Integrating Virtual Reality and Digital Twin in Circular Economy Practices: A Laboratory Application Case

Rocca, Roberto La; Rosa, Paolo; Sassanelli, Claudio; Fumagalli, Luca; Terzi, Sergio

doi:10.3390/su12062286

Cited by 102 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 55 publications

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“…Rocca et al analyze a laboratory application which integrates digital twin and virtual reality technologies for virtually testing the configuration of a WEEE disassembly plant by means of simulation. This application offers better managing and optimizes the WEEE disassembly process [35].…”

Section: Cyber-physical Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Information and Communication Technology Solutions for the Circular Economy

2020

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The concept of circular economy (CE) is becoming progressively popular with academia, industry, and policymakers, as a potential path towards a more sustainable economic system. Information and communication technology (ICT) systems have influenced every aspect of modern life and the CE is no exception. Cutting-edge technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, internet of things, virtual and augmented reality, and blockchain, can play an integral role in the embracing of CE concepts and the rollout of CE programs by governments, organizations, and society as a whole. The current paper conducts an extensive academic literature review on prominent ICT solutions paving the way towards a CE. For the categorization of the solutions, a novel two-fold approach is introduced, focusing on both the technological aspect of the solutions (e.g., communications, computing, data analysis, etc.), and the main CE concept(s) employed (i.e., reduce, reuse, recycle and restore) that each solution is the most relevant to. The role of each solution in the transition to CE is highlighted. Results suggest that ICT solutions related to data collection and data analysis, and in particular to the internet of things, blockchain, digital platforms, artificial intelligence algorithms, and software tools, are amongst the most popular solutions proposed by academic researchers. Results also suggest that greater emphasis is placed on the “reduce” component of the CE, although ICT solutions for the other “R” components, as well as holistic ICT-based solutions, do exist as well. Specific important challenges impeding the adoption of ICT solutions for the CE are also identified and reviewed, with consumer and business attitude, economic costs, possible environmental impacts, lack of education around the CE, and lack of familiarization with modern technologies being found among the most prominent ones.

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Section: Cyber-physical Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In VR, a user is submerged into a full 3D experience, in which the physical objects are linked to the virtual world [43]. A case of VR application for optimizing the WEEE disassembly process [35] is presented in Section 2.3.…”

Section: Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence Algorithmsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Information and Communication Technology Solutions for the Circular Economy

2020

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“…A digital twin is signified as the virtual representation of a physical asset by transforming its properties and behavior into simulation models, information, and data [81,82]. IoT refers to the widely distributed and virtually connected ubiquitous high-quality sensors to leverage data exchange between items throughout end-to-end supply chains [50,83]. An IoT infrastructure facilitates seamless traceability of individual goods along their life spans on a continuous basis [84].…”

Section: Applications Of Digital Technologiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Waste Electronic Product Trade-in Strategies in Predictive Twin Disassembly Systems in the Era of Blockchain

2020

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Manufacturing and supply chain operations are on the cusp of an era with the emergence of groundbreaking technologies. Among these, the digital twin technology is characterized as a paradigm shift in managing production and supply networks since it facilitates a high degree of surveillance and a communication platform between humans, machines, and parts. Digital twins can play a critical role in facilitating faster decision making in product trade-ins by nearly eliminating the uncertainty in the conditions of returned end-of-life products. This paper demonstrates the potential effects of digital twins in trade-in policymaking through a simulated product-recovery system through blockchain technology. A discrete event simulation model is developed from the manufacturer’s viewpoint to obtain a data-driven trade-in pricing policy in a fully transparent platform. The model maps and mimics the behavior of the product-recovery activities based on predictive indicators. Following this, Taguchi’s Orthogonal Array design is implemented as a design-of-experiment study to test the system’s behavior under varying experimental conditions. A logistics regression model is applied to the simulated data to acquire optimal trade-in acquisition prices for returned end-of-life products based on the insights gained from the system.

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“…Given the uncertainty involved during the process of machinery degradation, proper design and adaptability of a digital twin model remain challenges [19]. Digital twins can be applied from initial factory planning and design to commissioning and maintenance, giving them value throughout the production lifecycle [20,21]. The digital twin can be also used for risk prediction and prevention pertaining to operators in processing plants [22].…”

Section: The Concept Of the Digital Twinmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Twin and Virtual Reality Based Methodology for Multi-Robot Manufacturing Cell Commissioning

et al. 2020

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Intelligent automation, including robotics, is one of the current trends in the manufacturing industry in the context of “Industry 4.0”, where cyber-physical systems control the production at automated or semi-automated factories. Robots are perfect substitutes for a skilled workforce for some repeatable, general, and strategically-important tasks. However, this transformation is not always feasible and immediate, since certain technologies do not provide the required degree of flexibility. The introduction of collaborative robots in the industry permits the combination of the advantages of manual and automated production. In some processes, it is necessary to incorporate robots from different manufacturers, thus the design of these multi-robot systems is crucial to guarantee the maximum quality and efficiency. In this context, this paper presents a novel methodology for process automation design, enhanced implementation, and real-time monitoring in operation based on creating a digital twin of the manufacturing process with an immersive virtual reality interface to be used as a virtual testbed before the physical implementation. Moreover, it can be efficiently used for operator training, real-time monitoring, and feasibility studies of future optimizations. It has been validated in a use case which provides a solution for an assembly manufacturing process.

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Integrating Virtual Reality and Digital Twin in Circular Economy Practices: A Laboratory Application Case

Cited by 102 publications

References 55 publications

Information and Communication Technology Solutions for the Circular Economy

Information and Communication Technology Solutions for the Circular Economy

Evaluation of Waste Electronic Product Trade-in Strategies in Predictive Twin Disassembly Systems in the Era of Blockchain

Digital Twin and Virtual Reality Based Methodology for Multi-Robot Manufacturing Cell Commissioning

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