The SIMOBOT research project of the Frankfurt UAS, SimPlan AG and other partners is developing predictive simulation approaches for mobile transport robots
The automotive and supplier industry is under increasing pressure: rising costs, a shortage of skilled workers and the growing demand for customised products require new solutions. This is precisely where the new SIMOBOT research project comes in, which aims to revolutionise the simulation and application of mobile transport robots in intralogistics. The goal is to adapt the degree of utilisation of autonomous robots to the changing requirements of dynamic production environments using predictive simulation approaches.
‘Particularly with regard to the intralogistics material flow and its implementation by mobile transport robots, research into the optimal use of these automated systems is needed. Predictive simulation applications play a crucial role in this context,’ emphasises project manager Prof. Dr. Tobias Bornemann, Professor of Business Administration, in particular Production and Lean Management at the Frankfurt UAS. ‘With SIMOBOT, we not only want to increase the efficiency of logistical processes, but also improve the adaptability of companies to constantly changing market conditions.’
The two-year project is a collaboration between the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, SimPlan AG and the partners Continental Automotive Technologies GmbH and SYNAOS GmbH. The Frankfurt UAS is responsible for coordination, while SimPlan contributes its extensive expertise in simulation.
Among other things, SIMOBOT will develop a demonstrator that intelligently links material flow simulation and fleet management.
In addition, a multi-core solution will increase the simulation efficiency of robot fleets. A central aspect is the investigation of how adjusting the degree of autonomy can increase productivity and flexibility in production plants. Real-time scenarios will be evaluated directly in the production facilities of the partners in order to validate the simulation results with practical data.
These developments will make it possible to design intralogistics processes that are more flexible and resilient in the future.
They will also open up new prospects for employees, as autonomous robots will take over repetitive tasks, thus creating a more modern workplace with more scope for responsible and creative activities.
At an internal kick-off meeting on 30 October 2024 at SimPlan AG in Hanau, the first steps for the project were set. The project consortium discussed the next steps in the project process and how it can optimally consolidate the know-how and resources of the various partners in order to produce valuable research results.
