# VR Simulation and Implementation of Robotics: A Tool for Streamlining and Optimization
## 4 Case Study
### Current State Analysis and Data Collecting  
The company's management has embarked on a mission to optimize the workstation, driven not only by the imperative of global efficiency but also by a recognition of its subpar overall performance. Additionally, the impetus for optimizing this workstation stems from the company's overarching objectives to transition to full automation across all operations. While most processes within the company are presently automated, our workstation remains reliant on human labour for goods handling, resulting in discernible inefficiencies as depicted in the accompanying figure. The CNC milling machine, pre-programmed for continuous operation, is managed via software accessible on the company server, overseen by expert personnel stationed in the control room. Similarly, the belt conveyors operate  
Figure 6: Workplace layout as a simulation model.  
continuously barring any breakdowns or scheduled maintenance. Human operators operating within this environment face significant ergonomic hazards compounded by the repetitive nature of their tasks and the potential for human error. It is the company's ambition to rectify these shortcomings by proposing an optimal solution that not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates risk to human health and safety. The simulation findings reveal that Human Operator no. 1 (HO 1) has an average handling interval of 7.84 s, whereas Human Operator no. 2 (HO 2) operates with a slightly lower interval of 6.61 s. Concerning usability, HO 1 is utilized approximately 68.34% of the time, while HO 2 is engaged around 65.07% of the time. The results are shown in Figures 7 and 8.  
Earlier in the article (see: page 6, row 259), we delve into how the handling of goods not only impacts efficiency, but also influences production costs significantly. Given that handling costs typically constitute approximately 50% of overall production expenses, optimizing the goods handling process to achieve maximal efficiency with minimal costs becomes paramount. While the usability of human operators falls within the global standard range, ranging from 65% to 69%, there remains ample room for improvement in this metric. This underscores the significance and relevance of efficient material handling in today's dynamic logistics and industrial landscape, where evolving customer demands constantly reshape market dynamics and dictate new trends. Presently, there is a heightened emphasis on expedited delivery, with automation and robotics emerging as prominent trends. The integration of robotic technologies not only in distribution centres, but also directly within production operations presents novel opportunities to enhance productivity,  
Figure 7: Current state statistics part 1—average part time.  
streamline processes, and bolster overall logistics efficiency, consequently driving down costs. Given the company's directive towards full automation, the deployment of robots emerges as a solution to address prevailing challenges. Robotic sorting and loading offer manifold benefits, including heightened precision, speed, and overall efficiency compared to manual processes. Interviews with employees and observational insight highlight the physical strain, monotony, and repetitiveness often associated with manual sorting, leading to lapses in concentration and subsequent errors. Hence, in crafting an optimal solution, we explore alternatives ranging from semi-automation to fully automated operations to alleviate these challenges.