Application-Driven Visual Computing Towards Industry 4.0

This research focuses in three fields within the Visual Computing research area: Interactive Virtual Agents (IVA), Immersive VR/ARR Environments and Interactive 3D Model management. The contributions come from applied research projects in different areas: e-learning, marketing, health, manufacturing (safety and simulation). This knowledge provides proof of concept for some challenges emerging from Operator 4.0: human factors, simulation, image generation, and model integration. Operator 4.0 is a key element within Industry 4.0.
The thesis studies the development of autonomous, modular, scalable, ubiquitous and engaging IVA. IVA that can interact with users in a human-like way thanks to their attributes: realistic appearance, verbal and non-verbal communication and natural behaviour skills.
Immersive VR/AR Environments are analysed in the context of production palling, product design, process simulation, testing and verification. The research analyses solutions for cost-efficient applications that reduce risks for the operators, provide real-time feedback and show relevant information to the worker.
Interactive 3D Model Management improves multimedia AD model management and visualization, via automatic model conversion form CAD data into web interactive display of 3D models.
Finally, this knowledge is presented in the context of Industry 4.0 visual computing challenges.