AdvancedTopic 79 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Digital twins
Live virtual replicas of physical assets used for monitoring and prediction.
In depth
A digital twin is a virtual replica synchronised with a physical asset via sensor data, used for monitoring, diagnostics, prediction, what-if analysis and optimisation across the lifecycle. Combines physics, data and AI; requires data pipelines, models and governance. Applications: jet engines, wind farms, factories, buildings.
Key points
- Twin fidelity levels
- IoT integration
- Predictive maintenance
ExampleGE models each jet engine's wear with a twin updated from flight data.
Digital twins keep a virtual model updated with real data, which supports monitoring, prediction and optimisation throughout the asset life.
What is Digital twins?
Live virtual replicas of physical assets used for monitoring and prediction.
Why is it important to understand digital twins?
Digital twins keep a virtual model updated with real data, which supports monitoring, prediction and optimisation throughout the asset life.
What makes a digital twin different from a simulation?
A digital twin is linked to the real asset through live data, so it reflects the current state rather than only a design assumption.
What does a digital twin need to be useful?
Accurate models, reliable sensor data, a secure data link and processes that act on the predictions.
How is Digital twins used in practice?
Typical applications include monitoring a wind turbine gearbox through its digital twin and predicting failures, simulating the effect of a process change on a plant before trying it and planning maintenance for a fleet of pumps using their digital twins.
What should I learn before Digital twins?
Study "Modelling and simulation" first (topic 78 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Digital twins?
Twin fidelity levels. IoT integration. Predictive maintenance.
Can you give an example of Digital twins?
GE models each jet engine's wear with a twin updated from flight data.
What comes after Digital twins?
The next topic is "Aerodynamics for aircraft", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Digital twins?
It is classed as Advanced in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 79 of 102). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems.