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    Integrating Robotic Systems into a Plasma Cutting Workstation - New Workstation Design Approach Using Techno-Economic Evaluation
    (2025) Müller, Jakub; Broum, Tomáš; Malaga, Miroslav; Milatová, Monika
    This paper proposes a procedure for implementing a robotic system in a plasma cutting workplace. The goal is to create an efficient and safe process for integrating a robot into the existing workspace, with an emphasis on increasing productivity and minimising the risk of human factors. The paper includes an analysis of the requirements for the robotic system, including compatibility with the plasma cutting equipment. The proposed procedure involves an analysis of the current state of the workplace, followed by recommended implementation steps. The procedure includes a comparison of the current state of the workplace with the proposed state and the establishment of criteria for evaluation, which are subsequently used in the techno-economic evaluation. The paper also presents an industrial case study to validate the proposed procedure.
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    A Comparative Evaluation of Augmented Reality Indoor Navigation versus Conventional Approaches
    (2025) Macháč, Tomáš; Hořejší, Petr; Šimon, Michal; Šimerová, Andrea
    In the context of Industry 4.0, augmented reality (AR) is becoming a key element for innovations in the field of lifetime usability of products and optimisation of production processes. Its integrated use outdoors via GPS and Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM) indoors with a focus on inertial technologies enables precise positioning and efficient navigation in industrial environments. The aim of this study is to test the user-friendliness of the proposed indoor navigation system using inertial sensors. The AR application provides indoor navigation between defined points of interest representing key locations. ARCore and ARFoundation were used for development. Participants are tested using three different approaches to orientation in the environment. Their task is to evaluate the user-friendliness and compare the use of a smartphone with an ARNAV app, 2DMAP with visual elements, and variants without wayfinding support “BLIND”. User acceptance is validated using a standardized SUS questionnaire. The evaluation results show similar perceptions of the system among most respondents, except for the need for technical support and the presence of inconsistencies, where the ARNAV group showed different opinions, indicating the need for optimisation in these specific areas to improve the user experience. In line with other studies the results suggest that despite advances in augmented reality, there is still a lack of added value, especially for inexperienced users. Despite the number of studies available, user testing of the proposed systems remains poorly carried out, with the emphasis more on functional verification. The results of the study suggest that the low variety and simplicity of tasks in the studied environment limits significant differences in the perception of AR navigation. Future research should focus on the use of augmented reality in complex environments and in solving more complex tasks.
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    Kognitivní a autonomní robotika ve strojírenském průmyslu: současný stav, technologické výzvy a budoucí perspektivy
    (2025) Müller, Jakub; Broum, Tomáš; Malaga, Miroslav; Romero Montero, Alejandro
    Tato recenze shrnuje nejnovější pokroky v oblasti kognitivní a autonomní robotiky pro aplikace v strojírenství. Analyzujeme nejmodernější hardware, jako je Nvidia Jetson Thor a humanoidní platformy Digit a FIGURE 01, které posouvají vpřed vnímání, učení a manipulaci. Mapujeme přetrvávající překážky: náklady, složitost integrace, údržbu a nejistotu, zejména pro malé a střední podniky. Nakonec navrhujeme směry výzkumu v oblasti adaptivního řízení, simulací založeného výcviku a spolupráce člověka s robotem, které mají usnadnit zavedení Průmyslu 5.0.
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    Návratnost investic do implementace robotizace na pracovištích
    (2025) Kič, Adam; Malaga, Miroslav; Broum, Tomáš; Müller, Jakub
    Tento dokument poskytuje přehled o zavádění průmyslových robotů v kontextu Průmyslu 4.0, se zaměřením na klíčové náklady (pořízení, bezpečnost, školení) a přínosy (produktivita, kvalita, bezpečnost a úspory nákladů). Konkrétní případy (Shape Corp., DAIKIN) ukazují rychlou návratnost investic a ekologické přínosy díky snížení odpadu a spotřeby energie. Celkově strategické nasazení robotů osvobozuje pracovníky od opakujících se úkolů, podporuje role s vyšší přidanou hodnotou a zvyšuje konkurenceschopnost v moderní výrobě.
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    Comparative Analysis of Employee Training Using Conventional Methods and Virtual Reality
    (2025) Krákora, David; Hořejší, Petr; Šimerová, Andrea
    This paper deals with an innovative method of employee training. Its concept is based on an experiment comparing a conventional training method with virtual reality (VR) training. For the evaluation, a questionnaire was designed to assess how much probands remembered immediately after the training. The area of training was the handling of sharp objects in a healthcare environment. The length of both types of training was 30 minutes). The conventional training was in the form of a presentation, the innovative one was virtual reality with guided interaction with objects. The probands were college students. A total of 42 samples were measured, where each proband was trained on only one variant. The main objective was to compare the effectiveness of each training method as a function of time and its effectiveness in terms of memorability. It showed that probands who acquired knowledge using the VR variant remembered more information. It was also found that prior experience with VR did not yield better results.
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    Virtual reality locomotion methods differentially affect spatial orientation and cybersickness during maze navigation
    (2025) Hořejší, Petr; Lochmannová, Alena; Jezl, Vojtěch; Dvořák, Matěj
    Virtual reality (VR) is widely used in training, simulations, and industrial applications, yet effective locomotion remains challenging due to its impact on spatial orientation and cybersickness. This study investigates the effects of three locomotion methods—hand-tracking (HTR) with teleportation, traditional VR controllers (CTR), and the mechanical interface Cybershoes (CBS)—on navigation performance, perceived usability, and cybersickness during navigation tasks in virtual mazes of three increasing difficulty levels. The experiment involved 15 participants (M = 22.6 years, SD = 1.64), performing a total of 9 trials each (3 methods × 3 mazes), resulting in 135 exposures overall. The HTR method had the longest average maze completion time (127 ± 54 s for the simplest maze), significantly longer compared to both CTR (52 ± 25 s, p < 0.01) and CBS (52 ± 22 s, p < 0.01). CBS showed comparable navigation performance to CTR, slightly outperforming CTR only in the most difficult mazes (108 ± 51 s vs. 115 ± 42 s, p < 0.05). Regarding usability, CTR received the highest ratings (SUS: 74.67 ± 18.52), followed by CBS (67.83 ± 24.07) and HTR (65.83 ± 22.22). However, CBS induced the highest cybersickness (2.9 ± 1.2), significantly higher than HTR (1.8 ± 0.9; p = 0.006), while CTR scored intermediate (2.3 ± 1.1). Results confirm that teleportation (HTR) minimizes cybersickness but negatively impacts spatial orientation. CBS support more efficient navigation in complex tasks but considerably increases cybersickness. Joystick locomotion (CTR) provides the best balance among navigation efficiency, usability, and user comfort. These findings contribute to optimizing locomotion strategies in VR applications.
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    Kinematic Characteristics of Deformed Porous Structures
    (2024) Veselovska, Natalia; Sivak, Roman; Paladiychuk, Yurii; Bandura, V. M.; Telyatnik, I.; Bohatiuk, M.; Savkiv, V.; Edl, Milan
    Experimental and computational methods of studying the stress state in the plastic region are characterized by various methods and accuracy of measurements, methods of mathematical processing of experimental information, and interpretation of results. The experimentally determined kinematics as a starting point is the most widely used method to study the stress-strain state in the plastic region. When studying the process of plastic deformation of porous blanks, the model of a rigid-plastic isotropic-strengthening porous body with a loading surface that has the shape of an ellipsoid with semi-axes. It depends on the amount of porosity and the ratio of the associated flow law as a mechanical model of the material. In the axisymmetric extrusion of porous blanks, the viscoplasticity method was used to determine the field of flow velocities based on the results of experimental studies. R-functions were applied to approximate experimentally obtained values. The problem of finding approximations was formulated in a variational statement. Cubic splines of one argument were used to interpolate functions. As a result, an approach was proposed, which consists of a particular sequence of calculating the derivatives of the coordinates of the nodes in time in combination with the R-functions approach. All the calculations were performed in Euler variables, eliminating the need to switch from Lagrangian variables and simplifying the solution. Additionally, this method allowed for working with an irregular and non-rectangular grid in areas with any shape of boundaries. This approach is more effective from the point of view of the approximation’s accuracy and the speed of calculations. Finally, the equation for calculating the porosity in the volume of the deformable workpiece based on the information about the distortion of the dividing grid elements was obtained. For stationary axisymmetric processes, a technique was developed that allowed for replacing the calculation of the accumulated deformation of the base material along the deformation trajectory by integration over the region. A technique was developed for determining the stress-strain state at unstable and stable stages of axisymmetric plastic deformation of porous blanks. The calculation results were compared based on the proposed experimental and calculation techniques and the finite element method. © 2024, Sumy State University. All rights reserved.
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    Možnosti navádění a řízení AGV pro training factory
    (2023) Malaga, Miroslav; Kohout, Adam; Broum, Tomáš; Ulrych, Zdeněk
    Tento článek se zaměřuje na řízení a navigaci vozidel AGV na platformě Fischertechnik s cílem rozšířit model výrobní linky a zlepšení automatizace a vizualizace výrobních podmínek pro průmyslové inženýry v budoucnosti. Hlavním cílem je provést výzkum možností řízení a navigace AGV včetně popisu jejich výhod a nevýhod.
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    Evaluating the Reliability of a Machine Vision System for Collaborative Robots: An Experimental Study in the Industry 4.0 Environment
    (2023) Müller, Jakub; Broum, Tomáš; Malaga, Miroslav
    This research evaluates the reliability of a machine vision system connected to a collaborative robot. In recent scientific papers, the authors have focused on machine vision itself, machine vision systems and related theory in general, along with machine learning methods, and image processing itself. However, there seems to be a missing link between these topics and the industrial robot's accuracy in basic tasks when utilizing machine vision. The experiments conducted, took place within an Industry 4.0 laboratory, where 3D-printed objects were utilized as test subjects. The collaborative robot, equipped with machine vision, performed tasks such as object removal and stacking. The evaluation focused on the success rate of object assembly and grasping. The paper discusses the integration of machine vision technology, previous research on reliability, and the use of a 2D camera for the collaborative robot. The findings contribute to understanding the potential of machine vision in enhancing efficiency and precision in collaborative robot workspaces.
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    Effect of Augmented Reality Support on Quality Inspection of Welded Structures
    (2023) Havlíková, Kristýna; Hořejší, Petr; Kopeček, Pavel
    With the increasing complexity of production systems and manufactured products, operators face high demands for professional expertise and long-term concentration. Augmented reality (AR) can support users in their work by displaying relevant virtual data in their field of view. In contrast to the extensive research on AR assistance in assembly, maintenance, and training, AR support in quality inspection has received less attention in the industrial context. Quality inspection is an essential part of industrial processes; thus, it is important to verify whether AR assistance can support users in these tasks. This work proposes an AR-based approach for quality inspection. For this, pilot AR software was designed and developed. The proposed AR approach was tested with end users. The task efficiency, the error rate, the perceived mental workload, and the usability of the AR approach were analysed and compared to the conventional paper-based support. The field research confirmed the positive effect on user efficiency during quality inspection while decreasing the perceived mental workload. This work extends the research on the potential of AR assistance in industrial applications and provides experimental validation to confirm the benefits of AR support on user performance during quality inspection tasks.
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    Methodology for Rationalization of Pre-Production Processes Using Virtual Reality Based Manufacturing Instructions
    (2024) Novikov, Konstantin; Hořejší, Petr; Kubr, Jan; Dvořák, Matěj; Bednář, Miroslav; Krákora, David; Krňoul, Matěj; Šimon, Michal
    This article deals with the rationalization of manufacturing processes within the product life cycle with emphasis on the pre-production phase of production. A new methodology for evaluating the applicability of modern visualization tools in manufacturing processes is presented. This methodology includes a modified Z-score for categorizing manufacturing processes and has been validated by the successful implementation of 10 real projects. Ultimately, the methodology provides a practical decision-making aid for manufacturing companies in deploying such Computer Aided Instruction tools. For the pre-production phase of products and their development, the possibilities of using modern visualization tools to support CAD instructions and assembly instructions are being explored. These modern visualization tools are video tutorials, augmented reality tutorials and virtual reality tutorials. This paper explores the use of these tools for rationalization of pre-production processes. A methodology was designed to select the most appropriate tool for rationalizing process execution in preparation for production. The functionality of the methodology was verified by applying the methodology in industrial practice and subsequent implementation of the recommended solutions. The methodology was validated by testing key combinations that can arise based on the methodology directly in the operations of manufacturing companies. A total of 10 implementations in real production processes were tailored to this study and carried out over 2 years and the functionality of the methodology was confirmed (that consisted also of a new software development). It was found that there is a dependency between the visualization tools chosen to create the instructions in the context of organizational production preparation and the nature of the production processes.
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    Knowledge strategy, its contents and creation
    (2023) Pergner, Petr; Horejc, Jan
    One of the basic tasks of a business strategy is to ensure, among other things, the maximum use of all of an enterprise's resources. In the 21st century, one of the most important resources with a continuously increasing influence on an enterprise's results is the enterprise's knowledge. In order to make its acquisition and use as cost-effective as possible, the knowledge strategy of an enterprise must be defined. The core of this paper is the description of a new methodology for creating such a strategy. This methodology has been designed to enable both the easiest possible implementation in practical conditions and the most effective use of the knowledge strategy in supporting the creation and implementation of business strategy. © 2023, MM publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
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    Knowledge management and its use in an idustrial enterprise
    (2023) Pergner, Petr; Horejc, Jan
    Knowledge management arose as a result of the need to incorporate the dynamics of an enterprise environment into an enterprise model. It requires a holistic approach integrating technological and human aspects by building and developing key competencies. Knowledge management makes possible correct strategic decisions, correct investments into product, minimizing risks, process innovations and effective update of the business strategy. Furthermore it leads to reduction of costs, improvement of quality in all aspects of an enterprise and reduction of delivery times of goods and services. In the knowledge enterprise, the creation of an internal climate favourable towards innovative approaches, employee development, cooperation between employees, knowledge sharing and fulfilment of organization goals must be provided. A synergy of functions is crucial for managing a knowledge enterprise.
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    Immersive Virtual Reality Training in Industrial Settings: Effects on Memory Retention and Learning Outcomes
    (2024) Kubr, Jan; Lochmannová, Alena; Hořejší, Petr
    This study examines the effects of different levels of immersion in virtual reality (VR) on memory retention and learning outcomes within industrial safety training. A controlled experiment was conducted using a VR simulation of firefighting in an industrial environment, with varying combinations of immersive elements such as audio guidance and visual management cues. Memory retention was assessed immediately after the simulation and re-evaluated three months later. The results indicate that while overall immersion levels did not produce statistically significant differences in memory retention, specific elements, particularly the use of audio guidance and visual management, showed a significant positive impact on short-term memory retention. However, the simultaneous use of these elements occasionally led to cognitive overload, reducing the overall effectiveness. These findings suggest that the design of VR training programs should prioritize a balanced incorporation of immersive elements to optimize learning outcomes without overwhelming participants. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the application of VR in industrial training and highlights the nuanced role of individual immersive features in enhancing cognitive processes.
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    AI in Industry: Literature Review
    (2024) Ferizi, Fidan; Broum, Tomáš
    This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on optimizing production processes in the manufacturing industry. The main objective of this paper is to provide users with understanding of AI implementation and applications in the industry. By studying the current literature, the paper ocuses attention on how AI can facilitate the decision-makers enhancing efficiency in manufacturing sectors. The results suggest that implementing and integrating AI in manufacturing sectors leads to significant improvements in processes and customer satisfaction.
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    Making Cognitive Ergonomics in the Human–Computer Interaction of Manufacturing Execution Systems Assessable: Experimental and Validation Approaches to Closing Research Gaps
    (2024) Dörner, Andreas Alexander Sascha; Bureš, Marek; Šimon, Michal; Pirkl, Gerald
    Cognitive ergonomics and the mental health of production workers have attracted increasinginterest in industrial companies. However, there is still not much research available as it isregarding physical ergonomics and muscular load. This paper designs an experiment to analyze thecognitive ergonomics and mental stress of shop floor production workers interacting with differentuser interfaces of a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) that is adjustable for analyzing theinfluence of other assistive systems, too. This approach is going to be designed with the Design ofExperiments (DoE) method. Therefore, the respective goals and factors are going to be determined.The environment will be the laboratories of the University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weidenand its Campus for Digitalization in Amberg. In detail, there will be a sample assembly processfrom the automotive supplier industry for demonstration purposes. At this laboratory, the MESsoftware from the European benchmark SAP is installed, and the respective standard ProductionOperator Desk is going to be used with slight adaptions. In order to make the cognitive ergonomicsmeasurable, different approaches are going to be used. For instance, body temperature, heart rateand skin conductance as well as subjective methods of self-assessment are planned. The result of thispaper is a ready-to-run experiment with sample data for each classification of participants. Further,possible limitations and adjustments are going to be discussed. Finally, an approach to validating theexpected results is going to be shown and future intentions are going to be discussed.
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    Using Adaptive Neural Networks for Optimising Discrete Event Simulation
    (2024) Raška, Pavel; Ulrych, Zdeněk; Baloun, Josef; Malaga, Miroslav; Lenc, Ladislav
    The paper presents the use of adaptive neural networks for carrying out simulation optimisation using digital models (discrete event simulation models) created in accordance with the Industry 4.0 concept. The digital models reflect different problems in industrial engineering. The simulation optimisers use an adaptive neural network to find the best settings of the digital models according to defined objective functions for each model. We compared the effectiveness (using different evaluation criteria) of the adaptive neural network (ANN) optimisation method used on 6 different discrete event simulation models. We compared adaptive neural networks with 11 optimisation methods - pseudo gradient, metaheuristic, evolutionary and swarm optimisation methods (and their combinations). The ANN method demonstrated the ability to efficiently find the global optimum of the objective function in different cases of the objective function - the ANN method is in the top 5 best tested methods from the 12 optimisation methods.
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    Estimating Costs and Benefits of Preventive Ergonomic Measures
    (2024) Bajičová, Tea; Kačerová, Ilona; Šimon, Michal
    Ergonomics is becoming increasingly relevant in industrial enterprises, as confirmed by the majority of Industry 5.0 experts who place emphasis on the development of social environments and employee care. This is gradually being integrated into legislation stipulating the obligation to provide employees with adequate working conditions. In the context of introducing necessary ergonomic measures in the workplace, we identify the dependence of these measures on the physical load of workers and the impact on the employer's financial burden. To determine the impact, a Cost-Benefit Analysis is used to evaluate not only the financial costs but also to assess social benefits and increased utility for the target groups. The verification of ergonomic optimisation of the workplace in terms of costs and impact on workers' health is conducted in a case study in a specific industrial enterprise. Finally, the positive impact of ergonomic optimisation on the physical load of workers is specified. © 2024 University North. All rights reserved.
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    Implementace inovativního ovládání kolaborativního robota s využitím programovacího jazyka Python
    (2024) Kič, Adam; Arenštein, Josef; Malaga, Miroslav; Müller, Jakub; Broum, Tomáš
    Automatizace a robotizace jsou v dnešní době se v průmyslu uplatňuje stále více. Tento článek poskytuje přehled možných inovativních metod pro ovládání robota FANUC CR-7iA/L. kolaborativního robota s řídicí jednotkou R-30iB, iPendant-Touch pendant, SCHUNK Co-act EGP-C chapadlem pomocí cloudového řešení, ROS a Pythonu. s knihovnou funcpy. Zvláštní pozornost je věnována možnosti ovládání robota pomocí jazyka Python a knihovny fanucpy, která byla vyvinuta v rámci projektu Ústavu pro pokročilou výrobu na University of Nottingham. optimalizace procesu centrálního skladu
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    Strojové učení a robotická automatizace procesů
    (2024) Müller, Jakub; Broum, Tomáš; Malaga, Miroslav; Romero Montero, Alejandro; Raška, Pavel
    V dnešní digitální éře se strojové učení a robotická automatizace procesů mění obchodní procesy. Strojové učení se zaměřuje na algoritmy, které umožňují prediktivní analýzu, zatímco RPA automatizuje rutinní úkoly prostřednictvím softwaru robotů. Tyto technologie společně tvoří základ inteligentní automatizace procesů, zvyšují efektivitu a produktivitu. Dokument se zaměřuje na popis těchto technologií a zdůrazňuje výhody jejich možného využití.