journal article·2025-03-06Open access

Development and Validation of Digital Twin Behavioural Model for Virtual Commissioning of Cyber-Physical System

Roman Ruzarovsky, Tibor Horak, Roman Zelník, Richard Skypala, Martin Csekei, Ján Šido, Eduard Nemlaha, Michal Kopcek

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 5

Abstract

Modern manufacturing systems are influenced by the growing complexity of mechatronics, control systems, IIoT, and communication technologies integrated into cyber-physical systems. These systems demand flexibility, modularity, and rapid project execution, making digital tools critical for their design. Virtual commissioning, based on digital twins, enables the testing and validation of control systems and designs in virtual environments, reducing risks and accelerating time-to-market. This research explores the development of digital twin models to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world validation. The models identify design flaws, validate the PLC control code, and ensure interoperability across software platforms. A case study involving a modular Festo manufacturing system modelled in Tecnomatix Process Simulate demonstrates the ability of digital twins to detect inefficiencies, such as collision risks, and to validate automation systems virtually. This study highlights the advantages of virtual commissioning for optimizing manufacturing systems. Communication testing showed compatibility across platforms but revealed limitations with certain data types due to software constraints. This research provides practical insights into creating robust digital twin models, improving the flexibility, efficiency, and quality of manufacturing system design. It also offers recommendations to address current challenges in interoperability and system performance.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Digital Transformation in Industry · Flexible and Reconfigurable Manufacturing Systems · Manufacturing Process and Optimization

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Institute of Manufacturing Technologies, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology in Trnava, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 91724 Trnava, Slovakia

Institute of Applied Informatics, Automation and Mechatronics, Faculty of Materials Science and Technology in Trnava, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, 91724 Trnava, Slovakia

Funding

Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Sport of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Academy of Sciences · call for doctoral students and young researchers of Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava to start a research career · Slovak Research and Development Agency

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