A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object. It spans the object’s lifecycle and uses real-time data sent from sensors on the object to simulate the behavior and monitor operations. Digital twins can replicate many real-world items, from single pieces of equipment in a factory to full installations, such as wind turbines and even entire cities. Digital twin technology allows you to oversee the performance of an asset, identify potential faults, and make better-informed decisions about maintenance and lifecycle.
Which industries use digital twin technology?
A number of industries are increasingly using digital twins to build virtual representations of their real-world systems. Some of them include the following.
Construction
Construction teams create digital twins to better plan residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects while providing a real-time picture of how existing projects are progressing. Architects also use digital twins as part of their project planning by combining 3D modeling of buildings with digital twin technology. Commercial building managers use digital twins to monitor live and historical temperature, occupancy, and air-quality data within rooms and open spaces to improve occupant comfort.