Design, Modeling and Implementation of Digital Twins

Abstract

A Digital Twin (DT) is a set of computer-generated models that map a physical object into a virtual space. Both physical and virtual elements exchange information to monitor, simulate, predict, diagnose and control the state and behavior of the physical object within the virtual space. DTs supply a system with information and operating status, providing capabilities to create new business models. In this paper, we focus on the construction of DTs. More specifically, we focus on determining (methodologically) how to design, create and connect physical objects with their virtual counterpart. We explore the problem into several phases: from functional requirement selection and architecture planning to integration and verification of the final (digital) models. We address as well how physical components exchange real-time information with DTs, as well as experimental platforms to build DTs (including protocols and standards). We conclude with a discussion and open challenges.

Digital Twin for a Multifunctional Technology of Flexible Assembly on a Mechatronics Line with Integrated Robotic Systems and Mobile Visual Sensor—Challenges towards Industry 5.0

“…The virtual world consists of digital tools for modeling and simulating technology, specific actions, and operations. The real world is a transposition on the available hardware of all models and representations in the virtual world with remote monitoring [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world product or asset, with the benefit of continuous, real-time data from a product or a manufacturing technology. Digital twins provide insights to increase productivity, to improve product quality, components and subassemblies recovery, reduce downtime, optimization, and control of manufacturing processes [ 4 , 5 , 18 ].…”

Digital Twin: Where do humans fit in?

“…In system-based DTs, the goal is to represent the actual manufacturing system as close as possible so that it can act as a single source of truth containing all existing links between the components at logical, physical, and functional levels [59]. Therefore, to create a system-based DT, knowledge of all technical details and data sheets for the individual components of the manufacturing system is needed.…”

Establishing Reliable Research Data Management by Integrating Measurement Devices Utilizing Intelligent Digital Twins

“…Segovia and Garcia-Alfaro [ 32 ] investigate DTs in terms of design, modeling, and implementation and derive functional specifications. Lober et al [ 33 ] also elaborate general specifications for DTs in their work on improving control systems based on them.…”