Using automationML to generate digital twins of tooling machines for the purpose of developing energy efficient production systems

Abstract

The development of energy efficient production systems such as machine tools is a complex process. All specialised departments must work interdisciplinary during the design process in order to achieve an optimal result. In addition to the mechanical aspects, e.g., lightweight construction, the optimization of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programs of tooling machines plays an increasingly important role. By optimizing the programs in terms of energy efficiency, the energy consumption of a machine can be significantly reduced. However, energy consumption depends on many parameters, so the optimization process is complex and a matter of all engineering disciplines working together. By using Digital Twins of tooling machines, simulations can be used to perform many parameter studies for optimizing energy consumption. However, the generation of Digital Twins of production systems is very expensive if they are to represent all relevant features of a production system. Through an IT system of networked software programs and using AutomationML as a special data interface these Digital Twins of machine tools can be generated automatically. The article describes the structure and function of this IT system and how it will be efficient within all involved engineering disciplines.