Virtual Factory: Digital Twin Based Integrated Factory Simulations

摘要

The co-evolution problem, which is known as the concurrent evolution of products, processes and production systems, along with increased complexity and shorter manufacturing operation lifecycles, makes modelling, simulation and evaluation of such operations challenging activities for industry players. This paper presents the concept of a digital twin-based virtual factory (VF) and its architecture to support modelling, simulation and evaluation of manufacturing systems while employing multi-user (collaborative and coordinated) virtual reality (VR) learning/training scenarios. This paper also addresses how digital twin-based virtual factory can support factory lifecycle processes by demonstrating the concept in a wind turbine manufacturing plant, including preliminary evaluation by industry experts.