Game4Automation Conveyor Library Review

In this article, I present a brief review of the Unity™ asset Game4Automation Conveyor Library. I further discuss the Game4Automation assets in detail in separate articles.

Game4Automation is a framework based on the Unity™ game engine. This framework is a game-changer, as it allows simulation analysts to develop discrete-event simulation, continuous simulations, and path-based simulation at a fraction of the cost of commercial off-the-shelf simulation application development software. Because the framework is based on Unity, there are virtually no limits to what you can create with it.

The developer has also released a Conveyor Library. The parametric conveyor components allow you to build simulation models of intralogistics and material flow systems. Game objects move freely on the conveyor and are subject to collision and other physical forces thanks to the physics engine in Unity.

The figure below shows the relationship between each asset. Note that the Conveyor Library requires Game4Automation Digital Twin professional to function.

When you install Game4Automation Conveyor Library, as with any other asset, make sure that you follow the installation instructions, particularly regarding the Unity™ version required for this asset. Using the supported Unity version should ensure that you do not have any installation errors or warnings.

One of the essential elements for me is documentation. Game4Automation includes comprehensive and up-to-date documentation.

Documentation and Support included:

• Online and included with the asset
• Class reference
• Online forum (https://forum.game4automation.com/)
• Video on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiL22-4L3bkX-rz6bUN8ZYQ

· Training (at additional cost)

· Webcasts

· Game changer coffee breaks (monthly on LinkedIn)

Installation

The installation is very straight forward as with most Unity assets. No errors occurred during the test installation. After you purchase the asset via the asset store, you can install Game4Automation into your project using the Package Manager. Make sure to download the latest version before installing, and make sure you are using a supported Unity version.

After installing Game4Automation Digital Twin professional, you can install the conveyor library by going to the Package Manager.

Once the package is successfully installed, you should see one of the demo scenes.

Organization

The asset is organized into intuitive folders. The documentation is available offline in the Documentation folders. Documentation is also available online on the developer’s website. Make sure to define the folder structure outside of the game4automation folders, as these may change in future assets updates.

You can access the conveyor library by going to the game4automation->Conveyor Library Window menu item.

For example, as shown in the figure below, you can add a straight conveyor object. Conveyor objects automatically snap together.

You can also add other elements such as curved conveyors, sensor, source, and sink. You can modify the parameters of the conveyor object in the Inspector.

Together with the Unity™ game engine, the possibilities are virtually unlimited. Some of the typical use cases may include:

• Simulation of intralogistics and material flow systems
• Configuration and presentation of machines for sales
• Concept design and simulation of machine processes
• Virtual commissioning to develop and test automation code of PLC and robot controllers
• Design 3D human-machine interfaces, monitor machine status, interaction, and maintenance