Virtual reality (VR) is widely used across industries these days. One of the processes for which virtual reality is most used is the design of the workplace and its verification from the point of view of the correct arrangement of elements (layout) or from the point of view of ergonomics. The company XR Institute within the framework of scientific research activities and its own authorized ergonomic laboratory, it has created a solution that works according to the following procedure:
- Analysis of work activities performed at the workplace;
- 2D workplace layout design (including machines and tools);
- Conversion of 2D layout to 3D with machine and tool models;
- Workplace analyzes in VR (ergonomic, process, spatial);
- Optimization based on analysis outputs.
The main advantages of designing a workplace in VR include, in particular, the simple introduction of changes already during the workplace design itself. It is therefore not necessary to rebuild the entire workplace due to poor ergonomics or to change the design of the machines. Changing the workplace according to observed deficiencies can be done simply by using computer applications with 3D models in which the entire workplace is designed. Another advantage is that when designing a workplace in VR, we do not need too much space for machines and other accessories. We can define this space in production only after approval of the layout design.
Workplace ergonomics plays a big role in workplace design. Ergonomic analysis can already be created during the design of the workplace in VR, especially thanks to modern technologies such as MoCap, which is a suit that transmits points on the body from sensors. These points are then transferred to the created 3D model, which compares whether the worker is not performing the activity in the wrong position.