Open Toolkit for Implementing Asset Administration Shell

Digital Twins in Industry 4.0

Digital twins play a critical role in Industry 4.0 by consolidating fragmented data into a unified view, addressing interoperability challenges. A key enabler of this transformation is the Asset Administration Shell (AAS), which provides a common language for digital representations of assets. This facilitates seamless communication between stakeholders and enhances collaboration across the manufacturing value chain.

When combined with OPC-UA, an emerging standard for operational data sharing, AAS ensures vendor independence and promotes active networking in product design and manufacturing. This combination fosters greater interoperability and enables networked production across diverse enterprises.

Current Tools and Limitations

Several tools are currently available for AAS modeling and development, including AASx Package Explorer, Basyx, FA3ST, and NOVAAS. However, implementing AAS remains challenging due to the evolving nature of the AAS API specification.

One significant limitation is the lack of synchronization with physical assets, which is crucial for the integration layer in the RAMI4.0 framework. This gap is not addressed in the AAS specification, leaving it to system integrators to resolve.

Among existing tools, the AASx Package Explorer stands out as the most widely used desktop application for AAS modeling. Its user-friendly graphical interface caters to both technical and non-technical users, making it accessible for developing and demonstrating the AAS standard. However, it falls short when deploying AAS on edge devices or sharing data via protocols like OPC UA or MQTT. It also lacks support for exporting critical information such as namespaces, profiles, and facets.

Zero-SWARM Solution: AAS Toolkit

To address these challenges, the AIMEN Technology Centre, as part of the Zero-SWARM project, has developed a new web-based toolkit for implementing Asset Administration Shell. This toolkit simplifies the creation, management, and sharing of digital twins, fostering collaboration and innovation in Industry 4.0.

The toolkit streamlines AAS modeling by offering libraries, templates, and support for synchronizing and mapping physical assets. It also includes an open-source, low-level framework for AAS integration and synchronization, which will soon be made publicly available.

Built on mature and widely adopted technologies such as Angular, Keycloak, and FastAPI, the toolkit provides a user-friendly web interface for navigating and understanding the structure and relationships of digital twins. Key features include:

1. AAS Database: Lists all AAS models created or stored in the toolkit database.
2. AAS Model Creation: Create models from scratch or using predefined templates.
3. Upload AAS Models: Import models in AASX format created by other applications.
4. Download AAS Models: Export models in AASX and JSON formats.
5. Edit AAS Models: Read and modify models stored in the database.
6. Export to XML Nodeset: Export AAS models in XML Nodeset format for configuring OPC UA servers.

Benefits of the Zero-SWARM Toolkit

By providing an open and accessible tool, the Zero-SWARM project simplifies the implementation of digital twins using AAS, particularly for operational use. This empowers developers and researchers with a platform that offers advanced functionalities and promotes innovation in Industry 4.0.

To learn more about the Zero-SWARM project, visit the original post.