VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING SYSTEM BASED ON 3D SCANNED AUTOMOTIVE PARTS

The paper proposes a workflow methodology to obtain accurate 3D models optimized for various virtual reality training environment. The case study within the paper is focused on automotive mechanics training with specific scenarios focused on component recognition and assembly. The virtual reality application has been developed in Unity 3D and it enables users to experience the immersive virtual reality environment with a wide variety of Head Mount Display setups from various manufacturers. The 3D models used within the environment have been obtained using structured light scanning technologies applied on real components to ensure that the 3D models are accurate replicas of the real components both in terms of geometrical dimensions as well as visual properties. The proposed virtual reality system represents an upgraded version of the usual human-machine training system by enabling users to have access to detailed 3D models directly in an immersive virtual reality environment therefore replacing the need to have the available material resources available locally at the training facility as physical parts, assemblies and equipment which require warehousing and specific manipulation and logistics.