Digital Twins for Manufacturing Using UML and Behavioral Specifications

Abstract

Using digital twins, physical manufacturing objects can be virtualized and represented as digital models which are seamlessly integrated in both the physical and the digital space. This allows to simulate, verify and optimize production systems, from the logistical aspects to the manufacturing process and the involved components. A key challenge, in this area, is how to describe digital twins in complex manufacturing systems such that all physical details, processes, and verification needs are modeled at an appropriate and efficient abstraction level, e.g., modeling and detecting divers faults in production processes. To address this challenge, in this paper we present our work on modeling digital twins of manufacturing facilities using UML. UML class diagrams are used to describe static dependencies between entities, as well as to monitor and analyze the dynamic verification and quality aspects of manufacturing such as fault detection and consistency checks. Utilizing the key relevant features of UML in our approach, the designed class diagrams are used and enriched with behavioral models serving as digital twins which can be updated by live data from the manufacturing plant. We present a small example based on simulation programs and a demonstrator. The presented modeling approach and example provide useful insights to UML-based design of digital twins in complex manufacturing systems.

Digital Twin-Assisted Controlling of AGVs in Flexible Manufacturing Environments

“…These can serve as a kind of Digital Twin, especially during development time [15]. In [5], we have shown the benefits of using UML class diagrams for modelling Digital Twins in flexible manufacturing environments. This paper uses a UML class diagram to show the big picture of the generated Digital Twin and its connection to the available neighboring systems.…”

“…As mentioned above, it is possible to implement some added-value services in Digital Twins in order to benefit more from the system [5]. Added-value services can improve the efficiency of systems and reduce the malfunction probability and safety risks.…”

“…It is assumed that the first step has been performed or that we can receive required information for this step in a proper format. We carried out steps 2 and 3 for the conveyor belt system in our last works [4], [5]. The goal of this paper is to cover these two steps again for the AGVs on the factory floor.…”

Exploring the nexus of RFID and industry 4.0: Bibliometric analysis to investigate the strategic themes and thematic evolution

“…Moreover, (Konecka, et al, 2020) proposed using RFID application for smart manufacturing and to monitor industrial processes. (Azangoo, Taherkordi & Olaf-Blech, 2020) defines "AUTOMATION" as a way to control manufacturer plants using automation systems of production. Furthermore, the RFID can support automation as a tracking support.…”

Challenges in Application of Petri Nets in Manufacturing Systems

“…There are also multiple tools that support system modelling [14], such as Yasper [15], CPN Tools [16], PIPE2 [17], GPenSIM [18], or IOPT-tools [19], to name just a few. Certain models and modelling languages used for manufacturing systems and posing similar challenges have been known for a long time but are still actual and present in the recent literature, including Grafcet [20], Business Process Model and Notation (BMPN) [21], Unified Modelling Language (UML) [22], Systems Modelling Language (SysML) [23], max-plus algebra [24], or Markov models [25]. Petri nets, as a general-purpose mathematical tool used in discrete event systems of different kinds, cover a well-established knowledge base arising from various application areas.…”