Digital twins: the new interaction with the real world
Monday, November 20, 2023
The world of information and communication technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and in the last decade, a term has emerged as the protagonist of this revolution: Digital Twins. This is an innovation that promises to fundamentally change the way we interact with the real world.
Digital Twins are much more than a virtual representation, they are the gateway to efficiency, innovation and data-based decision making. In this article, we will explore in depth this fascinating concept and its impact on the information and communication technology industry.
What is the origin of Digital Twin technology?
The origin of Digital Twins dates back to 1991, when computer scientist David Gelernter published the book “Mirror World” (Mirror World), where he described a virtual space that reflected the real world.
In 2002, Michael Grieves of the Florida Institute of Technology applied this concept to manufacturing and presented it at a product life cycle conference. In 2010, NASA used this technology to create digital simulations of capsules and spacecraft.
What is a Digital Twin?
A Digital Twin is a precise virtual replica of a real-world object, system or process. How is this feat achieved? The magic lies in the interconnection with the real world through sensors and the constant collection of data in real time. This connection is the key to keeping the Digital Twin in sync with its real-world counterpart.
Imagine it as an exact copy of an airplane, production plant or even the human body, which is updated in real time with precise information.
A digital twin consists of three parts: the physical product, the virtual product and the connections that are generated between the two.
What objectives do Digital Twins have?
The Digital Twins have the following objectives:
• Generate valuable information that can be applied to the original physical product or system to improve its performance, optimize its processes, predict its failures and reduce its maintenance, repair and production costs.
• Increase product efficiency.
• Customize products and services to specific customer needs.
• Allow engineers and designers to test and refine their ideas virtually before creating physical prototypes.
What can be some examples of Digital Twins?
• Digital replica of a jet engine to study its operation, detect anomalies and test solutions.
• Digital replica of a power plant to monitor and optimize its operation, which can help reduce energy consumption and emissions.
• Digital simulation of a building to optimize its design, energy consumption and safety.
• Virtual recreation of a city to plan its mobility, waste management and air quality.
Is there a relationship between Digital Twin technology and Artificial Intelligence?
The relationship between both disciplines is very close, since AI is what allows creating, updating and analyzing virtual models of physical objects or systems. AI uses machine learning algorithms to process large amounts of data from sensors and other sources, and identify patterns, anomalies, trends and predictions. AI also uses natural language processing to facilitate interaction between humans and Digital Twins, through voice or text interfaces.
Depending on the current development and prospects of AI, AI could support Digital Twin technology in several ways, such as:
• Improving the quality and accuracy of virtual models, through the use of advanced computer vision, image recognition, data analysis and simulation techniques.
• Expanding the scope and application to different areas.
• Integrating them with other emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Blockchain, quantum computing or the metaverse .
• Promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange between the different actors involved in the development and use of Digital Twins, such as researchers, developers, suppliers, clients and users.
Is Digital Twin technology expensive?
The cost of Digital Twin technology depends on several factors, such as the type and complexity of the object or system to be modeled, the number and quality of sensors and data to be used, the level of detail and precision of the virtual model. , the software and platform to be used, and the degree of integration with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence or Blockchain . According to a report by Grand View Research , the global Digital Twins market is estimated to reach a value of $86 billion by 2028, indicating that it is a growing technology with great potential.
What professionals support the development of Digital Twins?
They are professionals with knowledge and skills in areas such as engineering, computing, mathematics, physics, statistics or design. These professionals are capable of creating, managing and analyzing virtual models of physical objects or systems, using tools such as 3D modeling, simulation, machine learning, natural language processing or user interfaces. Some companies that offer digital twin solutions are IBM, Autodesk, Unity or Esri.
What perspective does Digital Twin technology have for the future?
As connectivity and processing power continue to grow exponentially, the adoption of Digital Twins will accelerate. In addition, its role is fundamental in the convergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality and robotics.
The prospects for massive use of Digital Twins are very promising, since this technology is expected to have a great impact in various areas, such as industry 4.0, the circular economy, personalized medicine, distance education and immersive entertainment. With devices that are connected to the Internet, data can be obtained to feed the Digital Twins.
These are some of the aspects in which it will be present:
• In the health sector, creating virtual models of hospitals, patients or treatments, to improve the quality and efficiency of health services.
• In the transportation sector, creating virtual models of vehicles, infrastructure or routes, to optimize traffic, safety and energy consumption.
• In the education sector, which allow the creation of virtual models of schools, classrooms or students, to personalize learning, encourage collaboration and increase motivation.
• In the entertainment sector, which allow the creation of virtual models of characters, settings or stories, to offer immersive and creative experiences.
In an ever-changing world, Digital Twins represent an invaluable tool for driving efficiency, innovation and informed decision-making across industries. These precise virtual replicas of real-world objects and processes promise to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and the environment around us.
Digital Twins are the key to a more efficient, sustainable and connected future in the information and communication technologies industry. Let's stay tuned, as the rise of Digital Twins promises to unlock an exciting future.
SOURCES:
1. Repsol : https://www.repsol.com/es/energia-futuro/tecnologia-innovacion/gemelos-digitales/index.cshtml.
2. IBM: https://www.ibm.com/es-es/topics/what-is-a-digital-twin
3. Canal Innova: https://canalinnova.com/que-son-los-gemelos-digitales-y-como-Funcionan/
4. Capgemini : https://www.capgemini.com/es-es/investigacion/biblioteca-de-investigacion/gemelos-digitales/
5. Salud Digital Latin America Magazine: https://www.revistasaluddigital.com/es/noticia/gemelo-digital-inteligencia-artificial-aplicada-a-la-salud
6. Amazon Web Services: https://aws.amazon.com/es/what-is/digital-twin/
7. Tekcrispy ; https://www.tekcrispy.com/2021/05/24/que-es-tecnologia-gemelos-digitales/
8. Esri : https://www.esri.com/es-es/digital-twin/overview
9. Unity: https://unity.com/es/solutions/digital-twin-definition
10. Open Sistemas: https://opensistemas.com/gemelo-digital/
11. Innovate or Die: https://innovaromorir.com/gemelos-digitales-definicion-tipos-aplicaciones-y-ejemplos/
12. Digi : https://es.digi.com/blog/post/digital-twin-examples
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