Session Aims & Scope

This session delves into the transformative role of digital twins in human-centric manufacturing. As the integration of digital twins revolutionizes industry, this discussion will focus on their application in enhancing worker productivity, safety, and collaboration. Attendees will explore real-world examples and innovative strategies that demonstrate how digital twins can bridge the gap between physical and digital realms, creating more efficient and responsive manufacturing environments. Join us to discover the future of human-centered manufacturing through the lens of digital twins.  

Session Chair(s)

Chair

Ang Liu

Associate Professor , University of New South Wales

ang.liu@unsw.edu.au

Session Presentation

1.

Jonas Lick

Research associate

Fraunhofer Institute for Mechatronic Systems Design (IEM) (Germany)

Title: How to plan a Digital Twin in Manufacturing with the Help of Enterprise Architecture Management

Abstract 

Digital Twins in Manufacturing becoming more important in today’s manufacturing world, but many companies are struggling to plan for its successful implementation. This presentation suggests using an Enterprise Architecture Management approach to make this process easier and more effective. We propose an integrated planning approach, that is focused on helping practitioners in a real-world environment getting the Digital Twins into productive use. Our approach consists of the following phases: (1) Determine initial situation & target picture for the Digital Twin incl. deriving a short list of suitable use cases; (2) Company specific Digital Twin design; (3) Plan Enterprise Architecture changes. Based on the planning approach the presentation will give insights into DT-research projects we implemented and are currently working on at Fraunhofer IEM.

2.

Christian Kober

Research Associate

a) Institute of Production Engineering, Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg (Germany)

b) Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge (UK)

c) Laboratory for Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Systems, University of Auckland (New Zealand)

Title: Target-Oriented and Benefit-Centred Development and Implementation of Digital Twins in Manufacturing Companies

Abstract 

In industrial manufacturing, there’s a growing trend towards increased individualisation alongside high production volumes. Digitalisation, particularly through Industry 4.0 and 5.0, offers significant potential to accelerate this trend. Digital Twins (DT) play a crucial role in enhancing transparency and linking isolated company areas. However, as of 2024, DT projects still exhibit low maturity levels in industry despite extensive research. This presentation explores the reasons behind the low maturity of DTs in manufacturing, identifying technical, organisational, and methodological challenges. Key issues include costs, acceptance, and target-setting. To address these challenges, a novel, comprehensive framework has been developed and validated. This framework systematically improves the development and implementation of DTs, as demonstrated by an in-depth case study in an innovative sawmill. The framework’s application supports manufacturing companies in achieving optimal cost-benefit ratios, promoting informed decision-making and enhancing DT adoption.

3.

Zhanxi Wang

Dr., Associate Professor

Northwestern Polytechnical University (China)

Title: Force compliance control technology for axis and hole assembly process using dual robot collaboration

Abstract 

Precision peg-in-hole assembly is a common form of assembly in the manufacturing industry. There are both position constraints and force constraints in the assembly process. Therefore, the use of industrial robots to achieve automatic assembly of shaft holes has always been a challenging hot issue. Firstly, we propose the overall force control strategy for different contact states. Secondly, a force compliance control model with adaptive effect on environmental position and stiffness is established. The simulation results show that the control model can eliminate the steady-state error of the force tracking process.  Then, the assembly simulation experiment is carried out to verify the force-position control effect of the dual-robot collaborative assembly under different robot position and attitude errors. Finally, a master-slave dual robot assembly experimental platform is built to verify the feasibility of the adaptive force  compliance control model and the master-slave cooperative model.

4.

Yuchen Wang

PhD Candidate

Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University (China)

University of Liverpool (UK)

Title: Vision Twin: The digital twin-based data augmentation for industrial machine visions and challenges in its realization

Abstract 

The importance of data augmentation for industrial machine vision cannot be overstated. While traditional methods focus on image conversion techniques, recent years have seen the emergence of data augmentation through simulations in virtual environments. This innovative approach offers a means to customize training datasets, enhancing sample efficiency. However, challenges such as the limited timeliness of training datasets and the arduous task of modeling virtual environments persist. This presentation introduces Vision Twin, a novel data augmentation method based on the concept of the digital twin. Vision Twin aims to improve data augmentation from three perspectives: (1) Enhancing dataset timeliness through regular twinning between physical and virtual environments; (2) Improving the autonomy of virtual modeling; (3) Enhancing sample efficiency through intelligent tuning of data augmentation strategies. The presentation will first outline the framework of Vision Twin, showcasing the bidirectional twining between physical and virtual environments. Additionally, it will delve into relevant research endeavors aimed at addressing critical challenges within Vision Twin, particularly focusing on deep learning and deep reinforcement learning-driven methods. Lastly, the presentation will discuss the future challenges and opportunities associated with the realization of Vision Twin’s prospect.

5.

Dimitris MOURTZIS

Professor

University of Patras (Greece)

Title: Digital Manufacturing based on the Integration of Digital Twins and 5G / 6G Networks

Abstract 

Despite the latest advances in Manufacturing and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), data transmission and communication latency has posed a consistent challenge across various manufacturing fields. Although continuous advancements in communication protocols during Industry 4.0 have been achieved, latency persists, leading to diminished Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE). Addressing this challenge, the Tactile Internet, bolstered by the capabilities of Digital Twins and 6G networks, offers high availability, security, and ultra-fast response times, introducing a new dimension to Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) by enabling haptic and tactile sensations. In conjunction with the emerging 5G and 6G mobile communication networks, the Tactile Internet, fueled by Digital Twins, can serve as a backbone for latency reduction. This synergy is particularly valuable for ultra-reliable low-latency applications such as Smart and Digital Manufacturing, ushering in an era of enhanced performance and efficiency.

6.

Rim BENNOUNE

CIFRE PhD student, the Laboratoire Universitaire de Recherche

en Production Automatisée (LURPA) and the Laboratoire National de Métrologie et d’Essais (LNE) (France)

Title: Enhancing Cylindricity Evaluation in Dimensional Metrology through Digital Twin

Abstract 

Nanocyl is a cylindricity-measuring machine that applies the Dissociated Metrology Technique (DMT), achieving a measurement uncertainty lower than 40 nm. The objective of this research is to achieve lower uncertainty based on NanocylTwin, the digital twin of Nanocyl which is designed to meet this goal. The initial phase involves applying the ISO 23247 standard to map NanocylTwin requirements, identify and categorize each entity within the digital twin environment. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive and effective approach for NanocylTwin development and implementation, paving the way for significant advancements in dimensional metrology.