Collaborative virtual maintenance training system of complex equipment based on immersive virtual reality environment

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide an integrated system for collaborative maintenance training of complex equipment based on virtual maintenance and immersive virtual reality environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated platform for collaborative virtual maintenance operation and training of complex equipment is developed. The simulation supporting platform for collaborative virtual maintenance is designed with the combined hierarchical structure and modularized members to support the interactive communication of heterogeneous data and information. By analyzing the collaboration mode of multi operators, the maintenance task allocation model, maintenance operation model and Extensible Markup Language‐based object information template are presented.

Findings

The research finds that the proposed system is an efficient platform for collaborative maintenance training of complex equipment.

Practical implications

Appropriate and efficient maintenance task allocation and collaborative maintenance operation of multi operators can significantly improve the maintenance efficiency of complex equipment.

Originality/value

A collaborative virtual maintenance training system of complex equipment based on immersive virtual reality environment is presented.

Citation

Li, X., Gao, Q., Zhang, Z. and Huang, X. (2012), "Collaborative virtual maintenance training system of complex equipment based on immersive virtual reality environment", Assembly Automation, Vol. 32 No. 1, pp. 72-85. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445151211198737