Digital twins at work: In-depth use calls for uniform data standards

Digital twins are finding increasing use in automation as virtual images of objects. HARTING is supporting these activities by providing a multi-layered database for its connection technology. In order for the model to become established, standards for the complete digital mapping of the interface and environment are being defined together with the company’s partners.

First and foremost, digital twins are a means of mastering complexity and boosting efficiency: Through data-based specification and allocation, and through standards for the structuring of properties, characteristics and parameters, they enable dynamic mappings of objects. At the same time, digital twins enable simulations that model the interaction of functions in machines and plants in order to observe, analyse and predict them.

For HARTING, the real and substantial benefits of digital twins can be aptly explained taking the example of control cabinet construction. In the past, development work here consisted primarily of drawing circuit diagrams. A plan, parts list and, if necessary, a drawing were considered sufficient foundation for the construction. In this procedure, the processes were prone to errors, not least because the control cabinet models were often ambiguous. What’s more, the execution was also reserved for highly qualified specialists, as many decisions had to be made only during the assembly.

Things are very different today: Software enables the modelling of the design and construction of control cabinets in advance – making planning more efficient while eliminating errors. Extensive, in-depth descriptions increase the degree of automation. With the help of digital twins, control cabinet wiring can be almost entirely automated. There is no need for the input involved in laying out minimum distances, cabling spaces or the degree of filling. The corresponding requirements are met automatically, because the components themselves know their functions and what they require – as well as how they are linked together. A study at the University of Stuttgart confirms that assembly time in control cabinet construction can be reduced by up to 90% thanks to digital twins and pre-assembly.

Manufacturers are playing an important role in creating digital twins. They need to document their products in such a way that they can be adapted into more comprehensive twins without effort. To date, however, the corresponding formats have mostly been proprietary. The scope is limited to one system or assembly. At present, there is no continuity between the disciplines, or this can only be achieved and operated with a great deal of effort.

An asset administration shell based on the International Digital Twin Association (IDTA) standard represents a promising approach. Here, an interoperable digital twin is established that small and medium-sized enterprises could also use with manageable effort. HARTING is actively involved in shaping and designing this standard: The aim is for the digital twin to advance to become the standard tool for design and development in industry.

* Source: Institute for Control Engineering and Machine Tools, Circuit Diagram 4.0, University of Stuttgart 2017