The 5 stages of digital twin development

Others expect to see simulation advances used to improve various aspects of operations, particularly with the rise of the so-called “omniverse” for rendering models — referring to the use of things like VR and AR, automated data labeling, AI-powered physics, and improved supply chains. Simulation software is an insurance policy for manufacturers, ABI Research principal analyst Michael Larner told VentureBeat. There is an arms race in the supplier community regarding the algorithms that can be deployed, he said. This “insurance” allows them to respond to rapid changes in consumer demands and supply chain disruptions, such as the chip shortage currently hobbling the auto industry.

For consumer technology, this means that smartphones can maintain detailed digital twins of their users — capturing data on everything from user activity to environmental changes — all while ensuring that the user’s private information remains secure. The power of federated learning lies in its ability to continuously update the digital twin based on local device processing, creating a personalized and real-time model of the user’s life, without compromising on privacy. A digital twin is essentially a real-time virtual model of a physical object or system. Traditionally, these models have been applied in industrial settings to optimize operations, monitor equipment health, and predict system failures. However, Vadlakonda’s research has expanded this concept into the consumer space, proposing that smartphones could act as personalized digital twins of their owners.

Digital twins: The evolution of real-time personalization

Neither accomplishes the goal of enabling medically valid simulations, tests and predictions. Jorgensen adds that the offshore wind farm project details how digital twins could transform how we study and understand the impact of developments on local ecosystems. «At a basic level, digital twins require IoT sensors, connectivity, modeling software, compute, and reporting tools,» Quinn said.

• PTC’s vice president of product management, Paul Sagar, explained that engineers have traditionally used generative design to create and optimize single parts.
• If you want to read about cutting-edge ideas and up-to-date information, best practices, and the future of data and data tech, join us at DataDecisionMakers.
• If a customer typically adds an additional 30 seconds after microwaving their dinner, flag them as a target for a higher-wattage model, or offer them a service call to check the output of the appliance.

Bringing your customers to life

While engineering digital twins rely on Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to track what’s happening in the real world, DToCs build upon that via a wealth of data drawn from sources like social media, online behaviour, transaction history, customer feedback and other interactions with the brand. Combining this with the advantage of artificial intelligence and machine learning can unlock a new level of actionable insights. Take a wind turbine, as an example of where digital twin technology comes in handy.

Northrop Grumman Challenges Engineers and Proves Value with Digital Design

Vadlakonda’s innovative contributions to the fields of IoT, AI, and mobile technology have positioned him as a leading figure in the integration of cyber-physical systems into consumer devices, revolutionizing how users interact with their smartphones and the world around them. Indeed, manufacturers have been busy launching new digital twin-enabled services and revenue streams for everything from robots to refrigerators. Digital twins developed by Mitsubishi Electric, which designs and makes controllers, robots and other devices and components for industrial use, give the manufacturer as well as its operator customers visibility into plant and process data to inform predictive maintenance. The insights derived from digital twins are incredibly valuable for various experiments and iterative processes within new product development. Beyond revealing how customers engage with the virtual and physical retail floor, DToCs also help retailers better understand purchasing decisions, as well as how their customers engage with products and services.

This all helps build a detailed, real-time picture of a customer, which is far more granular and precise than basic customer segmentation. By drawing upon a wide range of data sources, digital twins also help break down data silos – both within the businesses and along the supply chain – to create a more holistic view of customers. Every organisation has different needs, and brands will want to be considered as they look to implement these advanced capabilities across their business. A digital twin synchronizes the data between the natural world and the digital environment (the twin), allowing people to take actions and make decisions in the virtual environment that can be quickly manifested in the real world. Today, with data updated in real time, digital twins help by giving companies the most accurate understanding of their business operations, providing a significant competitive advantage. Adopting digital twin technology demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence in space exploration.

factors heating up the popularity of digital twins and simulations

Building on this, digital twins can also help retailers polish not only the physical in-store experience but also online. By understanding buying behaviours and identifying shopping patterns, retailers can adjust promotions, personalise recommendations and even tweak pricing on the fly which then can be reflected on digital channels, building a heightened experience. Looking forward, they can also create forecasts based on customer preferences and historical trends.

• The digital twin enabled the mission team to navigate the challenging microgravity environment around asteroid Bennu, dynamically respond to changes and uncertainties and adjust based on real-time data.
• Vadlakonda’s work, especially in the context of edge computing and federated learning, allows smartphones to collect and analyze vast amounts of data locally, in real time, on the device.
• High-fidelity representations allow for thorough analysis and troubleshooting, leading to early identification and resolution of potential issues.
• A closer look at the cardiovascular bio-digital twin (one area of focus for my research organization) can help clarify matters.
• «I think I got into a really weird mental place with the disease, but the twin gave me hope, the hope got me committed, and that actually gave me life.»

The entire process saves time and resources and provides one accurate “source of truth” for documentation needs. «They’re doing all of this data collection to really give precise information and it’s like, ‘Bam! We’re going to give everyone a multivitamin.» «Our world is not trying to help us stay healthy. And what my twin does is help me figure out how to navigate the world in a healthy way.» The sector is growing fast, too — with investments in value-based care companies far outpacing hospital construction spending, per McKinsey & Company.

What impact will Digital Twins have on CPG companies?

Digital twin technology, initially aimed at space exploration, is now proving crucial for Earth-based applications. A standout project is the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Digital Twin Earth, which creates a dynamic digital replica of our planet. This allows for precise monitoring and forecasting of natural and human activities.

A factory in Amberg, a small town in Bavaria, is not quite that, but it gets close. The plant is run by Siemens, a German engineering giant, and it makes industrial computer-control systems, which are essential bits of kit used in a variety of automated systems, including the factory’s own production lines. Integrating diverse data sources with different formats and standards also presents considerable challenges. Promoting open-source platforms and standardizing data formats are critical for facilitating data exchange within the space industry. «What they’ve taught me is everybody screws up, but now you know what to do to be healthy again,» he said. «I think I got into a really weird mental place with the disease, but the twin gave me hope, the hope got me committed, and that actually gave me life.»

The most likely early use cases for cardiovascular bio-digital twins involve patients in critical care, so defining the twin’s components must be precise. Targeted for the most part at industry and manufacturing, Fortune Business Insights projected the market to be valued at $11.51 billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 42.6% through 2030. Jorgensen says that by deploying a digital twin model, SSE Renewables can acquire accurate predictive data to assess their strategy before implementation.