Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPTResearch project "DZ.NRW"
Providing companies, research institutions, and educational organizations with easy and interactive access to digital twin technology – that is the goal of the Kompetenzzentrum Digitaler Zwilling.NRW. This is to be achieved through newly designed CAx workstations with seamless job transfers to CNC machines, training facilities with real CNC controls, data acquisition tools, and cloud systems for process simulation and monitoring.
With the Kompetenzzentrum Digitaler Zwilling.NRW, Fraunhofer IPT, together with four research partners and nine associated partners from industry, business, and education, is building a state-of-the-art infrastructure. It includes a wide range of IIoT technologies, both within the real manufacturing and research environments of Fraunhofer IPT and the MTI at RWTH Aachen, as well as within a jointly networked virtual data space of cloud systems, interconnected software, and corresponding platforms.
Making the digital twin tangible and understandable
Interactive learning stations, where users can interact with digital twins of real components and manufacturing processes, as well as application-related scenarios and simulations, enable learners to learn more about production and the technologies behind the digital twin.
Manufacturing companies and research institutions, schools, and continuing education providers will benefit from easier access to this key technology and be able to draw on the expertise of the competence center.
Together with the MTI at RWTH Aachen University, project partners gemineers GmbH and Module Works, and the Nachwuchsstiftung Maschinenbau gGmbH, the first step will be to set up the necessary equipment, systems, and tools. These include, for example
- CAx workstations connected to physical process simulations such as Fraunhofer IPT’s digitalization framework "dPart", along with seamless job transfer to CNC machines,
- Training facilities equipped with real CNC controls, supported by the "VisualTwin" from project partner ModuleWorks, as well as collision avoidance systems (CAS),
- Tool data management systems, as well as
- high-frequency data acquisition solutions for monitoring manufacturing processes.
To process this highly complex technical data, cloud systems and modular container applications are employed, providing users with a comprehensive perspective on the digital twins.
Construction of a physically and virtually navigable "Digital Twin Factory"
At the core of the project is the development of a physically and virtually navigable "Digital Twin Factory", where real process data from manufacturing equipment is captured, analyzed, and used for digital applications such as simulations or assistance systems. This environment is complemented by a digital learning platform that provides location- and time-independent access to training content and virtual equipment.
The project follows an application-oriented approach by linking the physical machine infrastructure with digital models, data platforms, and virtual training environments. This creates a setting in which industrial processes can be represented, tracked, and further developed in real time. The combination of demonstration, research, and education aims to facilitate access to digital twins, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as educational institutions.
Incubator concept for data management in industry and research
A central element of the project is the establishment of two specialized incubators: At Fraunhofer IPT, the Industrial Data Management Incubator is being created, focusing on the integration of real manufacturing processes, sensor technology, data acquisition, and digital process mapping. At the Manufacturing Technology Institute – MTI of RWTH Aachen, a Research Data Management Incubator is being set up, which concentrates on the structured preparation and provision of research data. Additionally, the Nachwuchsstiftung Maschinenbau is developing an eLearning platform that offers standardized learning content.
Fraunhofer IPT takes on key responsibilities for the technical implementation. These include the setup and operation of the Industrial Data Management Incubator, including the selection of suitable machines, sensors, and interfaces. Furthermore, the institute develops interactive training materials for the learning platform, supports the design of digital demonstrators, and participates in the sustainable implementation of project results. In the long term, a permanent operation of the competence center is to be ensured. A research advisory board strategically accompanies the project and ensures its continuity beyond the project duration.
Project consortium
Project coordinator
ModuleWorks GmbH
Project partners
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT
- Manufacturing Technology Institute – MTI der RWTH Aachen
- gemineers GmbH
- Nachwuchsstiftung Maschinenbau gGmbH
Associated partners
- Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau VDMA
- Verein Deutscher Werkzeugmaschinenfabriken VDW
- IG Metall
- Gemeinschaftsinitiative "Zukunft durch Innovation" (zdi.NRW)
- Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK) Aachen
- DMG Mori Academy
- Cluster ProduktionNRW
- Aachen Building Experts
Funding
The “DZ.NRW” research project is funded by the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the EFRE/JTF Programme NRW 2021–2027.
Funding reference: EFRE-20500044
Project sponsor: Bezirksregierung Köln