Tool accessibility evaluations in VR - Human-Centric Process Validation

Digital transformation, currently reshaping global enterprises, means virtual tests displace tests using prototypes, but what is lost when we lose access to physical models? Lessons learned in assembly or maintenance planning often emerge when humans perform essential processes with real products. When virtual testing eliminates or postpones physical builds that learning arrives much later. If we could experience assembly process or maintenance procedures earlier, without building tools or fabricating parts, we can gain the benefit without the wait. VR can help with that.

Computer-Aided Engineering, simulation, and analysis, predict “safety” or “failure” based on specific boundary conditions. These tests are necessary and essential; however, they overlook the ‘accidental lessons learned’ when prototypes were being constructed for certification testing. When constructing an airframe for certification testing, one might observe and report obstructed installation paths, challenges inaccessibility by human operators, or risk of injury for human operators. When a prototype or mock-up model maker reported those observations, it was a happy accident, which could be resolved prior to finalize designs, not any specific testing protocol. How would those key issues emerge if we don’t physically construct the first physical airframe until very late in the engineering validation timeline?

During the pre-production construction of mock-ups and prototypes, valuable engineering discoveries may have emerged when observant humans try to build or maintain the prototype. Without that constructed physical prototype, these valuable but unintentional and unforeseeable lessons might only emerge late in the timeline when delivery of physical builds are available, or even worse when ramping up assembly operations toward serial volume production. By that time, changes may be difficult to achieve, costly to implement, and risk delaying certification if alterations to accommodate change the design significantly enough.

With VR powered, Virtual Build or Virtual Maintenance evaluations, IC.IDO Build & Maintain subscribers have been able to validate assembly and service procedures on future products.