Disclosed is a method to create a digital twin which is a copy of a machine or a production system in a computer environment and usage of the created digital twin in the computer-based calculation. Digital twins which are developed by the method are created by physical laws/equations rather than solely by sensor data. Developed digital twins could be created/served with API's by dividing thereof into small pieces and could be resold through a market place in form of an application.

A programmable logic controller comprises a processor, a PLC operating environment, a device memory, and an app container. The PLC operating environment is configured to execute a controller automation program providing a plurality of skill functions. The device memory comprises a plurality of apps which are configured to perform a discrete set of automation functions using the plurality of skill functions. The app container is logically separate from the PLC operating environment and configured to provide a runtime environment for the apps.

A system and method are provided that monitor and control, in real time, access to a plurality of resource entities usable by robotic vehicles during workflow. The system can comprise a plurality of industrial controllers each coupled to at least one presence detector configured to detect a state of availability of an entity from a plurality of entities. The system can further comprise management system configured to register a state of availability of each entity in an environment and to selectively grant temporary, exclusive access of an entity to an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) based on the state of availability of the entity. If the state indicates an entity is unoccupied access can be granted, else access is denied. Each controller is registered in the management system in association with at least one uniquely identified entity.

Disclosed is a method to create a digital twin which is a copy of a machine or a production system in a computer environment and usage of the created digital twin in the computer-based calculation. Digital twins which are developed by the method are created by physical laws/equations rather than solely by sensor data. Developed digital twins could be created/served with API's by dividing thereof into small pieces and could be resold through a market place in form of an application.