Interactive 3D virtual environments for industrial operation training and maintenance

Interactive 3D virtual environments provide an enabling circumstances for innovation and evolution in education system, training, maintenance and repair operations of industrial plants. In fact, technique like complete 3D simulation of products processes and manufacturing facilities promotes a new approach to technical documentation and assistance, where the user can be easily guided even through the most complex and critical operations. This work introduces the main characteristics of the Virtual Environments in contexts of education-centred and training-centred. Also, it presents the work done in relation to the design and implementation of a SW platform integrating the very latest in 3D modeling, 3D animation and simulation, and human-machine interface technologies. The platform finds a vast number of applications: industrial system design, assembling, operation, training and maintenance. The study also reveals how virtualization of the maintenance environment allows off-site collaborators to monitor and assist with repairs.