Web-based human-robot collaboration digital twin management and control system

Abstract

Human-robot collaboration presents a promising application in customized production. The utilization of digital twin technology, an advanced form of virtual reality interaction, is pivotal in augmenting the capabilities of human-robot collaboration by enhancing perception and interaction dynamics. Human-robot collaboration digital twins have been proposed to create collaboration strategies, simulate collaborative processes, and guarantee individual safety. Nevertheless, there remain obstacles in the implementation of digital twins within human-robot collaboration. One notable challenge involves developing a user-friendly and easily accessible digital twin management and control system that is well-suited for human-robot collaboration. The human-robot collaboration digital twin is a sophisticated system that encompasses both physical and virtual environments. Effectively managing diverse resources within this system, devising collaboration strategies, and overseeing the collaboration process is essential for the standardized utilization of digital twins in human-robot collaboration. In response to the specific requirements of digital twins in this context, a web-based system has been conceptualized and implemented for managing and controlling human-robot collaboration digital twins. The system is structured based on the browser/server architecture model. Its functional design is implemented through a modular approach. The server-side database management system chosen is MySQL, while the programming and development of the control system are carried out using the Microsoft.Net Framework 4.8 on the Visual Studio 2022 platform. The system’s functional modules are exemplified through a case study on human-robot collaborative assembly. The findings of this study offer insights that can guide the standardized management and application of digital twins within the realm of human-robot collaboration.