Application of virtual/augmented reality in steelmaking plants layout planning and logistics

In the past years, Virtual or immersive Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies have largely been developed for the military, although it has been used for commercial purposes as well, especially for the development of virtual museums, exhibitions, games, and other cultural and amusement projects. Moreover, as realistic and productive visual simulation continues to develop, coupled with a drop in prices for image generators, the market for architectural design systems based on AR is expected to rapidly grow. Nowadays, the human-computer interaction, due to its long-established approach, can show drawbacks and limitations of traditional interfaces. Promising alternatives are offered by Virtual or immersive Reality (VR) and by Augmented Reality (AR), enabling humans to behave in a nearly natural way. Natural interaction means human actions in the real world with other humans and/or with real world objects. In order to achieve these results, prototype tools, build on video-based interaction, support construction and plant layout planning. The exploitation of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) has already been studied and used in architecture, construction and logistics, application fields with many common duties to the steelmaking industry. In detail, the best possible configuration and arrangement of all production units and transport systems are necessary prerequisites to maximize productivity. Furthermore, also the rationalization of the logistics is a crucial point in order to achieve both the lowest operating costs and a seamless material flow without bottlenecks. These reasons grant to Facility Layout Planning (FLP) and logistics a very promising scenario for VR/AR employment in steel industry. Consequently, possible on-field applications in a near future have been investigated. Indeed, although the metal industry is still conservative, the need for more efficiency and an overall optimization of whole plants would lead to the integration of these new technologies in the daily practice.