Digital twin
Digital representation of a real system
A digital twin represents a real object in the digital world. They may be tangible or intangible objects. The digital twins are built from data and algorithms and can be linked to the real world through sensors. Digital twins are the basis for Industry 4.0 processes.
State of play
The rapid development of digital twins has shown an increasing trend in industrial deployment since 2017. Large companies in particular have already introduced or are planning to implement digital twins in their companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises are also growing.
Current challenges in the implementation of digital twins can be found on both the technical and socio-technical sides. Secondary development issues, such as artificial intelligence, IT security or the Model Based System Engineering, on which the success of digital twins have not yet been built and embedded in all companies.
Technology and deployment
Description of technology
Elements of a digital twin
Possible use scenarios
The comprehensive representation of complex systems in all areas of the product lifecycle requires a distinction between digital twins in ‘product twins’, ‘production twins’ and ‘service twins’. The mapping of real objects based on collected data allows for a wide range of applications.
One field of application is the continuous adaptation and development of products through the use of real data. In addition, digital twins are already being used in the service sector. Data collected is used to describe the actual state of the system. Using simulation models or predictive algorithms, maintenance can be carried out predictively rather than as usual.
Gradual introduction
Step 1: Design and production phase
With regard to the Objective several issues need to be addressed:
—Which digital twin will be implemented (product, production, service twin)?
—What task should it perform (Visualisation platform, simulation model, etc.)?
—What data are relevant for this?
Step 2: Operational phase
Thus, the digital twin can be continuously ‘fed’ and usable with relevant data.
Step 3: Enlargement phase
Opportunities for SMEs
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