Optimization of Human Processes in A Greenhouse Aeroponic Potato Farming System Using 3D Simulation And Virtual Reality

Abstract

As global demand to industrialize food production increases, Aeroponics farming emerges as a sustainable approach to yielding higher food growth with minimal resources. This thesis addresses two aspects for advancing industrial scale aeroponic potato farming; Optimizing human process flow and configuring an effective layout in a greenhouse farm. The first research question addresses how human processes and task affects productivity in an aeroponic greenhouse farm and how it can be enhanced, by monitoring workflow patterns and identifying bottlenecks. The second question explores layout configurations suitable for large scale aeroponic potato farm produce. Through different layout comparisons, this study identifies the optimal layout con-figuration that maximizes practicality, facility effectiveness, space utilization and work efficiency.

This study is simulation-based using 3D designs and virtual reality. The method used in this thesis is based on Discrete Event Simulation (DES) a modelling technique that represents the behaviour of a production system by simulating individual events that occur at certain points in time.

A proposed solution is creating an aeroponic greenhouse farm layout using DES software, inserting 3D elements and configuring some human process modelling. The first layout is vertical having longer aisles and having an efficient workflow process. The second layout takes a horizontal shape with shorter aisles making work efficient and easy to manoeuvre.

The findings offer valuable insights into how the right layout configuration can improve workers' efficiency. Results showing basic human performance of both greenhouse farm layout and simulation can be viewed using virtual reality glasses.

The result demonstrates that the use of 3D modelling and simulation is beneficial in optimizing process flow and visualizing layouts when incorporated with VR to inspect models via immersive experience.