The application of virtual reality to tasks in manufacturing and assembly engineering

Virtual Reality is a developing technology for which a range of applications are being explored by different international research groups. This paper describes recent research in the application of Virtual Reality to two important manufacturing and assembly tasks which have a direct influence on the speed of introduction of new products. The tasks are the production of planning documentation for assembled products and the design and planning of the cable harnesses which form part of all electro-mechanical assemblies. The research completed so far demonstrates the potential of Virtual Reality, even at its current stage of technological development, to make a significant contribution in both these cases.