Whether in the development of new machines, the production of a plant or in customer support by service staff: The areas of application of digital twins affect more and more areas in the company itself, but also in its environment. In general, a digital twin is understood to be the virtual representation of a physical object that reflects its properties and behaviour at all times. Even if this provides an initial indication of what a digital twin is, the lack of a uniform definition makes it difficult to imagine what a digital twin looks like, what benefits are associated with it – and why HUBER is concerned with it.
Abstract representation of a digital twin
To understand the abstract representation of the dimensions of a digital twin (see diagram), it is helpful to look at the path of a machine from development to operation outlined above: In each of the stages, data is created that belongs to a product and can be assigned to its digital twin. For example, during the development of a machine, 3D models, drawings, simulation data and parts lists are created first and foremost, while in the production phase the focus is on data such as NC programmes, work and time planning or the tools used. All this data is not a recent development, but has been created since the use of software programmes in the industrial environment.
In addition to the data presented, which is mainly generated and used within the company itself, there is also data that is provided to the customer. This includes information about spare parts or instructions on how to operate the machine. From the time the machine is installed at the customer's site, no new data is added to the digital twin, with the exception of service reports. This is now changing due to the advancing digital transformation. With the help of IoT technology (Internet of Things), it is possible to collect and use data from the machine in real time during operation.
Advantages of digital twins for the customer and why HUBER is dealing with this
The collected data enables HUBER and the operator to predict in the future when the ideal time for maintenance is, in order to avoid unplanned downtimes. Furthermore, the performance of the machine can be optimised by adapting the parameters precisely to the prevailing conditions, thus supporting the operators in operating the plant efficiently. This is not only done on the basis of the implicit knowledge of the HUBER experts, but will also be calculated in the form of simulations in the future.
HUBER machines tuned to the point
In addition to these direct added values, customers also benefit from the efficient further development of HUBER machines, as more and more data is available for this process. By using the insights gained from analysing the data during development, HUBER machines can be precisely matched to the existing challenges already during this phase, so that the cycle of data, information and knowledge is closed.
HUBER Cloud Solution HCS: maximising customer benefits from HUBER machines
A digital twin has not only one dimension, but several. The example presented shows the typical case for HUBER of a machine and its digital twin, around which an ecosystem with digital services is developed. The digital twin provides the basic framework for this. The more data it contains, the more efficiently a machine can be used. And this is exactly where HUBER Cloud Solution HCS comes in: collecting and analysing data to maximise the performance of HUBER machines during the operating phase – and as a basis for their permanent further development.
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”In general, a digital twin is understood to be the virtual representation of a physical object that reflects its properties and behaviour at all times.”
(Source: Researchgate)
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