Simulation based on a digital twin makes it possible to design applications and processes in intralogistics in a highly efficient, flexible, and intelligent way. For that reason, Siemens will showcase its comprehensive digital twin developed with its Digital Enterprise Portfolio at LogiMAT 2022.

Siemens will carry the theme “Intelligent intralogistics – experience the flow” at this year’s LogiMAT.

Because markets and requirements have changed in the past two years and the intralogistics industry has to cope with a rapidly growing e-commerce, this contributes to sustainable competitiveness. Here, increasing inventory turnover rates with shorter storage periods, small order quantities with high delivery speeds, rising return rates and short-term increases in delivery quantities require flexible and scalable intralogistics processes. Digitalization and automation can help manage new requirements.

Integrated Automation Technologies

At Logimat, Siemens will use a Dynamic Gapper application to demonstrate how a digital twin helps to meet new intralogistics demands. Accordingly, two upstream conveyors bring parcels of different sizes and not uniformly separated onto a common conveyor belt. Here, the parcels are then being placed and separated within the right defined distance between each other.

The technology company shows both the real application and its simulation. The precise simulation takes place before the start of actual construction. This allows virtual optimization and validation of application, which reduces the development and engineering time for machine builders by up to 35 percent.

Operators of logistics centers also benefit from the digital twin, because with its help commissioning times can also be reduced by up to 40 percent. The entire hardware as well as the control system with all functions including communication, safety and web server can be simulated as part of a virtual commissioning.

Meanwhile, the real application can be built and wired and is ready for the actual commissioning. This then mainly consists of loading the program into the CPU and transferring the parameters to the drives.

The real application can also be further optimized during operation. By connecting to a cloud or edge platform, valuable process data can be collected and analyzed during operation. This enables operators of intralogistics centers to respond quickly to changes such as increased delivery volumes and create sustainable, flexible, and scalable processes.

Siemens supports machine builders and operators of logistics centers on the path to digital transformation.

Increases Machine, Plant Efficiency

The Digital Enterprise Portfolio offers an integrated product portfolio of software-based systems and automation technologies at the center of which is the digital twin. By using the digital twin of material handling equipment, warehouse operations and performance, the entire value chain is simulated and validated and can thus be designed optimally and efficiently. This consistently increases the efficiency of machine and plant construction and operation, minimizes error rates and downtimes, and shortens development times. Through the seamless interaction of the real and digital worlds, the technology company helps to increase the productivity and flexibility of plants and thus sustainably reduce the costs and energy consumption of logistics centers.

Digitalization, Connectivity

LogiMAT 2022 is an international trade show for intralogistics solutions and process management and will take place from May 31 to June 2 in Stuttgart, Germany. Organizers expect around 60,000 industry professionals to attend the event with 1,600 exhibitors.

LogiMAT focuses on digitalization, interconnectivity, artificial intelligence, and big data are key issues in the age of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things. Advances in IT and technology and smart, autonomous systems are opening up brand new levels of productivity and value-creation along the entire supply chain.

The technologies needed for intralogistics solutions and process management are in focus at LogiMAT. This is the leading international trade fair that provides a comprehensive market overview and competent knowledge-transfer. The unique infrastructure and clear segmentation of the exhibition sections ensure all participants get the inside track on first-hand intralogistics at LogiMAT.