The great challenge of digitization is to control the exchange of information made possible by it. Communication between all systems is therefore only the first step towards Industry 4.0. Much more important are the properties of communication, such as stability, quality of information and information models, interoperability of interfaces and generalization of information models. One approach to standardize these criteria is the asset administration shell (see Figure 1). This is a central interface for all information of a system which is sufficient for the requirements. For the creation of a modular digital twin, an administration shell in which the information model is stored is therefore very important.

Goals

A management shell for a electroplating unit (see Figure 2) is to be developed and prototypically implemented. On the one hand, possibilities of implementation have to be researched and compared. On the other hand, the existing information model must be examined and separated into meaningful submodels using model libraries. When implementing the management shell, the connection to live data does not have to be implemented, but it must be considered in perspective. The validation of the functionality is done by a simple client that has test data provided by the management shell.

Helpful previous knowledge

The following prior knowledge is helpful for working on the thesis:

• General programming knowledge is necessary
• Experience useful with one of C++, Java, Python, C# or Rust
• Affinity for automation technology
• Lecture Cyber Physical Productionsystems useful