What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a live virtual copy of a physical object or system, fed by real sensor data, that mirrors how the real thing is behaving right now. You can watch it, test changes on it, and predict problems before they hit the physical version.
Of a physical object or system, fed by real sensor data, mirroring how the real thing is behaving right now.
Test changes on the twin and predict problems before they hit the physical version.
A 3D model is static; a digital twin reflects the real thing’s current state.
Picture a virtual model of a production line that updates as the real line runs. You can ask what happens if you speed up a machine or reroute a process, and see the answer on the twin before you touch the floor.
- Watch itThe twin mirrors how the real thing is behaving right now.
- Test changes on itAsk what happens if you speed up a machine or reroute a process.
- Act on the originalSee the answer on the twin before you touch the floor, then act with confidence.
That is the power: experiment safely on the copy, then act with confidence on the original.
Figure 1. The loop between a physical system and its digital twin
Drawn from this article: a digital twin is fed by real sensor data and mirrors the real thing, so you can test changes and predict problems on the copy, then act with confidence on the original. Structure only; no measured values.
Sthenos connects physical systems to software through Internet of Things and analytics, the foundation a digital twin runs on.
Is a digital twin just a 3D model?
No. A 3D model is static. A digital twin is fed by live data, so it reflects the real thing’s current state and can predict what comes next.
A 3D model
What it is- Static
- No live data feed
A digital twin
Fed by live data- Reflects the real thing’s current state
- Can predict what comes next
Related in this topic: overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Related reading
Related terms:
Services: Internet Of Things, Manufacturing
