Applying Digital Twin Technology in Higher Education: An Automation Line Case Study

Abstract

Production systems are being expanded to include Digital Twins (DTs) as part of increased industrial digitalization. DTs can bring benefits e.g., increase visibility, safety, and accessibility of the system. Further, digital experimentation can reduce time and cost. Though, application of DT technologies involves challenges i.e., model accuracy or errors in transferring data or codes between the DT and the physical twin. Many studies on DTs focus on industrial applications. However, DT technology has potential for implementation of digital labs in education. This aspect of DTs is of rising importance as distance education has increased over the last decade and access to physical laboratories can be restricted due to factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, there is a need to study the use of DT technology in higher education. To address this, we investigate possibilities and challenges of applying DT technology in education to conduct industrial-like labs virtually. A case of an automation line, with full scale industrial equipment, based at a research center, is focused. Results emphasize that the application of DT technologies require multi-domain expertise to understand the consequences of every single decision in the design process on every piece of equipment involved, making the modelling process complex and time consuming. Thus, when applied in education, test procedures need to be designed to focus on students’ motivation, improved learning and understanding of production systems. DTs are considered enabling technologies supporting the concept of Industry 5.0, thus stressing the human-centric aspects of advancing Industry 4.0. The predicted application of DTs emphasizes the need for educational curricula that include laboratory applications and theoretic understanding of DT technologies. This study focusses the application of DT technologies in higher education curricula, but the result of the study can contribute to other areas such as automation and virtual commissioning towards smarter manufacturing.

Virtual Commissioning During the Manufacturing Equipment Procurement Process: From an Industrial Expert Point of View

“…Thus, it is important to involve employee experts, users, i.e., operators as well as manufacturing engineers and operations managers when introducing new technology and changing work processes. It is vital to, in parallel with the technical aspects consider human-centric aspects [10] e.g., communication, management, organizational culture, employee mindset [12,13] and competence development [11,15]. Thus, emphasizing holistic perspectives, of an organization to understand challenges through employees' perspectives of technology advancement, is necessary.…”

“…The typical lessons learned are that it requires well developed working procedures, discipline, clear roles and related [4,5]. Further, the use of VC requires employees to acquire new competencies [15] as well acquisition of a set of powerful tools which comes at a relatively high cost. In more recent years there is some progress as many new software with specialized functions to support the development and use of digital twin concepts and various "digital test beds" have emerged.…”

Synopsis of Industry 5.0 Paradigm for Human-Robot Collaboration

“…A unique aspect of robotics is the advancement of DTs, high-fidelity, simulated representations that communicate in real time [42,47]. These systems and simulation models optimize production and conduct safety tests [48]. DTs also promise to mitigate educational disparities by facilitating remote learning and training opportunities [49], potentially integrating into educational systems [48].…”

“…These systems and simulation models optimize production and conduct safety tests [48]. DTs also promise to mitigate educational disparities by facilitating remote learning and training opportunities [49], potentially integrating into educational systems [48]. Interactive productive systems with robots further create learning environments [50].…”

Using digital twins in education from an innovative perspective: Potential and application areas

“…Some definitions are more prominent in academia and the industry. However, the basic tenet is that digital twins are virtual representations designed to interact with physical objects through their lifecycles to provide intelligence for prediction, evaluation, and optimization (Eriksson et al, 2022). Two models of digital twins exist: the three and the five-dimensional digital twins.…”