Yanran Chen
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Simulation

Factory Layout Simulator

A data-driven UE5 simulation tool that generates automated factory layouts by communicating with external Python backend engines via REST API.

Digital TwinFactory PlanningSystems ArchitectureSimulationInterface3D Visualization
Auto-generation of machinery based on UI parameters

This project introduces a highly scalable approach to industrial facility planning. By decoupling the heavy mathematical optimization from the 3D rendering engine, this tool allows engineers to input constraints via a custom UE5 interface, process the data through local Python servers, and visualize the generated optimal layout in real time.

  • The project investigates how layout-planning logic can be communicated through a visual and interactive system.
  • It focuses on clarity, modularity, and the relationship between simulation data and spatial representation.
  • Developed a 1:1 digital replica of an E-bike and Electrolyzer manufacturing facility.
  • Supported both algorithm-driven automated placement and interactive manual drag-and-drop validation.
  • Designed the overarching software architecture and communication protocols.
  • Programmed the UE5 Blueprints for JSON parsing and runtime actor spawning.
  • Developed the Python backend script for coordinate calculation and optimization.
  • System Architecture Design: Defined the data payloads (JSON) and API endpoints.
  • Backend Development: Built the calculation logic in Python.
  • Frontend Implementation: Created the UMG parameter dashboard and dynamic spawning logic in UE5.
  • Testing & Refinement: Ensured low latency and accurate coordinate system conversion between engines.
  • Reduced layout iteration time significantly through automated data-driven generation.
  • Proved the viability of using game engines as high-fidelity frontends for legacy engineering algorithms.
  • Unreal Engine 5
  • Python
  • RESTful APIs & MQTT

Year

2024-2025

Group

Simulation

Role

3D Developer & Technical Artist

Duration

2 Years

Team

Individual Contributor / Research Collaboration

Deliverable

Interactive UE5 Application & Backend Scripts

Tools

Unreal Engine 5, Python, Blender, Inventor, Revit, Naviswork

Tags

Digital TwinFactory PlanningSystems ArchitectureSimulationInterface3D Visualization
Story Band
Manual machine placement and editing controls in the DFA environment

Manual Layout Editing

The simulator supports direct machine placement inside the DFA environment, with move, rotate, delete, and camera controls designed for clear spatial review.

Path-finder generation workflow with camera switching

Path-Driven Generation

Generation tools and camera switching work together to make the path-finder workflow legible, turning backend logic into a readable planning sequence.

MATLAB-triggered DFA generation workflow

MATLAB-Triggered Generation

A MATLAB-driven generation pass demonstrates how external calculation workflows can feed directly into the simulator and return a spatial result ready for review.

Built-in machine layout visualized in the SEGIWA electrolyzer context

Applied Electrolyzer Context

The built-in machine layout is visualized in a SEGIWA electrolyzer-related scene, showing the simulator as an applied industrial planning environment rather than a standalone demo.

Media, interface, and process detail

Factory Layout Simulator: An end-to-end demonstration of the simulator workflow: Python-triggered layout generation, HTTP request and response exchange, instant scene updates in Unreal Engine, and camera switching for spatial review.
An end-to-end demonstration of the simulator workflow: Python-triggered layout generation, HTTP request and response exchange, instant scene updates in Unreal Engine, and camera switching for spatial review.
A decoupled system architecture links the UE5 client, communication layer, backend calculation engine, and 3D scene so optimization logic and spatial visualization remain tightly coordinated.
The menu interface, allowing users to select and implement different functions.
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