Digital Twin and Agent-Based Simulation: Co-Simulation to Support Intelligent Navigation of Healthcare Mobile Robot

This article argues that important real-world characteristics needed to guide intelligent navigation of mobile robot in hospital units, are not currently being captured, and as a result, acceptance of mobile robots in hospital environments remains low. To enhance the scope and quality of the real-world information for mobile robot, a co-simulation framework is proposed, combining immersive digital twin (DTS) and agentbased simulation (ABS). This article conceptualized in-hospital mobility, developed a proof-of-concept system for the co-simulation, and demonstrated the co-simulation outcomes. This novel co-simulation framework is expected to help build a multifaceted world map as a foundational basis of intelligent navigation.