Virtual Prototype based Simulator for EOT Crane

Electric overhead travelling (EOT) crane is associated with complex operational activities such as loading and unloading in manufacturing industry. Training to operators in real scenario is not possible because of these complex activities and the risk associated with the operation. It may also hamper the manufacturing process of the organization. This study aimed at developing a virtual prototype-based EOT crane simulator that can be used for providing training to the operators. In the proposed approach, EOT crane is considered as 3-degree-of-freedom system, and all the components related to the EOT crane operational environment have been modelled using 3D modelling software. All the models are then integrated in a single layout, and the virtual environment of the EOT crane has been made using unreal engine software. The operational process of the EOT crane can be simulated using keyboard and mouse of the computer in this virtual environment. Organization can adopt this simulator for giving training to their operators and to make the training process more time efficient and cost-effective.