DigiTWOP (Multi-level Digital Twin based Warehouse Optimisation)
The Dutch population is growing rapidly. Concurrently, urbanization is increasing, intensifying the demand for accelerated logistics and highlighting labour market constraints. Innovations in warehouse automation and digitization can enhance efficiency and reduce manual labour. Currently, warehousing robotics are optimised locally through digital twins (DTs), which model the robots and their immediate environment but fail to consider the entire process due to complexity.
The objective of this consortium (TU/e, Smart Robotics, GXO Logistics and Atlas4) is to develop a digital twin which mimics how an entire warehouse works, and which can be integrated into Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). This digital twin will be able to orchestrate and optimise operations that include robots and human operators, leading to increased operational efficiency, as well as improved human operator productivity rate. The digital twin based optimisation of warehouses forms a solution for the problems of the tight labour market and scarcity of space, which is in line with the Knowledge and Innovation Agenda 2024-2027 of Top Sector Logistics. Moreover, through collaboration between a knowledge institution and companies from the logistics sector, this project contributes to more flexible, resilient and inclusive warehouses, thereby contributing to economic growth.
In order to develop the DT model, the consortium will first research the input parameters and required hardware components. Then, research will be conducted into the setup of the low and high level digital twin, after which the digital twin is integrated into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This digital twin MVP will be tested in a warehouse environment.
So, this project will result in a multi-level digital twin software MVP that is tested in a warehouse setting, reaching TRL 5 at the end of the project. The success of the project will be measured based on the level the MVP will improve warehouse efficiency.
This project is innovative because it aims to develop a digital twin model that encompasses the entire warehouse, unlike current digital twins that focus on local optimisation of robotics. This holistic approach allows for the optimisation of the entire warehouse operation, which is currently out of scope due to high complexity. Moreover, the project will push the boundaries of warehouse automation by integrating multiple robotic systems and human operators within a unified framework. This approach will enable the efficient execution of complex, multi-step processes that currently rely heavily on manual intervention.
The partners want to disseminate the knowledge that is gathered during this project within the research community as well as within the logistical sector. The obtained knowledge will be shared with the world using multiple events, such as conferences, media publications and sector events.
This project will lead to the realisation of software prototype, tested in a relevant environment (TRL 5). For the actual implementation of the digital twin, the model needs to progress to TLR 9, which involves extensive testing, integration, refinement and operational validation. Following this approach in the future, it will become possible to navigate the complexities of warehouse automation and to deliver a solution that meets the demands of a rapidly growing and urbanizing population.
