simulation models with virtual reality (VR) technology is of great importance in implementing Industry 4.0 in industrial practice. The article deals with the use of virtual reality in discrete event simulation (DES) using the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software to visualize, analyze and optimize the modelled production–assembly process. The importance of virtual reality is evident in the academic sphere in connection with interactive teaching and its use for industrial practice. The article presents a case study focused on creating a virtual environment and optimizing the production–assembly process in the TX Plant Simulation software environment. During the mentioned study, the analysis of production–assembly flows, the processing of input data into the simulation model, the creation of 3D elements for the needs of virtualization—which are not part of the TX Plant Simulation software library—and the visualization that simulates the real environment based on computational algorithms were carried out. Virtualization was solved using the Oculus Rift S Headset. The output is a generally applicable procedure for modelling and testing a virtual model with its verification on a case study.