Digital Twins for Online Training of Automation Techniques: The International Conference on E-Learning in the Workplace 2020

Abstract

Experimental laboratories for automation training represent a big investment. The reason for huge investment are the high cost for different multiple devices inside of automation solution and the cost for extensive engineering. Beside of the costs, usually, the number of working stations does not fit the required number of the students, which must be trained. In this case, the same exercises have to be repeated several times. E-learning laboratories are a very cost-effective solution in order to face those problems. This paper describes how this objective can be achieved, by implementation of a WBT server (WBT - Web-Based Training server) and OPC server architecture. The idea behind a remote laboratory is to use the web technologies and internet as the communication infrastructure in order to perform experimental part of education with programmable automation devices. For practical exercises a digital 3D twin of a machine has been created, using NX CAD software. Through a developed OPC interface students can practice programming tasks of a PLC on a virtual CAD model. Different models are stored on the WBT server and can be accessed by students from any location via Internet services. Students do not have to be present at the real machine but can practice their programming tasks from anywhere on virtual models