Digital-Twin-Assisted Optimization of Intelligent Manufacturing Flexible Production Line with Automated Guided Vehicle

Automated guided vehicle (AGV) is an important transportation equipment for intelligent manufacturing flexible production line (FPL). In the field of FPL layout optimization, the research concerning AGV mostly focuses on its route planning algorithms. However, when interacting with other equipment, the high-fidelity model used to describe the behavior and rule of AGV affects the optimization reliability, which is a practical and important but missing aspect. Based on the idea of Digital-Twin (DT), this paper proposes an AGV DT model construction method for the FPL simulation system. By designing geometric, behavioral and rule parts, the AGV DT model is able to precisely describe the interaction of the AGV with other equipment during the actual production process from multiple dimensions. This addresses the lack of AGV production behavior modeling in previous optimization. Using the AGV DT model, this paper establishes an FPL workpiece transportation simulation system mirroring an actual production line and provides a reference for the layout optimization of FPL. The verification results reveal the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed AGV DT assisted optimization method.