Why is the digital twin crucial for companies?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a process or physical object. Companies use it to monitor, analyse, simulate and optimise their products, systems and processes throughout their entire life cycle.
Real-time data, models and information are continuously recorded. This provides valuable insights into the current status and behaviour of systems and processes.
How does a digital twin improve business processes?
A digital process twin links technological processes (e.g. in production) with business processes. This enables companies to optimise production planning, maintenance, logistics and business models based on data.
Thanks to this holistic approach, efficiency can be increased, costs reduced and innovations driven forward in a targeted manner. Companies that rely on the digital twin benefit from better planning, agility and a better basis for decision-making in an increasingly digitalised world.
FAQ on digital twins
Is a digital twin AI?
A digital twin is not necessarily based on artificial intelligence (AI), but is a digital replica of an object in the physical world. However, a digital twin can use AI technologies to extend its functionality.
By using AI and machine learning, the digital twin can
- Analyze data
- Make predictions
- Develop optimization suggestions
This makes it a powerful tool that goes far beyond mere replication and actively contributes to the improvement of processes and systems.
What is the difference between a digital twin and a simulation?
A simulation is based on statistical assumptions. A digital twin, on the other hand, is a comprehensive, dynamic digital replica of a physical object or system. It is characterized by two typical features:
- The replica updates itself in real time and
- continuously integrates data from the real world
A simulation, on the other hand, is a time-limited replica of a process or system that is often used for specific scenarios or tests. While a simulation uses static assumptions, the digital twin is based on actual, real-world data and therefore provides a more accurate and up-to-date representation. Both tools are valuable, but the digital twin offers a more comprehensive insight through its real-time capability and continuous data integration.
Are there any examples of applications for digital twins?
Yes, digital twins are used in many areas and offer a wide range of benefits. In Industry 4.0, they are used to monitor and optimize production facilities, which leads to greater efficiency and less downtime. Smart cities use digital twins to manage and improve urban infrastructures such as transport systems and supply networks. In healthcare, digital twins enable personalized medicine by simulating patients’ reactions to different treatments. Digital twins are also used in the aerospace industry to monitor and optimize the condition and performance of aircraft and spacecraft. These examples show how digital twins are revolutionizing the way we interact with the physical world and opening up new opportunities for innovation and increased Efficiency.