AR/VR Digital Twin for Simulation and Data Collection of Robotic Environments

Digital twins enable real-time modeling, simulation, and monitoring of complex systems, driving advancements in automation, robotics, and industrial applications. This study presents a large-scale digital twin-testing facility for evaluating mobile robots and pilot robotic systems in a research laboratory environment. The platform integrates high-fidelity physical and environmental models, providing a controlled yet dynamic setting for analyzing robotic behavior. A key feature of the system is its comprehensive data collection framework, capturing critical parameters such as position, orientation, and velocity, which can be leveraged for machine learning, performance optimization, and decision-making. The facility also supports the simulation of discrete operational systems, using predictive modeling to bridge informational gaps when real-time data updates are unavailable. The digital twin was validated through a matrix manufacturing system simulation, with an Augmented Reality (AR) interface on the HoloLens 2 to overlay digital information onto mobile platform controllers, enhancing situational awareness. The main contributions include a digital twin framework for deploying data-driven robotic systems and three key AR/VR integration optimization methods. Demonstrated in a laboratory setting, the system is a versatile tool for research and industrial applications, fostering insights into robotic automation and digital twin scalability while reducing costs and risks associated with real-world testing.