Implementation of Digital Twin and Real Production System to Address Actual and Future Challenges in Assembly Technology

Abstract

Increasing volatility in manufacturing and rising sustainability requirements demand more efficient processes in production, especially in employee qualification and engineering during development and on-site adjustments before and after the start of production. One possible solution is using digital twins for virtual commissioning, which can speed up engineering processes, qualify employees, and save valuable resources. To solve these challenges, it is necessary to identify promising approaches for using the digital twin and virtual commissioning. Furthermore, creating an environment where these approaches can be optimally explored is essential. This paper presents promising research approaches and demonstrates the development of an assembly process and a production system with a digital twin designed to explore these aspects. The presented system is an interlinked production system for assembling an actual industrial product. It includes different levels of human–robot interaction and automation, which can be implemented virtually in the digital twin.