Digital Twins on Multi-Purpose Robotic Cell with Visual Components Simulation Software

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates how a Digital Twin (DT) can be realized using Visual Components, either through direct connection to a robot controller or via Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) software, to enable a more beneficial solution. A methodology on how to approach a DT implementation is proposed, integrating both the virtual and physical commissioning. Details include how to design a robot cell and a process in Visual Components, and how to pair data from sensors in the physical world to the simulation. The study also identifies key challenges of DT implementation in commercial contexts, such as cybersecurity and IIoT platform integration. Finally, the use of IIoT platforms Ignition and HighByte is explored, highlighting their respective challenges in DT development.