Digital twin technology is a virtual representation of an object that reflects the physical object accurately. Data analytics technology like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence systems capture real-time data and help to make informed decisions. The rapid development in the Fourth Industrial Revolution promoted the introduction of twin technology that can analyze the real process and examine real physical objects to create hypothetical scenarios for predicting the behavior of objects. This results in informed decision-making with higher operational efficiency.
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Concept of digital twin technology
Digital twin technology is nothing but a virtual presentation of a physical object through a software program that collects real data for generating simulation results that predict the product, process, and performance of the system. It analyzes a large amount of data. So, digital twin technology has mainly three major aspects: physical objects, virtual objects, and the connection between them.
How does digital twin technology work?
Take the example of a CNC milling machine with various sensors that control vital functions. These sensors store the data of CNC milling machines’ like performance, how they are drilling, cutting, and shaping the metals, how the accuracy level is, and the spindle speed and feed rate. The processing system uses this relevant data and prepares a digital copy that is further used for conducting various simulations and analyzing performance-related issues. It helps in finally improving the operational efficiency of the CNC milling machine. This is a simple real-life problem scenario where digital twin technology application is useful for enhancing the overall operational efficiency.
Advantages of digital twin technology
- Digital twin technology helps the organization with the facility of real-time monitoring of processes from remote locations. This helps in achieving operational efficiency throughout the production process.
- It allows us predictive maintenance by anticipating the performance-related issues or anything relevant to the manufacturing process and helps us stay ahead of time.
- It anticipates the chances of risk and failure of the system in advance, which helps in detecting breakdowns of the system and taking preventive measures.
The use of digital twin technology enables businesses to do more effective research and development based on the most likely outcomes as per predictive analysis. It gives companies deep insight into product refinement. It saves time, minimizes waste, and increases operational efficiency.
Frequently Asked Question
Are simulation and digital twin technology the same?
Simulation and digital twin technology both are digital models and replicate various system processes, but simulation can only study one particular process, whereas digital twin can study multiple processes. Simulation is a one-way flow of information, but a digital twin works in two ways: an object sensor sends information to a system processor, then the system analyzes those data and shares them back to the original object.
What are the applications of digital twin technology?
Digital twin is used in power generation equipment, manufacturing operations, automotive, and healthcare services.
What are the types of digital twin technology?
There are 4 types of digital twins. Component twin represents part of equipment such as a sensor, switch, or valve. The product twin is comprised of several component twins. System twin enables us to see how different assets come together to act as a functional unit. Process digital twin connects the system twin into one entity.
