SIMTER: a Multi-Aspect Virtual Production System Evaluation Tool.

Paper in proceeding, 2009

Production systems consist of complex combinations of human-and-machine interactions, material flows, energy transitions and workflows. Additionally, production enterprises are challenged with handling the environmental impacts and societal effects of their processes – including workplace ergonomics. One way of testing different system solutions quickly, early and at low cost (or consequence) is to use computer-based simulation. This paper introduces the production simulation tool SIMTER, which allows users to build a 3D animated model of a human-machine work system and explore the output consequences of different Levels of Automation (ranging from letting tasks be performed by either a human worker, a human worker using a range of tools, or an automated machine). The SIMTER tool facilitates concurrent assessment of Ergonomics, Automation Levels and Environmental Impacts. Development work to date has shown that combining these factors is technically feasible and potentially very useful for integrating ergonomics into design processes.