AI+Intelligent Production Line Digital Technology Application

1  Competition Overview

1.1  Name

【BRICS2025-ST-122】AI+Intelligent Production Line Digital Technology Application

1.2  Purpose

AI + Intelligent Production Line Digital Application Technology refers to the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with industrial production lines, realizing automation, optimization, and intelligent decision-making of production processes through data-driven and intelligent algorithms. Its core lies in leveraging machine learning, computer vision, and other technologies to enable production lines with dynamic perception, autonomous decision-making, and continuous optimization capabilities. The AI + Intelligent Production Line Digital Application Technology Skills Competition will focus on advanced technology, comprehensive capabilities, and innovative thinking, building a closed-loop growth platform of “learning, practicing, competing, and applying” for participants.

1.3  Participants

1.3.1  Age Requirement

Participants must be over 16 years old and under 22 years old, with no gender restrictions.

1.3.2  Team Composition

Each team consists of 5 members: 2 competitors, 1 translator, 1 coach, and 1 team leader.

2  Competition Content

2.1　Competition Tasks

The competition content consists of 3 tasks, as follows:

Task 1: Intelligent Production Line Simulation Scene Construction (1 hour)

Using the given task book and intelligent production line twin software platform, read assembly drawings, complete the assembly and construction of the production line in the virtual scene according to design requirements, and perform tasks such as production line operation control and virtual robot operation control through PLC programming. Additionally, compile a report on the production line design and construction plan, which mainly assesses contestants’ design capabilities for industrial production lines.

Task 2: Intelligent Production Line Debugging and Operation (1 hour)

According to the given task description, complete operations such as main control configuration and control, AI vision application, and inbound/outbound control management in the virtual automated production line system to realize the operation of the complete production line, and integrate this into the report from Task 1. This task primarily assesses contestants’ debugging capabilities for the overall production line.

2.2　Score Weight

The score distribution for each task is shown in Table 1:

• Score Weight Distribution of Competition Tasks

2.3　Competition Duration

The duration for each task is shown in Table 2:

• Duration of Competition Tasks

3　Evaluation Criteria

3.1　Evaluation Principles

3.1.1　Comprehensive Principle

The expert and referee teams will evaluate results based on the principles of “fairness, impartiality, transparency, scientificity, and innovation”. Participants will be assessed comprehensively on design, equipment operation, and safe production practices.

3.1.2　Module Independence Principle

To ensure fair and objective assessment, each competition module must be evaluated independently. Performance in one module must not affect the conditions, execution, or evaluation of subsequent modules. This principle ensures:

1. a) Independent assessment of specific skill areas;
2. b) Clear diagnosis of participants’ abilities in each module;
3. c) Fair competition regardless of prior task results;
4. d) Consistency in evaluation and scoring.

Thus, each module must:

1. a) Provide a neutral and organized workspace;
2. b) Supply independent tools, materials, and data;
3. c) Include separate instructions and objectives;
4. d) Allow participants to start without relying on outputs from previous tasks.

Evaluation must assess task-specific abilities within each module based on predefined technical standards.

3.2　Distribution of Evaluation and Measurement Scores

The distribution of evaluation scores (subjective) and measurement scores (objective) is used to develop scoring plans and competition tasks, as shown in Table 3.

• Distribution of Evaluation and Measurement Scores

3.3　Evaluation Scores

Evaluation Score Scoring Method: A group of 4 referees, including one rotating referee who scores contestants in the same group but not their own team members. 3 referees independently score, assign weight scores to a contestant’s assessment items, calculate the average weight score, and determine the actual score. The difference in weight scores between referees must be ≤1 point. If exceeding 1 point, the assessment item for the contestant requires a statement of evaluation reasons, and a reasonable score is given under the review and supervision of the chief referee.

• Weighted Evaluation Score Criteria

3.4　Measurement Scores

Scoring Method: A panel of 4 referees, including one rotating referee (who scores other teams but not their own). Three referees independently assign weighted scores, and the average weighted score is calculated. Referees’ score differences must not exceed 1 point; otherwise, they must justify their scores, and a consensus score is determined under the chief referee’s supervision. Weighted score criteria are shown in Table 5:

• Examples of Measurement Scoring

3.5　Evaluation Process

3.5.1　Result Scoring

Submitted works are scored according to event evaluation standards.

3.5.2　Penalty Deductions

Participants will face deductions for the following violations:

1. a) Accidents due to improper operation: 10–15 points deducted; severe cases result in disqualification;
2. b) Equipment damage or environmental pollution due to rule violations: 5–10 points deducted; severe cases result in disqualification;
3. c) Disturbing order or interfering with referees: 5–10 points deducted; severe cases result in disqualification;
4. d) Non-compliance with regulations (e.g., messy tool placement, disorganized workflow, improper attire, incomplete documentation): 5–10 points deducted based on severity.

3.5.3　Sampling Review

To ensure accuracy, the supervision team rechecks scores with a sampling rate of at least 30%. Discrepancies are reported to the expert team leader in writing for correction and confirmation.

3.6　Score Tabulation

Scoring groups independently score assigned modules. In-process and post-task scores are combined, with daily workpieces scored the same day. USB data is sealed and submitted to the chief referee for safekeeping. All score sheets must be signed by referees and submitted to the expert team leader.

3.7　Ranking

Scores will be aggregated for ranking. In case of tied total scores, Task 1 scores will be used as the tiebreaker, followed by Tasks 2 and 3 in sequence.

3.8　Result Announcement

Results will be announced at the closing ceremony.

3.9　Awards

3.9.1　Certificates

Participating teams will receive award certificates issued by the competition organizers.

3.9.2  Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals, and Merit Awards

The competition will award gold, silver, bronze medals, and merit awards. Teams from all countries will be ranked collectively. The top 6 participants in each event will receive gold, silver, or bronze medals and certificates; participants ranked 7th to 9th will receive merit awards and certificate

3.9.3　Other Awards

Certificates will be issued to expert group members and referees. Organizations making outstanding contributions to the competition will receive the “Outstanding Contribution Award.” National organizing units that actively organize participation, conduct pre-competition training, and have no rule violations will receive the “Excellent Organization Award.”

4　Technical Platform

4.1　Intelligent Production Line Twin Software Platform

4.1.1  Platform Introduction

The system uses digital twin technology, 3D Max modeling of hardware equipment, and Unity 3D to achieve virtual construction of twin systems. It solves pain points and difficulties of high investment, high loss, high risk, difficult implementation, difficult observation, and difficult reproduction in the process of practical teaching. It is suitable for the construction virtual practical training rooms, in which each trainee can practice efficiently at the same time.

Figure 1  Software interface

4.1.2　Platform Functions

The main functions of the platform include:

1. a) AGV System

Graphical Programming: No keyboard programming required; programming can be done by manual dragging, and instruction positions can be adjusted freely, making programming simpler and faster.

Visual Path: AGV movement paths can be viewed at any time, facilitating program debugging and modification.

Flexible Signal Control: AGV can perform bidirectional control of all signals in the virtual scene.

1. b) Vision System

The system provides virtual vision camera equipment, which can take photos in the system and save the captured images to a local fixed path. This allows vision software to acquire images for analysis and transmit information to robots or PLC, enabling vision-based grabbing, sorting, and other operations.

Figure 2  Software interface

Co-simulation of multiple PLCs: Multiple PLC devices can be dragged into the scene, and different brands and models of Ps can be connected separately to achieve complex co-simulation of multiple PLCs.

Signal logic control: Users can realize logic control between IO signals within the software. After logic components, the signal value on the right can be controlled by the signal value on the left. Currently, four logic controls are supported: equal/not equal/AND/OR (Equal: the signal value on the right is equal to the signal value on the left, not equal: the signal value on the right is opposite to the signal value on the, AND: the signal value on the right is True when both signal values on the left are True, otherwise False, OR: the signal value on the right is False when both values on the left are False, otherwise True.

The equipment and component library system is established for two directions: real industrial equipment and teaching training platform. The prefabric model library contains more than 200 models, including various models of industrial robots, machining centers, large-scale automated warehouses, various types of conveyor devices, types of sensors, etc.

Co-simulation of multiple robots: The system can establish communication with multiple robot systems such as RobotStudio/RobDK at the same time. can program each robot separately. Each robot can work independently and can also communicate with each other to work jointly.

5　Safety Regulations

5.1　Safety Training

The safety officer organizes training for all referees, staff, and participants, who must pass assessments before competing.

5.2　Safety Facilities

Competition venues must comply with the following:

1. a) Layout, equipment, and materials meet safety standards and construction codes.
2. b) Necessary safety barriers, emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment, safety operation posters, and evacuation signs are provided.
3. c) Entrance security checks prohibit unauthorized items.

5.3　Medical Equipment and Measures

Venues must be staffed with medical personnel and equipped with first-aid facilities and protocols.