Integration of a Robot Solution in a Manufacturing Environment: A Serious Gaming Approach
Résumé
This paper presents a serious game for the implementation of a robot in high variety/low volume (HVLV) production environments. Students and practitioners are able to experience and reflect on the complexity of integrating a robot solution in HVLV production processes. By simulating a production environment, players experience how to assemble an increasing variety of products, transport parts and products, visualize information flows and perform quality checks. During the game, the players are challenged to determine which process step needs to be automated. They experience the challenges of integrating a robot and determine how to overcome these challenges. Aspects regarding the reconsideration of process design, standardization, product design and information provision are analysed with the aim of reducing waste as much as possible. Results from a small sample of robotics experts and students show that the I-Robot game is fun and insightful. In addition, the pre-defined learning outcomes seem to be well reflected in the game. This 90-min serious game can be used in a wide range of courses and training programs, is low-tech and allows the players to focus completely on the integration within the process and systems and not solely on the technical possibilities of the robot itself.