Cloud-based Remote Control of Autonomous Mobile Robots in Industrial Environments

Abstract

Using cloud-based solutions in industrial processes and manufacturing is an increasingly researched field of engineering. Cloud computing has a vast potential in increasing the efficiency of production and making management and control easier for the users. Cloud computing power can be connected with autonomous mobile robots to have even more high-level control of the system. With a proper configuration, all this can be controlled from afar, enabling remote access from an arbitrary, authorized location or device.
\n
\n
\nThis thesis researches the possibility of utilizing cloud computing to run a model of an industrial environment with real-time responsivity. In the thesis, a 3D model of a test site laboratory, with an autonomous mobile robot, is created and implemented on a cloud-hosted virtual machine. A site-to-site connection between the test site and the cloud virtual network is established, and the latency of the system is measured and analyzed.
\n
\n
\nThe creation of the digital twin was a success and its latency was measured successfully. The thesis work proved that cloud-based digital twin would indeed be a viable solution for visualizing autonomous mobile robots in industrial environments.