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.

Prototypes and demonstrators available
Cross-industry deployment
Suitable for SMEs?

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

Opportunities for SMEs

Time savings in the development and production process

Optimised inter-departmental and inter-company cooperation

Predictive maintenance by forecasting

Use of real field data for product development

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