Digital Twin
Efficiency and Sustainability with the Digital Twin
What is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual image of a physical object, system or process. It is an exact digital replica created by collecting and integrating data about the real object. This data can come from a variety of sources, including sensors integrated into the physical object, historical data and real-time data streams.
A digital twin has the following main characteristics:
- Virtual representation: it represents the physical object in a digital format, often in 3D or as a detailed model that includes all the relevant features and functions of the original.
- Data collection and integration: The digital twin continuously collects data from the physical object. This data includes information such as operating conditions, performance, condition and environmental influences.
- Analysis and simulation: With the help of the collected data, the digital twin can be used to carry out analyses and simulate scenarios. This makes it possible to identify potential problems at an early stage, carry out optimisations and make decisions based on sound data.
- Feedback loops: Bi-directional communication between the physical object and its digital twin allows changes and adjustments to be made in real time. This leads to continuous improvement and customisation of the system.
The areas of application for digital twins in Industry 4.0 are diverse and include the manufacturing industry, healthcare, urban planning, the automotive industry and the energy sector. Examples include the monitoring and maintenance of machines and systems, the optimisation of production processes, the improvement of patient care and the planning of urban infrastructures.
The Role of the Digital Twin
The digital twin is created long before the end product is physically available. The prerequisite is a perfectly structured database in the PDM system, in which all existing information such as product structures, 3D and metadata is stored. The digital twin accompanies its real counterpart until it is scrapped. In the event of a service call, the required information can be taken directly from there. Any problems are documented in the digital twin and can be used as a knowledge base for all products that have the same parts installed.
Innovative Technologies for Digital Twins
Not all digital twins are the same: digital images can be created from any data. To create a digital twin, for example, real-time data is processed using software analyses and artificial intelligence. The data collected with sensors can then be used to generate a twin that can accurately predict how the products, processes or systems will function. This has become a basic requirement in modern, digital product development and is used in the automotive and aerospace industries, among others, to promote innovation and performance.
invenio Virtual Technologies: Pioneer in Digital Twins
invenio Virtual Technologies (invenio VT) specialises in digital twins based on 3D data, making it one of the leading providers of DMU software for the digital twin in digital product development. Among other things, VT technology monitors it for quality and change. One of the biggest advantages of the digital twin is its advanced analysis, monitoring and forecasting capabilities. We are happy to support you with your individual requirements and use cases. Numerous customers rely on invenio VT's many years of experience. VT combines flexible technology and intelligent algorithms with the digital twin.
Quality Control and Change Management
Invenio VT often works for and with product developers. Many customers have their own individual visions, develop or design products themselves and use them to build their digital twins. In the background, the VT software uses the 3D data to check whether the product can be built collision-free in accordance with the requirements using virtual geometric validation. Powerful algorithms also calculate big data in the shortest possible time. Intelligent rules sort and prepare large volumes of data, while open interfaces ensure consistent processes. As a result, invenio VT's technology guarantees future-orientated and intelligent handling of mass data.
Advantages of the Digital Twin
- Increased efficiency in the simulation of digital twins
- Better product quality at an early stage thanks to First Time Right
- Optimisation of product life cycles
- Cost reduction and resource optimisation
- Risk minimisation through precise analyses and hedging
- Contribution to the digital transformation of the company
General Functionalities and Features of the Digital Twin
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3D modelling and visualisation
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Real-time data and monitoring
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Analysis tools and simulation options
Application Areas of the Digital Twin
Automatic Protection of the Physical Future
In addition to the data, the digital twin also includes all the simulations required to safeguard a product. Each virtual product is checked for consistency in a completely digitally mapped production plant, including all robots and tools. This enables immediate intervention in the production process if necessary – both virtually and in reality. Ideally, data from use, such as sensor data or empirical values, is also fed into the digital twin. This "simulation model of future production" leads to enormous cost and time savings, as the production of physical prototypes could be completely eliminated in the future.
Digital Mock-Up (DMU)
The simulations also include digital mock-ups, as a digital twin is inconceivable without a DMU. With its modular VT-DMU software toolkit, invenio VT provides an important building block for enabling the digital twin. The high-performance algorithms can be used flexibly in the various phases – in product creation or development, in product configuration or in service.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Digital Twin
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical product, object, process or system.
In contrast to static simulations, the Digital Twin enables detailed real-time simulation and interaction.
Data from sensors, IoT devices, production facilities and other digital sources are used to create digital twins.
The digital twin is increasingly being used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and energy.
The Digital Twin can help companies to use resources more efficiently and optimise processes, which contributes to sustainability. No or significantly fewer hardware prototypes are produced.
The digital twin plays a central role in Industry 4.0 by supporting the digitalisation and networking of production facilities.
Data protection concerns may arise, especially regarding the security and use of sensitive data for the Digital Twin. Please contact us and we will offer you the appropriate solution to ensure that your confidential data remains secure and protected.
Companies must ensure that their digital twins have access to accurate and up-to-date data sources, e.g. by regularly updating data.
A clear data strategy, suitable technology infrastructure and expertise are required to successfully implement the digital twin. We are happy to advise and support you.
The Digital Twin enables all companies to react more flexibly to changing market situations by providing real-time data and analyses.
Herausforderungen bei der Integration von Digital Twins können technische Komplexität, Datenqualität und Interoperabilität sein. Mit unserer jahrzehntelangen Erfahrung in diesem Bereich bieten wir Lösungen für verschiedene Use-Cases und Anwendungsfälle.
The Digital Twin can improve this collaboration by providing a common platform for real-time data and analyses that all users can access
Small and medium-sized enterprises can utilise the digital twin by taking advantage of scalable solutions and consulting services. We are happy to support you.
In the further development of digital twins, developments such as advanced AI analytics, improved interoperability and the integration of VR/AR can be expected in the coming years.
Would You Like to Find out More about Digital Twins?
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