Modeling and Implementation of a 5G-Enabled Digital Twin of a Machine Tool Based on Physics Simulation

Abstract

AbstractThe cellular network standard 5G meets the networking requirements for different industrial use cases due to the advantages of low latency, high bandwidth, and high device density while providing a very good quality of service. These capabilities enable the realization of wireless digital twins (DTs), a key element of future cyber-physical production systems. DTs for prediction, monitoring, and control of machine tools need physical modeling as well as the bidirectional exchange of information between the digital and the physical world. 5G is a wireless communication technology with the potential to disruptively change industrial communication. 5G enables wireless, highly scalable, and flexible realization of even safety- and latency-critical connections. In this paper, a 5G enabled DT of a machine tool for process control, monitoring and simulation is developed and implemented. A bidirectional communication between the physical machine tool and the DT is realized via 5G. Moreover, process prediction is enabled based on physics simulation. Next to the physical modeling of the machine behavior, a 5G-capable interface between the input and output signals of the machine control system and the developed DT is implemented. Moreover, the DT is migrated in a wireless form to an edge server. Furthermore, the capabilities of the DT are demonstrated. Therefore, the architecture and implementation of the DT as well as its benefits and challenges are outlined.