International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

The article The article describes a simulation experiment to assess human behavior during threats inside buildings, using Metaverse systems and virtual reality (VR). The study was carried out on a model of a real building, where avatars controlled by users simulated responses to crises. This approach has several advantages over the traditional use of NPCs (non-player characters). Usercontrolled avatars enable a more realistic representation of behavior, as participants can make decisions in real time depending on the developing situation. Unlike NPCs, whose reactions are pre-programmed and predictable, human-controlled interactions introduce an element of unpredictability and authenticity, better reflecting real human reactions. Thanks to Metaverse and VR systems, it is possible to precisely reproduce building interiors and threat scenarios, which allows for analyzing various evacuation strategies and behaviors in stressful situations. In addition, experiment participants can repeatedly participate in various simulations, which increases the scope of collected data and allows for a more comprehensive analysis. The article emphasizes that using Metaverse and VR systems for simulations with users brings significant benefits to research on security and crisis management. This approach allows for the creation of more realistic models of human behavior, which are key to improving evacuation procedures and responses to threats inside buildings. The study presents the results of research carried out based on an original solution implemented in the Metaverse environment.

Until recently the Virtual Reality (VR) and its related technologies, e.g. Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality etc., were often thought of separately. However, in the Industry 4.0 model all they are observed as key elements and enablers. It is expected that the combination of VR related technologies with the advancements of Industry 4.0 will disrupt the traditional manufacturing, the existing business models and value creation chain and will reshape dramatically the industrial environment. According to White Paper of IDC considering the Digital Transformation in the Manufacturing industry published in 2016 a third of the industrial enterprises worldwide aims to use VR in their production and engineering environment in the upcoming five years aiming at applying VR for retail showcasing, customized products development, on-site assembly, engineering design, training, etc. Within this context, the so-called Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) represent a significant interest as promising end user devices that enable the wide penetration of VR into the engineering routines such as design activities, product configuration and validation. We make a brief overview of the common HMDs, their features and limitations. Further, a generic process for configuring the customizable product features using of HMD and its programming implementation are presented following by discussion of the results from the usability testing of the proposed interaction paradigm.

The advanced technologies find their application in many areas of todays’ human life. This provides the engineers with a new ability in the area of technical visualization in different formal or informal engineering processes. Augmented and virtual reality are visualization technologies in which the virtual objects are combined with the real ones and coexist in the same space, or completely substitute the reality with computer modelled environment. In their nature, these technologies open up opportunities for their application in various processes in the area of automotive engineering. In this stage of development of these visualization technologies, initial steps have to be made for their use in engineering tasks in the area of automotive engineering. Real expectations exist that these technologies can serve as additional tools in the processes like vehicle approval or vehicle maintenance, or as an additional tool in the hands of the experts that make the crash forensics. This paper presents the results of conducted research in the direction of use of technical solutions for visualization of vehicles in different areas of the automotive engineering, presenting their positive characteristics along with their limitations.