AGV and Digital Twin: Enhancing Logistics Efficiency

AGV and Digital Twin: Enhancing LogisticsEfficiency

Introduction: In response to the nationalstrategic task of transitioning from a manufacturing powerhouse to amanufacturing powerhouse, the emphasis has been placed on accelerating the deepintegration of new-generation information technology with manufacturing,promoting intelligent manufacturing, and strengthening the research andapplication of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). In recent years, the concept ofDigital Twin has almost replaced CPS. This article presents the author's simpleunderstanding of Digital Twin and explores its application in AGV systems.

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) is anunmanned transportation device capable of autonomous navigation indoors oroutdoors according to preset programs or navigation systems, performing varioushandling tasks. With the development of automation and information technology,AGVs have been widely used in industries such as manufacturing, logistics,pharmaceuticals, and food, undertaking tasks such as material handling,production line docking, and warehouse management.

Digital Twin is the creation of a digitalmirror model of physical objects, systems, or processes throughout theirlifecycle in a virtual environment. This model reflects the state, behavior,and performance of physical objects and can simulate various applicationscenarios and perform predictive analysis, optimization design, and remotemonitoring through real-time data interaction.

When AGV is combined with Digital Twin,specific applications manifest in several aspects:

Design Phase: Digital Twin technology canassist engineers in constructing a virtual model of AGV during the initialdesign stage, simulating its operating state and performance in differentenvironments, optimizing mechanical structures, navigation algorithms, andenergy consumption parameters.

Virtual Debugging and Testing: The controlsystem and operating logic of AGV can be pre-tested in a Digital Twinenvironment, significantly reducing issues and costs during actual deployment.

Operational Optimization: Utilizing DigitalTwin technology, AGV behavior in complex logistics systems such as pathplanning, task scheduling, and obstacle avoidance strategies can be simulated,optimizing overall material handling efficiency and resource utilization.

Real-time Monitoring and Maintenance:Real-time operation data of AGV can be fed back to the Digital Twin model. WhenAGV experiences faults or requires maintenance, the system can provide earlywarnings based on the Digital Twin model, guiding maintenance personnel inprecise and rapid fault diagnosis and repair.

On-site Dynamic Adjustment: In theproduction process, if unexpected situations arise (such as temporary increasesin demand on a production line or equipment failures), the Digital Twin systemcan recalculate the optimal AGV scheduling strategy based on real-time changes,dynamically adjusting AGV's operating paths and task assignments.

Therefore, Digital Twin technology plays acrucial role in enhancing the intelligence level of AGV, enhancing itsadaptability in complex environments, and improving the lean management levelof the entire production logistics system.