Prototyping installation and commissioning of novel a cleaning robot by using virtual tools – lessons learned

Abstract

This paper presents a simulation study in which virtual product development tools are used to support the design of a novel robotic cleaning solution for fish processing facilities. The installation and commissioning of complex equipment in these facilities are challenging owing to the unavailability of accurate spatial data of the facilities; this generally results in delays. Delays causing unplanned stops are particularly undesirable in fish processing plants because processing facilities produce fish five days a week throughout the year. In this study, virtual tools such as 3D-CAD and 3D-scanning are utilized in product development processes to develop virtual factory layouts; these are used for simulation. These virtual tools are aimed at reducing delays during installation and commissioning of complex products in fish processing plants. The results reveal that the application of 3D-scanning and simulation technology in virtual factory layouts can reduce the installation and commissioning time for retrofitting manufacturing equipment, which are important aspects for reducing the risk of bacterial contamination in fish processing facilities. The results also reveal that virtual factory layouts, 3D-scanning, and simulation may enable further research in fish processing facilities, e.g., simulating new fish processing concepts without intervention in operational fish processing plants. Simulation and 3D-scan data aids product development processes by reducing time and uncertainty and by discovering design errors at an early stage.