Virtual environment for collaborative design of assembly products and systems

The main objective of the research is the development of a computer-based virtual environment for design, planning, testing and training of assembly systems. To achieve this objective, prototype modules were developed and tested for the tasks of assembly design, assembly process design, and assembly system design. The flow of information between these modules should support cooperative work among the product designer, process planner, and the production planner and facilitate the development of a cost effective product. A secondary objective is to investigate the issue of how virtual reality can be used as an aid for training workers to assemble complex products. The assembly process in the virtual environment is assisted by an automated process planner.