Cyber Physical Systems for Industry 4.0: Towards Real Time Virtual Reality in Smart Manufacturing

Cyber Physical System (CPS) together with Internet of Things, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Industrial Wireless Networks are the core technologies allowing the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0. Along with the advances in new generation information technologies, smart manufacturing is becoming the focus of global manufacturing transformation. Considering the competitive nature of industry, it requires manufacturers to implement new methodologies. Realistic virtual models mirroring the real world are becoming essential to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing. In this paper model conceptualization, representation, and implementation of the digital twin is presented, on the real use case of manufacturing industry and in the cyber physical environment. A novel CPS architecture for real time visualization of complex industrial process is proposed. It essentially considers the Simulation technological pillar of Industry 4.0. The results from a real industrial environment show good performances in terms of real time behaviour, virtual reality and WebGL CPS visualization features, usability and readability.