Abstract.Recently, it is possible to register a relatively large increase of robotized workplaces also in the fields which not suppose the using of robots. Their implementation was limited due to complexity of work activities, including for example handling of various goods in large quantities in various combinations and often also in the limited space.

Industry and industrial complexes are often located in the proximity of people’s homes. One of the negative effects of industry is noise emissions into the surrounding environment. With the increasing concentration of the human population and the increase in industrial production, more and more people are exposed to the negative effects of noise. This article discusses a comprehensive approach to reducing noise emissions from industrial operations, and the subsequent impacts on surrounding villages and human health. The first step of the whole process is to understand the current state of the acoustic situation in industrial operation and in the nearby villages, an important part of which is the identification and localization of dominant noise sources. For this purpose, a unique noise visualization tool was used, namely, an acoustic camera. The next important step is to propose a technical solution and measures to reduce the noise of the individual source. Consequently, it is necessary to create a mathematical model, i.e., noise maps, in order to verify whether the proposed measures will be sufficient. Once the proposed measures have been implemented, verification of the effectiveness of these measures needs to be carried out through repeated noise measurements in nearby villages and also on the site of the industrial installation. The above procedure was applied to the operation of a wastewater treatment plant that was causing noise exceeding the permissible levels in the surrounding villages. The application of this approach, the implementation of the proposed measures, and the subsequent verification confirmed a significant reduction in the noise levels in the affected villages, and the measures implemented were assessed as highly effective.

Finite element methods are used in many disciplines for the development of products, typically in mechanical engineering (for example in automotive industry, biomechanics, etc.). Some modern programs of finite element methods have specific tools (electromagnetic, fluid and structural simulations). The finite elements methods allow detailed presentation of structures by bending or torsion, complete design, testing and optimization before the prototype production. The aims of this paper were model a conveyor belt passage with a driving drum. The model was created in Abaqus CAE program. The created model presented data about forces, pressures, and deformation of the conveyor belt.

AbstractNowadays, virtual reality enters engineering work. It is widely used in various sectors. It brings new possibilities that result is increasing of productivity and reliability of production, quality of products and processes. One of the areas where virtual reality has been used more and more is logistics. Virtual reality and especially augmented reality offer above all in the area of logistics a perspective related with increasing of effectiveness of processes.Wide possibilities for virtual reality use in logistics can be found in the automotive industry. The paper describes an application of the method of video-mapping in storage logistics. The paper also describes its practical use as a tool for increasing the efficiency of logistics processes, which was presented by a reduction of the processing time of the shipment picking by 10%. The paper also points out the possibilities for applying this method in other industrial areas, it is possible to use the experience gained in automotive and described in this paper.

This paper examines the use of computer simulation methods to streamline the process of picking materials within warehouse logistics. The article describes the use of a genetic algorithm to optimize the storage of materials in shelving positions, in accordance with the method of High-Runner Strategy. The goal is to minimize the time needed for picking. The presented procedure enables the creation of a software tool in the form of an optimization model that can be used for the needs of the optimization of warehouse logistics processes within various types of production processes. There is a defined optimization problem in the form of a resistance function, which is of general validity. The optimization is represented using the example of 400 types of material items in 34 categories, stored in six rack rows. Using a simulation model, a comparison of a normal and an optimized state is realized, while a time saving of 48 min 36 s is achieved. The mentioned saving was achieved within one working day. However, the application of an approach based on the use of optimization using a genetic algorithm is not limited by the number of material items or the number of categories and shelves. The acquired knowledge demonstrates the application possibilities of the genetic algorithm method, even for the lowest levels of enterprise logistics, where the application of this approach is not yet a matter of course but, rather, a rarity.

The paper is focused on an example of a solution for the sustainability of transport and mobility with the application of discrete computer simulation. The obtained results from the realized simulation were complemented with the selected multi-criteria decision-making method, namely the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. The paper describes the use of the simulation model for obtaining characteristics of alternative solutions that were designed for the needs of transport sustainability. The aim is to address the problem of traffic congestion in urban agglomerations. The simulation model serves as a means to provide information for the needs of their analysis by multi-criteria evaluation by the AHP. The methodology is based on a combination of computer simulation and multi-criteria decision-making and presents a useful tool that can be used in the field of transport sustainability. The paper notes methods to implement analysis of alternative solutions in transport. However, this procedure can also be used to solve other problems in the field of logistics systems. The paper compares five possible solutions for the organization of transport at intersections. Multi-criteria decision-making was realized based on 12 criteria. The result was the solution that reduced the length of congestion in almost all directions, with a maximum shortening of 69 m and a shortening of the average delay by 26 s compared to the current state.

Simulation programs are increasingly being used to solve material flow problems. These programs are primarily used for the simulation of production or transport processes. Testing of a new type of control in-process would mean stopping production and testing experiments with uncertain results. To avoid this lengthy and above all expensive way of any change, simulation programs have been used. Simulations of production processes in these programs enable better production planning and examination of bottlenecks in the production process by proposing changes, such as robots, conveyors, or also various logistics controls. The advantage is not only the fact that the production does not have to be interrupted, but also that it is possible to try many different experiments in a simulation process. The article is focused on the analysis of the production process in a selected production enterprise. After the analysis, the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation program was used for the creation of production process simulation. Results and improvements to the production process were proposed from the initial simulation with a focus on practical use.

Intelligent conveyors include a large number of sensors and also signalling devices. So-called digital twin presents an advantage that creates a virtual image of a real conveyor. Simulation of the conveyor by simulation language can be an example of a tool of a conveyor virtual image. Simulation allows to test the proposed changes and in the case of functionality, to use the changes in the real operation of pipe conveyor. The paper presents the description of the simulated regression model of conveyor and realized simulation experiments within the regression model of pipe conveyor.