Prototype of a Bi-directional Digital Twin of an Industry 4.0 Smart Manufacturing Facility

This paper presents an advanced Digital Twin (DT) platform tailored for remote training within Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing, focusing on the novel concept of bi-directional digital twins (BiDT). By integrating a detailed Unity-engine virtual model with real-world industrial components and leveraging Siemens TIA Portal for accurate PLC emulation, this research overcomes interoperability challenges through OPC UA. This ensures fluid communication between the physical setup and its digital counterpart, enhancing training outcomes by facilitating a real-time, interactive learning environment. The study underscores the significance of BiDTs in revolutionizing industrial training, offering a comprehensive model that not only mirrors physical operations but also supports adaptive learning strategies, thereby promising substantial advancements in smart manufacturing education and operational efficiency.