Integrated product design and assembly planning in an augmented reality environment

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology that integrates design and assembly planning in an augmented reality (AR) environment. Intuitive bare-hand interactions (BHIs) and a combination of virtual and real objects are used to perform design and assembly tasks. Ergonomics and other assembly factors are analysed during assembly evaluation. Design/methodology/approach - An AR design and assembly (ARDnA) system has been developed to implement the proposed methodology. For design generation, 3D models are created and combined together like building blocks, taking into account the product assembly in the early design stage. Detailed design can be performed on the components and manual assembly process is simulated to evaluate the assembly design. Findings - A case study of the design and assembly of a toy car is conducted to demonstrate the application of the methodology and system. Research limitations/implications - The system allows the users to consider the assembly of a product when generating the design of the components. BHI allows the users to create and interact with the virtual modes with their hands. Assembly evaluation is more realistic and takes into consideration the ergonomics issues during assembly. Originality/value - The system synthesizes AR, BHI and a CAD software to provide an integrated approach for design and assembly planning, intuitive and realistic interaction with virtual models and holistic assembly evaluation.