Integration of Real Signals Acquired Through External Sensors into RoboDK Simulation of Robotic Industrial Applications

Abstract

Ensuring synchronization between real-world sensor data and industrial robotic simulations remains a critical challenge in digital twin and virtual commissioning applications. This study proposes an innovative method for integrating real sensor signals into RoboDK simulations, bridging the gap between virtual models and real-world dynamics. The proposed system utilizes an Arduino-based data acquisition module and a custom Python script to establish real-time communication between physical sensors and RoboDK's simulation environment. Unlike traditional simulations that rely on predefined simulated signals or manually triggered virtual inputs, our approach enables dynamic real-time interactions based on live sensor data. The system supports both analog and digital signals and is validated through latency measurements, demonstrating an average end-to-end delay of 23.97 ms. These results confirm the feasibility of real sensor integration into RoboDK, making the system adaptable to various industrial applications. This framework provides a scalable foundation for researchers and engineers to develop enhanced simulation environments that more accurately reflect real industrial conditions.