Using game physics engines for hardware-in-the-loop material flow simulations: benefits, requirements and experiences

Object of this paper is the proposal of using existing physics engines mainly deployed in video games and movie animations for simulating material flow applications with a high degree of reality. Since the actual control systems are supposed to be tested and verified using this simulation it has to possess real-time capabilities for usage with a hardware-in-the-loop simulation setup. This paper illustrates why such a simulation is necessary concerning the considered application. In addition, the required work items to achieve this approach are presented. During the realization, encountered problems and obstacles are commented on as well.