Enabling the use of a collaborative table for simulation in operations

Benefits of Industry 4.0 are often enabled by combining and connecting several different technologies. In this study, we explore industry 4.0 within manufacturing design, where a combined tool is being developed, termed a collaboration table (co-table). The Co-table combines digital twin technology and virtual simulation with a physical, tangible user-interface for easier testing of pre-designed layouts before implementation. However, due to the newness of this approach, challenges related both to technical and managerial aspects are faced to introduce new technologies in daily basis operations. Thus, this study explores the technical feasibility of introducing this technology in the operations environment, the main benefits and challenges faced during the implementation, as well as investigate the impact the technology has for co-creation and innovation within the teams.