Metabuses have recently drawn attention due to the development of artificial intelligence and ICT (Information and Communication Technology), the emergence of innovative business models, and the spread of telecommuting due to COVID-19. However, the history of Metabus is not yesterday or today. Already, various industries have been innovating management processes and business methods by utilizing metabuses. How will the appearance of industry and management change in the future by Metabus? The future of industry and management is drawn through the latest trends related to Metabus at home and abroad and various use cases of companies.
This vision is to pursue manufacturing innovation by establishing a smart factory in the digital virtual world.
In fact, Hyundai Motor plans to build a meta-factory in the “Singapore Global Innovation Center (HMGICS)” that will be completed at the end of 2022.
Hyundai expects that the virtual factory will be able to further upgrade the actual factory operation with research and demonstration of overall automobile production operations such as vehicle order and production, quality control, delivery, and after-sales service (AS).
In fact, automobile companies, including Hyundai Motor, are using virtual and augmented reality technologies for production and operation innovation. Let’s look at the specific innovation examples and achievements that global automakers have been promoting.
• Efficient and secure workshop design
Automobile companies have been using virtual and augmented reality to consider the ergonomic characteristics of workers and design the most efficient and safe production lines and work environment.
At Ford’s Immersive Vehicle Environment (FIVE), Ford’s virtual and augmented reality technology-based laboratory, ergonomic researchers record more than 5,000 data points by installing more than 50 motion capture devices on the body of experimental workers.
Then, the assembly equipment is reconstructed with 3D printing technology to optimize the operator’s hand gestures. In addition, it simulates the position and posture of the body that can increase the safety of the operator.
Ford evaluates more than 900 virtual assembly tasks whenever a new car is released, using this method to reduce workers’ injuries by 70 percent and reduce ergonomic problems by 90 percent.
• It can be assembled quickly and accurately using AR work instructions
It is usually necessary to assemble tens of thousands of components for the production of finished automobiles.
In the past, workers had to assemble by checking paper manuals or computer screens. Workers who were not familiar with the process were more likely to make defective products due to the large number of parts to be assembled.
However, the assembly process is now fast and accurate, with interactive AR guidelines and work guides replacing complex paper manuals.
For example, BMW has developed an AR system that guides bolt welding in three dimensions in the prototype assembly stage and applies it to the site.
The welding machine is equipped with an infrared LED and an optical tracking system. With AR visualization, workers can accurately identify the points to be worked on, allowing them to complete the welding work much faster.
• Reduce quality inspection time and improve accuracy
For the production of new cars, various types of jig and fixture are needed from new equipment. In the past, it took a lot of time to check whether there were any problems with newly introduced equipment and tools.
Now, automobile companies are performing these quality tests quickly and accurately using virtual and augmented reality technologies.
For example, BMW Group’s tooling and plant quality inspectors mount a tablet on a tripod to take images of newly introduced equipment and then compare them with CAD data ordered through an AR application.
In the case of large equipment such as presses, an average of about 50 quality standards are checked, including the size of drill holes and surface characteristics. Quality costs can be reduced because even minor defects can be taken before being put into the field.
• Reduce after-sales service time
As the vehicle became electronic, the internal structure of the vehicle changed rapidly and the complexity increased. Accordingly, it is not easy for employees in charge of after-sales service to repair cars without the help of a work manual.
Currently, automakers are applying AR technology to help service employees perform repair work in stages with visual guidance.
For example, service technicians in Porsche wear AR glasses and perform repairs. If the operator looks at the part that needs to be repaired, the repair method is displayed on the screen of the AR glasses. 메타버스 관련주 정리
In addition, experts at the headquarters can check the gaze of the repair worker, allowing them to consult immediately as necessary. With the introduction of this method, Porsche reduced service hours by an average of 40 percent.