Fontys reveals digital twins for SMEs with Digital Twin Academy

19 October 2021

Digital twins are creating a revolution in manufacturing. They make it possible to produce more efficiently, offer better maintenance and service, and take preventative action. The technology exists, and research into how it can be applied professionally is in full swing. Fontys University of Applied Sciences collaborates on this as a research partner in the international partnership Digital Twin Academy. This is carried out in the form of the EU Region Maas-Rijn (EMR) project. The goal is to discover new knowledge and applications of digital twins for small to medium-sized companies (SME). SPARC is the co-financier of the subsidy application for the project.

What are Digital Twins?

Simulations and virtual reality applications have already been used for some time in the design and maintenance of systems. Digital twins are the next step in Smart Industry/Industry 4.0. Digital reproductions are made which can also be linked to the physical project in real-time. So, when your physical project changes, so does the twin. Teade Punter, High Tech Embedded Software lecturer, together with Fontys research coordinator Tom Langhorst explain: “Many companies in the Brainport region are busy with digital twins. The machine industry has a need for a representation that, for example, makes it possible for several people to work on a product at the same time. What we are researching now is to find out how we can develop and apply such a digital twin as smartly as possible. Twinning is an investment, so how can you, for example, collect data for a twin easily and properly. In this project, we are also examining how we can make this accessible for smaller companies. Besides the supply of functioning digital twins, sharing knowledge is also a key component.

PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE & WORKING REMOTELY

Punter sees many reasons for developing digital twins. A digital twin can help predict problems, test new systems, but can also be used if a machine is already in use: "An example is a machine manufacturer in the Netherlands who, for example, also supplies bread making machines in Istanbul. These kinds of machines also require some support. With a digital twin, an operator from the company in the Netherlands can clearly see when problems occur with one of its machines in Istanbul. You can also start collecting data and recognise patterns to predict and prevent wear and tear of parts so that you can replace these in a timely fashion. AI helps to find the patterns so that you can carry out predictive maintenance." The possibility of offering remote service can be interesting for both big players and SME organisations. Maintenance can be better informed and more efficiently carried out, and this is overall more sustainable because less travelling will be needed.

STRENGTHENING THE MAAS-RIJN EU REGION WITH THE DIGITAL TWIN ACADEMY

Education and industry partners from the EU Region with South Limburg and North Brabant are involved in the project. Together, the goal is to unlock the technology and share knowledge. Punter: "It's about including those smaller firms that are not yet capable of building digital twins. Interreg sees potential in digital twins for businesses in this EU region. That is why collaboration is essential and Brainport (North Brabant) and Brightlands (South Limburg) are prime examples of this. Punter: “These days, it is vital for businesses and schools to work together to develop the technology and explore how it can be applied. That is precisely what we are doing with this project. We are carrying out several case studies to examine the application of digital twins and establish practical guidelines. We are also organising webinars for training development and knowledge sessions for the business community. This closely correlates with our own work method in which we translate practical issues from industry and research into educational programmes. By learning on the job, you can prevent falling behind."

BROAD APPLICATION OF DIGITAL TWINS

As University of Applied Sciences, Fontys focuses on the application issues of digital twins. Three lecturers from Fontys University of Applied Sciences are working on this project along with two lecturers from the Fontys Institutes of Engineering and Transport & Logistics (Fontys Venlo). The following test cases have been initiated:

  • Smart Industry Twin – a digital twin to connect mobile and robot arms to assembly systems to show businesses the potential of smart industry.
  • Digital City Twin – a digital twin (in the Eindhoven and Parkstad regions) to enhance the biodiversity in urban environments.
  • Robot4Care – together with Catharina Hospital, we have already developed a simulation environment that functioned well as a test environment for developers during the pandemic. The digital twin is intended to help advance the interaction between man and robot.
  • Virtual Plant Twin – The application of digital twins in horticulture will help monitor plant growth and predict harvest times.

The biggest test case is the Smart Industry Twin. Fontys Engineering developed a test rig for this, that together with Fontys University of Applied Sciences, will be turned into a digital twin. Punter: “We are using a conveyor belt that moves various objects similar to a production process. We believe this rig will be an interesting showcase for the SME."

The research project is expected to run through August 2023. The case study and the educational development are being carried out simultaneously. It is an ambitious project, which can really make a big impact, explains Punter: "It can mean a lot for the SME and the region as whole. Application guidelines for the digital twins and clear examples will be provided. And, thanks to this partnership, research, application and education come together in a meaningful way."

SPARC is looking forward to the results of this project with great anticipation.