The recent releases of AnyLogic, versions 8.9.2 and 8.9.3, bring a wave of updates that will excite simulation modelers of different levels. In this blog post, you’ll learn about AnyLogic improvements for industrial modeling, traffic simulations, and visualization, covering both technical and visual needs.
Contents:
- Material Handling Library updates
- NVIDIA Omniverse connector
- Parking lot improvements
- Evolve your modeling experience
Material Handling Library updates
The Material Handling Library has long been a headliner in industrial modeling, offering tools like conveyors, cranes, and rack systems. With AnyLogic 8.9.2, we have taken a significant leap forward by introducing a robotic arm.
Robotic arm
Our 6-axis robotic arm adds realism and versatility to models, recreating industrial operations like pallet filling, welding, or painting.
One of the main reasons for adding this robot was to strive for realism and versatility, allowing you to model industrial operations.
Key features of our robotic arm in the Material Handling Library include:
- Realistic motion: With inverse kinematics, the robotic arm can move multiple axes synchronously for lifelike animation.
- Customization: Tailor the arm to your needs by adjusting link lengths and maximum arm reach. With this flexibility, your robots can efficiently work in areas with space limitations.
- End effectors: Configure a gripper as an end effector or uninstall the end effector entirely. Uninstalling it can represent scenarios where the end effector is too small to visualize in the simulation model, for example, a sensor or camera.
Note: Adjusting the maximum arm reach won't automatically change the link lengths, and vice versa, because each simulation is unique, and even large robots can have limited working areas.
ProcessByRobot Block
In release 8.9.2, we've also added the ProcessByRobot flowchart block to work with robot markup. You can control the robot's process time using the Operation time parameter. This defines the time required for the robot to reach the operation start location and handle the agent. Once set, AnyLogic automatically adjusts speeds and coordinates the robot's axis movements to fit within the specified time.
Additionally, the ProcessByRobot flowchart block lets you define how the robot interacts with agents. You can choose between two basic types of service:
- If the Pick up agent parameter is selected, the robot moves the agent during the processing, for example, simulation of pallet filling.
- Otherwise, the robot will not move the agent during the processing—such behavior may represent painting or welding.
With AnyLogic 8.9.3, you can define the robot's movement by setting the points for its end effector at the start and end of the operation. You can fine-tune how it interacts with objects using the End effector approaches parameter. For example, the robot can pick up a box from the top or grab an object from the nearest position.
Our team has many ideas for improving robots. You can be part of this process by experimenting with the current features and sharing your feedback and suggestions for future updates with us at info@anylogic.com.
NVIDIA Omniverse connector
While high-speed simulation runs prioritize efficiency, nothing beats a visually striking presentation when sharing results with stakeholders. AnyLogic’s new NVIDIA Omniverse Connector bridges the gap between simulation logic and stunning visuals.
This fall, AnyLogic revolutionizes its approach to animation and delivers the possibility to connect the logic of simulation models to high-fidelity animation created in Nvidia Omniverse using a new Omniverse connector element.
NVIDIA Omniverse is a multi-functional platform for creating highly realistic 3D simulations and virtual environments, enabling teams to design, test, and collaborate on lifelike digital objects in real time.
With AnyLogic Omniverse integration, you'll benefit from:
- Quick start tools: Export AnyLogic built-in 3D visuals to Omniverse with the Render Model option, which automatically adds realistic lighting and shading.
- Real-time integrations: Sync simulation data with NVIDIA Omniverse for accurate animations that reflect real-time model changes.
- Enhanced presentations: Whether you're new to 3D rendering or a pro, Omniverse offers tools to create impressive animations that please decision-makers.
If you are new to 3D rendering and want a quick start with the new features, you can now render a traditional 3D presentation created in AnyLogic into a USD scene to improve it in Omniverse later. Simply go to the Model menu and then choose the Render model option.
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Parking lot improvements
Though material handling has been the focus of development for the last few years, we continue to work on other libraries as well. AnyLogic 8.9.3 has several updates for parking lots in the Road Traffic Library.
Diagonal parking
Now, it supports diagonal parking sets using the Type option. You can select basic 30-, 45-, or 60-degree angles or define custom angles for parking places.
Prioritized parking policies
You can now set different rules for how cars choose parking spots in the CarMoveTo block. Use the Parking space selection policy parameter to decide where a car will stop at the end of its trip.
For example, the front spots in a parking lot can now be set as preferred if they are closer to the passenger’s destination. This is also useful for modeling spots reserved for priority cars. With this policy, you can specify the exact parking spot a vehicle should use. It is especially good for modeling docks and other loading areas where truck stop locations are predefined.
Traffic flow control
Starting from AnyLogic 8.9.3, you have control over the exit of a parking lot with the new Forced exit on timeout option available in a parking lot.
This feature is especially useful for modeling parking areas near large malls or attractions where traffic is heavy and slow-moving. In such places, cars on the roads often slow down or stop to let vehicles exit parking spots, which typically doesn’t happen when a parking lot is located along a regular road.
Evolve your modeling experience with AnyLogic
These updates reflect the AnyLogic team’s commitment to providing robust tools for modern simulation challenges. Whether you manage warehouse workflows optimization, fine-tune traffic flow, or craft immersive animations, AnyLogic 8.9.2 and 8.9.3 have got you covered.
For more technical details about releases 8.9.2 and 8.9.3, check out the release notes.
If you are ready to test out the latest features, go and get the newest AnyLogic version.
