What exactly are digital twins?
For any unaware, IBM’s simplified definition is an exceptional place to start: “A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system designed to reflect a physical object accurately. It spans the object's lifecycle, is updated from real-time data and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help make decisions."
In this vein, think of a wind turbine, for example. Let’s say that’s the physical object to be studied here. The turbine is outfitted with sensors that produce data about different aspects of its overall functionality. (e.g. energy output, physical stability, performance in various temperatures/weather conditions, etc.) Then, the system(s) receiving this information actively apply it to a digital copy, i.e. “twin.” This digital model can then be utilized (under safer, well-controlled conditions) to conduct simulations that analyze how the turbine performs, what challenges may be faced, what potential enhancements can be devised, etc.
The ultimate objective?
Use digital twins to obtain valuable knowledge that can later be used to improve (and scale, when applicable) the original physical object, itself.
Via the virtual environments enabled by digital twins, real-world processes are smartly optimized. And while they’re often associated with the cutting-edge goings-on as part of Industry 4.0, digital twins offer immense value in managing and improving existing infrastructure in a variety of other non-industrial ways, as well.
For more information on this topic, we highly encourage Industrial Internet of Things readers (and those invested in the broader Internet of Things) to attend the Industrial IoT Conference! This will be taking place from February 11-13 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, folks will have opportunities aplenty to learn more about how digital twins and other transformative “of Things”-focused innovations.
In fact, one session specifically is titled “Digital Twins: Improving Operations – Going Beyond Alarm Monitoring.” On Tuesday, February 11 from 2:00-2:45 PM, attendees will hear from panelists about the reality of modern operations; how most product devices are older (and built before connectivity was considered undeniably necessary for management platforms). Digital twins, naturally, come in handy; click here to learn more.
Note: The Industrial IoT Conference is part of IoT Evolution Expo 2025 and the #TECHSUPERSHOW experience. Register here.
Edited by
Greg Tavarez
