Immersive Modular Factory Layout Planning using Augmented Reality

We present an immersive analytics approach to enhance production line planning. It enables experts to analyze the performance and spatial implications of already drafted production layouts in-situ on the shop floor. The approach is implemented as an augmented reality application prototype. Experts can interactively combine the computational capabilities of layout simulations with their experience allowing to consider possibly unmodeled restrictions. Our interactive approach is enhanced by automated layout suggestions using a genetic algorithm as well as an automated layout comparison. Further, we provide information about the layout's optimization potential based on the calculation and visualization of critical paths in the layout.