Exploring and Understanding Virtual Factories: Practical Insights from the “Factory Planning and Operations” Exercise

Exploring and Understanding Virtual Factories: Practical Insights from the “Factory Planning and Operations” Lab

As part of the lecture-accompanying lab session, a special highlight recently took place in the LFO Lab. Under the guidance of Dr. Nick Große, students gained in-depth insight into modern, simulation-based planning tools that are indispensable in today’s factory planning.

From Software Theory to Virtual Practice

First, students were introduced to established simulation tools such as AnyLogic and Unity3D. This allowed them to learn the digital fundamentals used to model complex logistical processes and layouts.

As the grand finale of the session, the students then dove right into the digital model: Equipped with HTC Vive VR headsets, they had the opportunity to take a virtual tour of a planned factory and even fly through the production halls.

Experiencing the Potential of Virtualization Firsthand

This immersive experience made the enormous potential of virtualization in factory operations immediately tangible. Spatial dimensions, bottlenecks, and layout decisions can be assessed from a completely new, realistic perspective—a real added value compared to the traditional view of a 2D blueprint. Several LFO employees also seized the opportunity and took advantage of the open invitation to get a taste of VR during the session.