The term ‘digital twin’ is by no means new, but, in combination with the advances in artificial intelligence, its role in revolutionizing industrial processes and generating new economic value could significantly grow. From saving the amount of money required to roll out full-scale industrial processes to minimizing risks and preventing failures, this technology is considered to be one of the drivers of Industry 4.0.
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a virtual model, a probabilistic simulation of a physical object, process, or system. It is used to simulate, analyze, and predict real-world performance and problems by analyzing data from various sources, such as sensors and IoT devices. Using this cutting-edge technology, experts can better understand and manage real-world objects, which makes it easier to optimize, troubleshoot, and improve them.
Digital twin in a nutshell (video)
What is Industry 4.0?
The term ‘Industry 4.0’ describes the 4th industrial revolution, which is defined by the incorporation of cutting-edge digital technology such as AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) into industrial production processes. This stage of manufacturing marks a change from conventional industrial methods to automated, intelligent, and networked processes.
What are the applications of digital twins in manufacturing?
A digital twin is a virtual duplicate of a warehouse, facility, equipment, physical product, or system, developed from data collected in real-time through sensors and IoT devices. In smart manufacturing, the digital twin technology builds virtual replicas of goods, production lines, and even entire factories. As a result, manufacturing and product development become more efficient. In a virtual 3D environment, it also permits the modification and production of items.