Introducing Digital Twin Technology

A digital twin is a virtual version of what has been or will be produced. But unlike most
of the computerized simulations used, it constantly updates itself with environmental and
operational data of the working system and notifies us about the current situation
throughout the product's life. The use of this technology will allow scientists and
manufacturers to optimize the process of designing, building, and operating a device.

Creating a Digital Twin:

The value of the digital twin depends on how closely it can represent the physical
product. Developers research the mathematical and physical aspects of the product and
make a simulation model. A basic simulation model analyses a data set and given
conditions and generates the most probable outcome. Digital twin uses a complex model
designed using a combination of different algorithms, machine learning techniques, and
software. IoT sensors are set up on-site and provide the model with current figures. The
model then recalibrates itself and showcases real-time working. It works in three steps:
 Observe: After the model is set up and running, it starts with gathering data on the
situation. It works using both; past data provided by the developers and present
data being fed by the sensors. For example, machine temperature, rotor speed.
 Simulate: To predict the output it runs different tests on the model. It can then use
those results to give us options we can pursue.
 Act: This stage involves informing the user and executing what needs to be done.
It can show the user the expected outcome and probability of each available option
and which is the best solution.

Benefits:
Digital twin bridges the gap between reality and simulation. It has many uses in
manufacturing industries.
 It is used for checking the functionality of machines before they are even made. The
digital twin can simulate real-life physics so machines can be tested in different
 environments and for the tasks they are designed for. Changes can be made based on
simulation results, hence fewer prototypes are made; reducing the costs.
 Machinery is often limited and also
expensive so using it for training
purposes is risky. This technology
allows people to interact with systems
as they would in real-time in a safer
way.
 As sensors transmit live data the model
can warn us about any damage
occurring on-site or receiving unusual
data figures and predict failure, hence allowing us to act beforehand.
 It eliminates the need to travel to manufacturing plants for checking the system. The
system is brought to you virtually with exact features and the environment.

Future of Digital Twin:

Digital twin was initially designed for enhancing the manufacturing process but is now
evolving to encompass other fields. It can benefit us in agriculture, transportation, retail,
and health care systems. For example, making a digital twin of a plant. This will help a
biologist understand the plant's behavior by observing it in different conditions generated
by the model i.e. effect of humidity, sunlight and rain received.

References:
1. Zongyan Wang 2020, Digital Twin Technology, InTechOpen, viewed 17 June
2020, <https://www.intechopen.com/books/industry-4-0-impact-on-intelligent-

logistics-and manufacturing/digital-twin-technology >.

2. C.J. Parris et al. n.d, The Future for Industrial Services: The Digital Twin, Infosys
Insights, newsletter, viewed 17 June 2020
<https://www.infosys.com/insights/iot/future-industrial-digital-twin.html >.
3. K. Bruynseels, F. Santoni di Sio, and J. van den Hoven 2018, Digital Twins in
Health Care: Ethical Implications of an Emerging Engineering Paradigm,
Frontiers in Genetics, viewed 17 June 2020,
<https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2018.00031/full>