A novel optimal assembly algorithm for the haptic interface application of a virtual maintenance system

In a virtual environment, a virtual maintenance process can be used to simulate real-world maintenance, and the efficiency of the simulation depends mainly on the assembly/disassembly task sequence. During the simulation, the path planning of mechanical parts becomes an important factor since it affects the overall efficiency of the maintenance system in terms of saving energy and time. Therefore, planners must consider the path-planning factors under constraints such as obstacles and the initial/final positions of the parts, as well as the assembly sequence, for example, the number of gripper exchanges and direction changes. We propose a novel optimal assembly algorithm that considers the assembly sequence of mechanical parts and the path-planning factors for a virtual maintenance simulation system. The genetic algorithm is used to determine the optimal parts sequence to minimize the numbers of gripper exchanges and direction changes, as well as find a repulsive force radius using the potential field method to generate the shortest optimal distance for each part during the assembly operation. By applying the proposed algorithm to a virtual maintenance system, users can be haptically guided to the optimized assembly solution during mechanical parts assembly operations.