Abstract
In the last decade, Australian SMEs are steadily becoming more digitally engaged, but they still face issues and barriers to fully adopt Industry 4.0 (I4.0). Among the tools that I4.0 encompasses, digital twin (DT) and digital thread (DTH) technologies hold significant interest and value. Some of the challenges are the lack of expertise in developing the communication framework required for data collection, processing, and storing; concerns about data and cyber security; lack of knowledge of the digitization and visualisation of data; and value generation for businesses from the data. This article aims to demonstrate the feasibility of DT implementation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by developing a framework based on simple and low-cost solutions and providing insight and guidance to overcome technological barriers. To do so, this paper first outlines the theoretical framework and its components, and subsequently discusses a simplified and generalised DT model of a real-world physical asset that demonstrates how these components function, how they are integrated and how they interact with each other. An experimental scenario is presented to transform data harvested from a resistance temperature detector sensor connected with a WAGO 750-8102 Programmable Logic Controller for data storage and analysis, predictive simulation and modelling. Our results demonstrate that sensor data could be readily integrated from Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and enabling DT technologies, where users could view real time data and key performance indicators (KPIs) in the form of a 3D model. Data from both the sensor and 3D model are viewable in a comprehensive history log through a database. Via this technological demonstration, we provide several recommendations on software, hardware, and expertise that SMEs may adopt to assist with their DT implementations.
Highlights
Our experiment aimed to simulate the rotational motion of the physical servo, driven by temperature readings from the resistance temperature detector (RTD) sensor, mirroring the actions of the physical servo
The experiment with a servo motor scenario described previously provided an overview of the key technologies on a small, but realistic scale for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to embrace the concept of digital twin (DT) and digital thread (DTH)
We considered two main aspects, namely communication framework and digital transformation, of the implementation principles to facilitate the transfer of knowledge from research to industry
Summary
Devices and enabling DT technologies, where users could view real time data and key performance indicators (KPIs) in the form of a 3D model Data from both the sensor and 3D model are viewable in a comprehensive history log through a database. The sectors referred to in this article are those largely related, but not limited, to engineering and manufacturing Major companies such as Tesla, General Electric, Siemens, etc., have adapted the concepts of I4.0 by integrating physical production and operation with digital twin (DT) model and smart technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data to ensure better connectivity and continuity of workflow to improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.