What is Digital Twin?
In a world where connectivity and the amount of data generated increases exponentially, the concept of Digital Twin emerges as an innovative solution to improve efficiency, safety and decision-making in various sectors.
The technology Digital Twin works like a “digital twin” of a physical product. In other words, it's a virtual version of a product that exists in Real world. With the advancement of digital transformation in companies, Digital Twin It comes as a new way of making the product development and improvement process more assertive and faster.
By means of Digital Twin, the target audience of the physical product can test it, even before it was launched on the market. This allows engineers and designers to be able to identify which improvement points the artifact presents without the costs of launching a MVP (minimum viable product).
Are you curious to understand how this technology works? Keep reading!
What is the story of the Digital Twin?
The history of Digital Twin dates back several decades, with origins in different fields and applications. The roots of the concept can be found in computer simulation and modeling, especially at NASA, which in the 1960s began using virtual models to simulate and control space missions, such as the Apollo project.
However, it was in the manufacturing industry in the 80s and 90s that the concept of Digital Twin began to gain attention. During this period, companies started using virtual models to simulate and optimize production processes, test different assembly line configurations, and anticipate failures and bottlenecks. The objective was to improve the efficiency, quality, and flexibility of manufacturing operations.
As technology advanced, the Digital Twins have been adopted in a wide range of sectors other than manufacturing. Energy, health, transportation, construction, and infrastructure began to explore the potential of Digital Twin to monitor, simulate, and optimize complex processes and systems.
Currently, the Digital Twins are recognized as a valuable business strategy. Companies and organizations are adopting technology as part of their digital transformation initiatives, seeking to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, offer personalized services, and drive innovation.
How does a Digital Twin work?
To create a Digital Twin sensors placed on the physical object are used to collect real-time data about its state, behavior and interactions. This data is then transmitted to a computer system, which processes it and feeds a corresponding virtual model. This virtual model is a precise and detailed representation of the physical object, which reflects its characteristics, properties, and dynamics.
How the Digital Twin works occurs in 3 macro steps. To make it easier to understand, take a look at the example below:
A construction company has a X machine which is intensively used throughout a Y process. It is in the company's interest to develop a new version of this product that is more resistant and demand less maintenance.
To do this, the first step is to collect all the data that is generated with the operation of the X machine. They will be stored In the cloud and, based on them, some statistical scenarios will be created.
Based on the data collected in the field and the statistical scenarios designed, it is possible to develop a 3D model of the X machine and test your performance in a virtual environment and in real time.
These tests make it possible to identify some opportunities for improvement on the product and test them. In this way, it is possible to increase the performance of the X machine, with the aid of augmented reality, virtual reality and 3D modeling.
It is worth noting that Digital Twin it's not just a static image of the physical object, but rather a dynamic representation that reproduces its behavior in real time. This means that any change or event that occurs in the physical object is immediately reflected in the Digital Twin.
In addition, Digital Twin it also incorporates sensor data to simulate physical, mechanical, electrical aspects, and even decision-making processes related to the object.
What drives the Digital Twin?
Continuous progress in technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), Machine learning and Big Data has made it possible to collect, process and store large amounts of data in real time.
These technologies are essential for the creation and operation of Digital Twin, providing the basis for capturing data from the physical world and its transformation into accurate virtual models.
Below, we will detail the workings of each one of them and we will show How do they relate With the Digital Twin.
Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of interconnected physical objects that are incorporated with sensors, software, and network technology, allowing them to collect and exchange data with each other and with other systems.
Os Digital Twins are a specific IoT application. They are created through the combination of sensors and IoT technologies to collect real-time data from physical objects and create a corresponding virtual replica.
IoT devices are essential for capturing the data that powers the Digital Twins. They provide real-time information about the state, behavior, and interactions of physical objects, allowing virtual models of Digital Twins are continuously updated and accurately reflect the conditions of the physical world.
Machine Learning
Machine Learning, or “machine learning” in Portuguese, is the technology capable of modify your own operation based on the analysis of the data generated and the identification of patterns, with the minimum of human interference.
No Digital Twin, or Machine learning It is used to make predictions of some indicators of the finished product. In this way, the decision-making process can be carried out In real time by engineers and developers.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is a segment of Computer Science which seeks to reproduce the human reasoning capacity in machines. This allows computers to “think” and make decisions based on data.
Along with Machine learning, artificial intelligence is used in Digital Twin towards Find irregularities in the operation of the product and seek ways to correct these problems autonomously. This process allows an assertive action plan to be created.
Big Data
Big Data is the set of data generated digitally and at high volume and speed. Thus, it is not possible to manage them through traditional data processing software. However, the Big Data it is of paramount importance for solving problems in companies.
O Digital Twin Make use of Big Data towards Collect data that will make it possible to replicate, with assertiveness, the operation of a physical product in a virtual environment.
How are Digital Twins managed?
The management of Digital Twins involves several activities aimed at ensuring its proper functioning, the quality of the data and the effectiveness of the applications. Below are some of its main management areas:
Data Management
Os Digital Twins rely on high-quality data to provide accurate and relevant results. This involves managing data collected by IoT sensors and devices, including storing, processing, and organizing the data. In addition, it is important to ensure the security and privacy of the information by adopting appropriate protection measures.
Monitoring and maintenance
It is essential to monitor the performance of Digital Twins to identify potential problems or anomalies. This includes monitoring the integrity of the data, the accuracy of the virtual model, and connectivity with the corresponding physical object. If problems occur, corrective maintenance and updates must be performed to ensure that Digital Twin continue to work reliably.
Integration with existing systems
Um Digital Twin It usually is integrated with other systems and existing processes in organizations. This may involve integration with data management systems, industrial automation systems, monitoring and control systems, and others. Efficient and adequate integration is essential to ensure synchronization and operability between the different components of the system.
Update and improvement
O Digital Twin must be continuously updated as new data is collected and new insights are obtained. In addition, it may be necessary to carry out enhancements and updates to the virtual models to reflect changes in the corresponding physical objects.
What is the future of the Digital Twins?
The future of the concept of Digital Twin is promising, with significant potential to further transform sectors and boost innovation. Here are some trends and directions that may shape this scenario:
Increased adoption in various sectors
As awareness and understanding of the benefits of Digital Twins As they increase, their adoption is likely to expand to a wide range of sectors. Segments such as health, agriculture, retail, logistics, and civil construction have the potential to benefit from the use of this technology.
Digital Twins at scale
With the advancement of cloud computing technologies and infrastructures and edge computing, Digital Twins are expected to be applied on an increasing scale. This will allow the creation of networks of Digital Twins interconnected, in which different physical objects and systems can be represented in a shared virtual environment.
Integration with emerging technologies
Os Digital Twins can benefit from integration with other emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). The combination of these technologies can provide immersive and interactive experiences, allowing users to view and interact with Digital Twins in a more intuitive and effective way.
Improvements in data analysis and AI
With the evolution of data analysis and artificial intelligence technologies, it is possible that Digital Twins become more sophisticated in terms of predictive analysis, pattern detection, and automated decision-making. More advanced algorithms will be able to provide insights even more valuable and actionable based on the data collected by technology.
Autonomous and self-managed Digital Twins
With the combination of Digital Twins, AI and IoT, is it possible to envision a future where their Digital Twins are able to make decisions and make adjustments in real time. These Digital Twins autonomous individuals could optimize their own performance, detect and correct faults, and even propose improvements and innovations.
Digital transformation on the rise
O Digital Twin It is just one of the technologies that have been gaining strength with the digital transformation of companies, showing how technological innovation will play an increasingly relevant role in business.
As technology advances and applications expand, new tools are likely to become indispensable to boost business efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. The digitization of processes and the adoption of electronic signatures are examples of these tools.
By replacing manual tasks with digital solutions, companies can eliminate red tape, reduce errors, and optimize workflows. This results in greater productivity, time savings and reduced operating costs. Do you realize the importance of technology in the development of organizations? If you want to discover how electronic signatures and online document management can change the way you conduct your business, discover Clicksign and Test for free!
