Digital Twin Technology

Abstract : A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical object, process or service. The concept originated earlier the first practical definition of digital twin originated from NASA in an attempt to improve physical model simulation of spacecraft in 2010. Digital twins are the result of continual improvement in the creation of product design and engineering activities. Product drawings and engineering specifications progressed from handmade drafting to computer aided drafting/computer aided design to model- based systems engineering.A digital twin can be a digital replica of an object in the physical world, such as a jet engine or wind farms, or even larger items such as buildings or even whole cities. As well as physical assets, the digital twin technology can be used to replicate processes in order to collect data to predict how they will perform. A digital twin is, in essence, a computer program that uses real world data to create simulations that can predict how a product or process will perform. These programs can integrate the internet of things (Industry 4.0), artificial intelligence and software analytics to enhance the output. With the advancement of machine learning and factors such as big data, these virtual models have become a staple in modern engineering to drive innovation and improve performance. The concept of digital twins is not exactly new it was first presented by Dr Michael Grieves in 2002, and, prior to that, NASA had been using complex simulations ofspacecraft for decades. But thanks to the explosion of the internet of things (IoT), and the subsequent lowering costs of associated technologies, digital twins are now more accessible than ever.

Keyword IoT , Virtual Reality, Scientific Visualization