BLOG

This blog serves as a technical logbook for my Final Year Project, where I will document my progress, challenges, and key milestones on a weekly basis. Each post will provide an update on the tasks completed, research findings, system development, and any modifications made to the project plan. Additionally, I will highlight major milestones, outcomes, and lessons learned throughout the process.

Check out my weekly posts in the blog subpages to follow my progress and see how the project evolves over time!

1. Project Initiation 

2. Mini Guide: Siemens NX MCD - Key Simulation Concepts Explained

3. Mini Guide: TIA Portal Key Programming Concepts Explained

4. Challenges in Assembling Digital Twin MPS Station Files in Siemens NX 

5. Solving STEP File Import Issues in Siemens NX: A Multi-Hour Challenge

6. Designing a Two-Piece Workpiece in SolidWorks for MPS Station Assembly 

7. Building Motion and Control for MPS Station Model in SiemensNX

8. Configuring PLC and Signal Mapping for MPS Digital Twin in TIA Portal and Siemens NX 

9. Expanding Control with Additional Sensors and Testing Actuators in Siemens NX and TIA Portal 

10. Refining the Digital Twin: Collision Fixes, Signal Mapping, and Function Blocks for the
Distribution     Station 

11. Distribution Station: Programming, Motion Logic and Suction Transfer Workflow

12. Pick and Place Station: Programming, Logic Setup and Gripper Troubleshooting 

13. Sorting Station: Programming, Logic and Flow Control 

14. Deassembly Station: Development, Logic and Simulated Recycling 

15. Project Status Update: Assembling the Full MPS Digital Twin

16. Upgrading the HMI for Modular Production System: Smarter Control and Station Independence

17. Unexpected Licensing and Driver Issues with PLCSIM Advanced

18. Experimental Integration of Siemens NX with Meta Quest 2: Enhancing Digital Twin Development with Immersive VR

19. Gripper Alignment Fix, Sensor Upgrades and Workflow Optimisation Across Stations

20. Simulation Testing Overview – Current State of the Project

21. Reflection: A Journey Through Digital Twin Development

22. Performance Issues Faced During the Simulation Stage

23. Update: Performance Fix – Solving Simulation Lag in NX MCD 

24. Installing and Configuring Node-RED for TIA Portal and PLCSIM Advanced 

25.  Configuring Node-RED to Connect to PLC via OPC UA 

26. Programming Node-RED Flows for Live PLC Monitoring 

27.  Designing the Node-RED Dashboard for Real-Time Monitoring 

28. Testing the Full Node-RED Monitoring Stack

29. Video: Development of Digital Twin Simulation and Remote Monitoring of a Festo MPS Station

30. Video: Completed System Overview

31. Reflection: Engineering a Digital Twin Ecosystem for Industry 4.0 

32. Video: Project Presentation