Game4Automation Review

In this article, I present a brief review of the Unity™ asset Game4Automation. I further discuss Game4Automation 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.

Game4Automation was developed by in2Sight GmbH located in Germany. Currently, the developer offers a professional version that includes CAD Link, which allows the users to import CAD files in 3MF and Step file format, and OPCUA4Unity, which provides an interface to connect to PLCs and robot controller. CAD Link and OPCUA4Unity are also available as separate standalone assets.

The developer also offers a starter version at a significantly reduced cost. This version does not include CAD Link and OPCUA4Unity. However, you can still connect via TCP-IP Interfaces to Siemens Hardware like Sinumerik, Simatik, and Simotion. Besides, you can import free 3d parts from CADENAS. A separate standalone free asset called parts4cad allows you to import free 3D CAD models from over 500 parts catalogs. This asset makes use of an eCatalog technology developed by CADENAS (https://www.cadenas.de/en)

The developer has also released a Conveyor Library. The parametric conveyor components allow you to build simulation models of intralogistics and material flow systems. The goods 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 this Game4Automation, as with any other asset, make sure that you follow the installation instructions, particularly regarding the Unity™ version that is required for this asset. This 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. I had the opportunity to participate in the one-day training session. The training session was comprehensive with practical examples. Link During the training, we had the opportunity to discuss different use cases. The training session is offered by the developer at an additional cost, but I highly recommend it.

Documentation and Support included:

• Online and included with the asset
• Class reference
• Online forum
• Videos on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiL22-4L3bkX-rz6bUN8ZYQ
• Training (at additional cost)
• Webcasts
• Game changer coffee breaks (monthly)

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.

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

If you are interested in visual programming, you can install Playmaker, a separate asset that you can also purchase at additional cost from the Unity™ asset store. Playmaker provides an intuitive visual programming environment.

After installing Playmaker, apply Game4Automation standard settings by going to the menu: game4automation -> Apply standard settings.

You can find a Playmaker example scene in the folder: game4automation -> private -> Playmaker

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.

The developer has provided the class reference online. https://game4automation.com/documentation/current/apidoc/html/annotated.html

In summary, Game4automation is indeed a game-changer. Together with the Unity™ game engine, the possibilities are virtually unlimited. Some of the typical use cases may include:

• 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