Digital Twin in Intralogistics

Closed Human-Computer Interaction Bachelor Project Thesis Embodiment Lab Industry Cooperation

Background

The SSI Schäfer Group is the world’s leading provider of modular warehousing and logistics solutions. In order to make intralogistics processes successful, smooth order processing and thus efficient order picking is an important criterion for success. That is why SSI Schäfer has developed a range of picking systems that ensure highest picking quality together with sophisticated ergonomic design to enhance productivity and reduce physical strain. One core workstation is the Advanced Pick Station, which is suitable for small and throwable items that can be gripped with one hand. Here, unmixed goods are picked directly into order bins and cartons. Workstations like this one come with unique requirements regarding ergonomics and efficiency. To ensure a working process that is as physically sparing as possible for the worker and overall efficient, this station is subject to a continuous optimization process. This process is now to be supported with the help of virtual reality.

In a previous project a prototype was developed to simulate the interaction with such a workstation and to compare this simulation with a physical station (see project video here). The goal of this project is the identification of meaningful extensions of the existing prototype, their design, implementation, and evaluation. Possible extensions could be improved usability and realism, suitable tutorials, more realistic interactions through improved simulation of physics (e.g. weights of objects), user embodiment, and many more.

Tasks

The project will focus on the following tasks:

• Acquaintance with the topic and the existing prototype
• Identification of potential meaningful extensions of the prototype
• Design and implementation of the extensions
• User study to evaluate the new prototype
• Evaluation and presentation of results

The project will be organized according to the basic principles of SCRUM, an agile project management framework for software development. A group of 4 to 8 students will work as a team.

Note: This topic is also suitable for bachelor theses. In case you would like to do your thesis within this project, please contact the supervisors for more details.

Prerequisites

• Introduction to Programming (Java, C++ or C#), e.g., 10-MCS-EinP
• Introduction to MCS, e.g., 06-MCS-GL-AP
• Statistics 1 and 2, e.g., 06-PSY-STAT-1 and 06-PSY-STAT-2
• Advanced Programming, e.g., 10-MCS-GADS, 10-MCS-EPP and 10-MCS-SPSE
• Usability and Software Ergonomics, e.g., 06-MCS-Usab
• Interactive Computer Graphics, e.g., 10-MCS-ICGV
• Software Quality, e.g., 10-MCS-SQ and 10-MCS-ST

Optional

• Game Engine Experience (Unity)

Cooperation

The project is conducted within the XR Hub Würzburg and in cooperation with the SSI Schäfer Group.

Cooperation Partners

Contact Persons at the University Würzburg