2 Manufacturing VR Manufacturers in 2024

What Is a Manufacturing VR?

Manufacturing VR refers to Virtual Reality (VR) technology used in the manufacturing industry.

VR, short for Virtual Reality, combines computer graphics and sensor technology to immerse users in a virtual environment. In the manufacturing industry, VR is employed in various ways.

For new employees and workers, providing a virtual environment close to the actual working conditions enables safe and realistic training, allowing for quick skill acquisition. Additionally, using VR in the product design stage helps identify design issues before creating a physical prototype, thereby improving design efficiency and shortening the development cycle.

In contrast to entertainment-oriented VR, Manufacturing VR prioritizes displaying a large number of components in actual size over visually appealing graphics.

Manufacturing VR contributes to increased productivity, cost reduction, and various benefits for companies. The adoption of VR technology is advancing across many manufacturing sectors.

Uses of Manufacturing VR

The applications of VR in manufacturing are diverse, including but not limited to:

1. Design Verification

Using VR to examine 3D models of new products in actual size allows for easy confirmation of design improvements and issue identification. Real-time testing of design changes and optimizations during the product design phase helps reduce costs and time spent on creating physical prototypes.

2. Assembly Simulation

VR is employed to conduct simulations of product assembly procedures and assembly processes, aiming to enhance assembly efficiency and reduce errors.

3. Training

VR is utilized for training and educating operators when introducing new machinery or processes. Virtual training in a simulated environment before using actual machinery helps reduce the risk of accidents.

4. Maintenance and Service

Using VR, one can learn and verify the maintenance procedures for machinery and equipment.

5. Remote Collaboration

Experts or teams located in different places can collaborate through VR, sharing information in real time.

6. Product Presentation

VR is used during sales and marketing to introduce products to customers, allowing them to intuitively understand product features and characteristics.

7. Factory Layout Design

When planning the layout of a new factory or production line, VR is employed to optimize space and identify potential issues.

Principles of Manufacturing VR

Manufacturing VR is made possible by combining computer graphics and sensor technology.

The foundation of VR lies in advanced computer graphics technology. It generates 3D models and environments, rendering the virtual world in real time. This enables users to visually experience objects and scenery within the virtual environment.

Common devices used during the VR experience include head-mounted displays. These displays position images in front of the user's eyes, covering their field of view, and allowing them to see the virtual environment around them.

Sensor technology, often used for tracking the user's movements and position, is frequently incorporated. This allows real-time capture of the user's head and body movements, adjusting the viewpoint in response to the user's movements within the virtual environment.

Types of Manufacturing VR

Manufacturing VR systems can be classified based on usage, features, data processing methods, etc. The following classifications represent some of the manufacturing VR systems, and selecting the appropriate type depends on the company's requirements and objectives.

1. Classification Based on Data Storage and Processing Methods

Local Version

VR content and software are directly installed on the user's device (e.g., PC or VR headset) and run on that device. This direct processing eliminates network delays, ensuring high real-time performance. Local versions are often preferred for products with high confidentiality.

Cloud Version

VR content and software run on servers in the cloud, with the results streamed to the user's device. The ability to handle streaming reception and display is crucial. Network-related factors, such as internet bandwidth and delays, can affect the quality of the VR experience. With the advancements in 5G and edge computing, the quality of cloud-based VR experiences has improved, and many companies and service providers are entering this field.

2. Classification Based on Purpose

Design Verification & Prototyping

VR is used to verify and improve the design of products. It allows real-time testing of design changes and optimizations, reducing the cost and time needed for physical prototyping. Also used for training and education purposes, such as manufacturing process and safety training.

Remote Collaboration

VR is employed for simultaneous connections from multiple locations and collaborative work.

Product Presentation

VR is used for introducing products to customers during sales and marketing, providing a demonstration of the product's features.

3. Classification Based on Supported Devices

Standalone VR

A self-contained system that operates independently for VR devices. It allows easy portability and setup anywhere, eliminating the need for external PCs or sensors. While it may have processing limitations compared to high-performance PCs, it is convenient for use in locations like factories.

PC-Connected VR

A system that connects to a high-performance PC for VR devices. It leverages the PC's performance, enabling complex simulations and high-quality real-time rendering. However, it requires a more complex setup and mobility is limited due to the connection cable.

4. Classification Based on Interactivity

Static VR

Primarily used for basic viewing and browsing, like a simple 3D viewer. It provides an immersive experience of entering 3D CAD data.

Interactive VR

Allows simulation of product operations and task execution within a virtual space. Users can experience mechanism simulations.

How to Choose Manufacturing VR

Choosing the right VR system is crucial for the effective use of 3D data within the organization. Starting with a small-scale approach is essential. Key factors for selecting a Manufacturing VR system include:

1. Clearly Define Objectives

No single system can cater to all purposes. It's essential to select the most suitable VR system based on the specific objectives, whether it's prototype evaluation, production line simulation, or training materials.

2. Budget

The cost of hardware and software influences the system choice significantly. Set a budget initially and choose a system within that range. Consider future maintenance costs in subsequent years.

3. System Performance

The required performance of the VR system depends on the simulation complexity, design details, and assembly numbers in the manufacturing process. High-performance PC-connected VR is suitable for scenarios requiring real-time rendering and complex simulations.

4. User-Friendliness

Select a VR system that is user-friendly even for those without a technical background. Intuitive operation and support systems are crucial. For VR, it's important to investigate whether users can easily reach their destinations, move as intended, and have a realistic sense of movement.

5. Expandability

Choosing a system that can adapt to future needs and technological advancements is vital. Systems with easy software and hardware updates or the capability to add features later are preferable.

6. Compatibility

Confirm compatibility with existing CAD data and other software to efficiently build a VR environment. Check compatibility with intermediate formats such as Parasolid and STEP.

7. Security

Due to the high confidentiality of manufacturing data, ensuring the security features and privacy measures of the VR system is crucial. For highly confidential data, a local version is recommended.

8. Support System

Consider the support system for software and hardware troubleshooting, update support, and training. For beginners, systems developed domestically with Japanese language support are preferable.

Other Information on Manufacturing VR

1. VR, AR, MR, XR – What Are They?

VR (Virtual Reality)

Technology that immerses users in a computer-generated virtual environment, providing a sense of being present in that location. Comparable to entering 3D CAD data.

AR (Augmented Reality)

Technology that overlays digital information or images onto the real world. Devices like smartphones, tablets, or specialized goggles are used to add digital content to the actual environment.

MR (Mixed Reality)

Technology that combines real-world and virtual elements to create new environments and visual experiences. It sits between AR and VR, allowing interactions between real and virtual objects.

XR (Extended Reality)

An umbrella term encompassing all technologies that merge the real and digital environments, including VR, AR, and MR.

2. Manufacturing Industry and Game Engines

There is a significant connection between manufacturing VR systems and game engines.

Game engines, originally designed for game development, are now utilized in VR system development due to their advanced 3D rendering, physics engines, and scripting capabilities.

Commonly used for developing VR applications in manufacturing, game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine enable rapid development of VR applications, facilitating the creation of realistic representations and virtual spaces.

3. Realistic Representations

The ability to create realistic virtual spaces is facilitated by realistic physics simulations and high-quality 3D graphics. Additionally, these engines allow customization for specific purposes using a variety of scripts and plugins. Large-scale manufacturing industries have increasingly utilized these capabilities in recent years.