Project Initiation

This week marks the official commencement of my Final Year Project, which focuses on the simulation and remote monitoring of a digital twin for a Festo MPS station. The primary objective during this initial phase has been to establish a structured framework for the project, secure necessary approvals, and ensure access to essential resources. 

Final Year Project Proposal Submission & Approval

A critical milestone achieved this week was the submission and approval of the Final Year Project Proposal. This document outlines the project’s objectives, research methodology, scope, and expected outcomes. Following discussions with my supervisors, the proposal was formally approved without requiring any significant modifications.

Software Licenses & Resource Acquisition

Given the nature of this project, ensuring access to the required software tools and digital models is imperative. This week, I conducted a review of the software licenses available for:

• Siemens NX – For developing the digital twin of the MPS station.

• TIA Portal – For PLC programming and HMI design.

• PLCSim Advanced – For simulating the PLC logic without physical hardware.

• Node-RED – For remote monitoring and data visualization.

Additionally, a request has been submitted for Tecnomatix Plant Simulation, which may further enhance the project’s simulation capabilities.

I have also requested access to the Festo MPS Station digital twin model to facilitate the modelling process. This is a crucial project component; its availability will determine when the digital twin development can commence.