Digital twin supports planning in intralogistics

The degree of automation increases the complexity in warehouse planning and in the implementation of logistics projects. Uni technology relies on the digital twin of the for planning security and shortening the implementation phase Intralogistiksystems. Depending on the project phase, the system integrator uses different forms of representation, from the tangible virtual reality model to the dynamic material flow map.

Until a few years ago, the rebuilding of logistics sites regularly resulted in downtime and machine downtime. Using modern emulation methods, the approach to software development has changed fundamentally: "As soon as the layout is complete and the trades are selected, we start with the emulation," says Ingolf Mix, IT consulting and sales at Unitechnik Systems GmbH. "Every little function and every interface will be checked in advance against the digital twin."

The "Uniware" emulator maps the entire control technology and the interfaces of all connected systems. He even simulates the behavior of the people who work on the system. This digital image of the real environment is an ideal test platform for the warehouse management system Uniware. Optimization of the programming can thus be implemented before the actual commissioning. The emulation of the material flow system grows with each partial programming and finally represents a complete digital twin of the system.

Application at Turck

For example, a complex conversion without plant downtime had to be carried out for the customer Turck. "Among other things, we completely restructured the material flow and integrated two new warehouses. Thanks to high software quality, the conversion of the real system could only be realized on a long weekend, "says Ingolf Mix.

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Another type of digital twin is used in the sales or planning phase of a Unitechnik project. By means of Virtual Reality (VR), customers are already in their new logistics center long before they can be realized. The VR model from the 3D design drawing of the new logistics system allows for a better estimation of reach heights, arrangements and spacing of the individual elements. The model can do a lot more:

Application case with Claas

The workstations can be replicated so that employees virtually pick at their future workstation. "For the customer Claas, for example, it was crucial how the workstations are integrated into the automatic system," says the IT consultant. "In presentations with the employees, they provided valuable information on how to arrange the workstations better." By using the digital twin, it is possible to exclude potential risks for employees at an early stage and to improve the ergonomics of their workplaces.

Managing Director Ralf Lüning in the apron of the Logimat