On the pulse of time

For virtual commissioning, machine manufacturers need reliable and accurate models of all components used in the systems. Handling specialist Afag has recognised this and is working on digital twins of its products. An initial demonstration system shows the advantages of the new technology

The first smart gripper SGE-40-P-IOL picks up a red pawn and moves it to a new field. Its counterpart, a second gripper from this series, then precisely places a blue piece. All movements of the Afag components can be tracked in parallel on a monitor. "This is not just a simulation of the moves," says Klaus Bott, CTO of the Afag Group, explaining the pilot project. "The control software reproduces the actual movements of the system in the virtual world." This is made possible by digital twins of all the modules used. "Our project partners, the software manufacturers Cadenas and ISG, have expanded the three-dimensional CAD data already available in the Cadenas database to include the actual technical properties, so-called behavioural models. This creates a true-to-life image of the movements," Bott explains.

But why all this effort? With this pilot project, Afag wants to show the possibilities and demonstrate that its developments are in tune with the times. "The past few years have made it clear - the ability to commission systems virtually and remotely is becoming increasingly important for machine manufacturers," explains the CTO. The basis for this are digital twins, so to speak 4D models of all components used, which map their behaviour as realistically as possible. The aim is for users to be able to download these behavioural models easily and conveniently from the ISG Twinstore and integrate them into their simulation software. This will enable them to design their virtual commissioning as realistically as possible.

There is still a long way to go - neither the data format nor the administration shell (AAS) are currently standardised throughout the industry. "But I'm confident that a solution will be found soon. In any case, we are supporting the development flexibly and within the scope of our possibilities," says Bott. "We want to offer digital twins of our entire product range in two or three years' time."