Natural Virtual Reality User Interface to Define Assembly Sequences for Digital Human Models

Digital human models (DHMs) are virtual representations of human beings. They are used to conduct, among other things, ergonomic assessments in factory layout planning. DHM software tools are challenging in their use and thus require a high amount of training for engineers. In this paper, we present a virtual reality (VR) application that enables engineers to work with DHMs easily. Since VR systems with head-mounted displays (HMDs) are less expensive than CAVE systems, HMDs can be integrated more extensively into the product development process. Our application provides a reality-based interface and allows users to conduct an assembly task in VR and thus to manipulate the virtual scene with their real hands. These manipulations are used as input for the DHM to simulate, on that basis, human ergonomics. Therefore, we introduce a software and hardware architecture, the VATS (virtual action tracking system). This paper furthermore presents the results of a user study in which the VATS was compared to the existing WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointer) interface. The results show that the VATS system enables users to conduct tasks in a significantly faster way

MINARGUS: Test tool for User Experience measurement and parameter modification within ADAS simulation

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems play a leading role in the revolution of vehicles; it has become a high priority for automotive industry and meanwhile is used in all automotive segments. In this paper, a tool is introduced, which allows capturing User Experience (UX) on the Model-in-the-Loop level (where only abstract models exist): MINARGUS. This solution allows direct feedback to other partners in the development process and, hence, allows a more efficient work relationship between system development engineers and test & validation engineers. The tool allows a connection between a simulation model and the measurement of physiological data in one environment. The Traffic Jam Assist system is used as an ADAS example in this paper

Validation of Product-Service Systems in Virtual Reality

Research in the area of the integrated development of products and services, designated as Product-Service Systems (PSS), is maturing and a transition in industrial practices is noticeable. Nevertheless, PSS development methodologies lack consistent approaches regarding the integrated validation of different PSS elements rather than a separate development and validation. To prevent an expensive roll-out and testing in late development stages new methodologies and techniques need to be developed and applied. The challenge is theenablement of experiencing and thus testing of PSS in early stages, like planning and concept phase.In order to address these challenges for an integrated validation of PSS a prototyping approach named SHP4PSS has been introduced on a conceptual level [1], integrating virtual and physical prototypes in a Virtual Reality (VR). To complete the methodology a matrix is presented to derive test cases out of early PSS concepts. Furthermore, the evaluation matrix regarding the test phase and the current version of the demonstrator is introduced

Sustainability dynamics

Value creation ensures societal prosperity. At the same time, Sustainable Development determines the future of global human wellbeing. Both aspects are based on profound environmental, social and economic mechanisms—and both aspects are closely linked. The Sustainability Dynamics Model describes the direct and indirect effects of value creation together with the three dimensions of Sustainable Development. This contribution introduces and defines the Sustainability Dynamics Model. The effects and dynamics are exemplarily shown. Eventually, the link to circular economy is drawn. In the future, the Sustainability Dynamics Model can be used as a control model in order to predict consequences of value creation towards environmental, social and economic sustainability

Automatische Generierung eines Simulationsmodells zur Unterstützung der Umplanung einer Baustellenmontage

Fixed-Layout Assembly (FLA) systems are used to assemble large and bulky products. These products are often unique and require customer-specific engineering and customization. FLA systems are frequently prone to disturbances and plan deviations throughout operations: delayed deliveries, incompatibility or failures of equipment, and unplanned absences of operators. Planners therefore need a simple and efficient tool to quickly forecast the impact of changes on the whole assembly system. A solution concept has been presented by the authors in a previous publication (Billiet and Stark, 2022). The authors presented a method to automatically generate a simulation model by using data concerning the products, orders and shifts from the ERP system. This paper describes the implementation of the previously presented solution concept by applying it to a FLA for the production of Large Motors and Converters (LMC) in Berlin

Differences in metal concentrations in juniper (Juniperus communis) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) shoots collected from northern and southern Finland

The average metal concentrations in all juniper samples (n=19) originating from Finnish Lapland north from polar circle were lower than in southern samples (n=28). For bilberry, situation was different

How to Make People Make a Change – Using Social Labelling for Raising Awareness on Sustainable Manufacturing

Raising awareness on sustainable manufacturing, especially when it comes to low qualified target groups, remains a challenge. After a decade of considerable campaigning work, the majority of German population still does not understand the holistic concept of a sustainable development, let alone its manufacturing aspects. More effective communication methods are required. The main challenge lies within stirring people's willingness to gain knowledge and to actually consider it when making behavioral choices. In the reported research, the socio-psychological concept of social labelling is introduced as a method for raising the awareness on sustainable manufacturing of non-professional target groups and for triggering durable behavioral change. A social label is largely independent from actual knowledge, attitudes or behavior; it rather enforces attributed personal traits. A field experiment, in which the influence of social labelling on the awareness and behavior of young recipients of an informational event has been measured, has verified the method for the purpose of sustainability communication

Providing Product-Service-Systems : The long way from a product OEM towards an Original Solution Provider (OSP)

Product-Service-Systems (PSS) have gained tremendous attention in research and industry over the past years [1–4].Manufacturing firmstransform from providing pure productstowards providing integrated products and services [2]. This development is triggered by the increasing customer demand forPSS and the opportunity of manufacturers to differentiate themselves from their competitors as services are hard to replicate. For providing PSS companies need to go throughfundamental changes which range from organizational adaptions within the company structure over novel development processes to improving the customer relationship. In this paper the authors describe requirements for providing PSS which werederived from a case study with a crane manufacturer and an extensive literature research. These requirements are considered with respect to the different PSS business models related to the PSS types defined by Tukker [5]. Furthermore the implementation of one of these requirements in the case company is described.DFG/14516012/Engineering hybrider Leistungsbündel/TRR 2

Maturity model and action recommendation : A PSS capability self-assessment tool for companies

The main idea in Product-Service Systems (PSS) research is to provide solutions instead of products or services. Nevertheless, PSS comprise a broad variety of characteristics from product-oriented services, to use-oriented services and result-oriented services [1]. In industrial practice all of these dimension as well as intermediate stages are evidently realized. Additionally, trending topics like smart services, which can be described as the exploitation strategy from Industrie 4.0 [2], also known as cyber-physical systems and Internet of Things, accelerate the interest in PSS. However, many companies’ in particular small and medium-sized enterprises just started realizing the potential and necessity to establish service thinking in order to stay competitive. These companies face considerable challenges regarding the transformation from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) towards an Original Solution Provider (OSP)[3]. In a first step,companies need to assess their current situation and develop a strategy based on the desired target situation. For this reason, the authors developed a model combined with a self-assessment method which enables a basic analysis of the companies’ situation including action recommendations. The research results as well as the evaluation with a company are presented in this paper

Field of research in sustainable manufacturing

Sustainability has raised significant attention in manufacturing research over the last decades and has become a significant driver of the development of innovative technologies and management concepts. The current chapter aims to provide a structured overview of the wide field of research in sustainable manufacturing with a particular focus on manufacturing technology and management. It intends to describe the role of manufacturing in sustainability, outline the complementary approaches necessary for a transition to sustainable manufacturing and specify the need for engaging in interdisciplinary research. Based on a literature review, it provides a structuring framework defining four complementary areas of research focussing on analysis, synthesis and transition solutions. The challenges of the four areas of research manufacturing technologies (“how things are produced”), product development (“what is being produced”), value creation networks (“in which organisational context”) and global manufacturing impacts (“how to make a systemic change”) are highlighted and illustrated with examples from current research initiatives