Digital Twin Technology

Abstract

A Digital Twin is a relatively new innovation that involves a virtual model of a physical object that is used to run tests and make improvements to the physical object. Because the technology allows data to be updated real time and an object to be tested under different conditions, this new innovation is a huge asset to the manufacturing industry as the technology is used for product testing. The innovation of Digital Twins technology (DTt) has been used by the Air Force to monitor battle damage for aircrafts and is currently used by the US Department of Health and Human Services in their healthcare system.

Background

Digital Twin technology (DTt) is a complex virtual version of a physical object. A chosen object equipped with sensors receives data on the object’s structure and performance, and then the data is input into the virtual model. The virtual model is used to run simulations and find possible malfunctions and then using the DTt feedback, revisions are made to the original object. The technology allows one to analyze and experiment to see how an object performs in a set environment. The term “Digital Twin” was coined in 2002 by John Vickers, but the innovation only began to be more used in 2018-2019 (Read).

The greatest asset of DTt is the fact that it accelerates the design process and addresses malfunctions before they happen. By doing so, it eliminates aspects of prototype testing. Traditionally, one would need to go through the cycle of manufacturing, testing, and correcting errors in the design until satisfaction, but DTt allows companies to save money and time by stepping up this costly and timely process. By 2020, this technology can save billions of dollars in design and manufacturing, and up to 60% of manufacturers use this innovation (Rhea). The Digital Twin is often compared to simulations. However, while a simulation can only analyze one process at a time, Digital Twins can analyze multiple processes. Additionally, while simulations don’t have real-time data, DTt is able to constantly update. Because of its ability to study multiple processes at once and update data real time, DTt has a far higher potential to improve objects.

Case Studies

Air and Space Force

The Air Force and Space Force are constantly looking for improvements in efficiency for supply chains. Traditionally, errors are found once the technology needed has been manufactured. The amount of time and money needed to modify manufactured objects cause delays and unanticipated costs. This would interfere with the ability to be prepared and get something on the field. Through the use of Digital Twin technology, the Air Force and Space Force can predict what errors will occur ahead of time, saving time and money.

The military can use 3D printing to create the part of an object that needs replacing which eliminates complications in the supply chain. The Air Force used DTt for their B-1 Lancer bomber to monitor battle damage. This is extremely useful for the Space Force in particular, as the repair of an object takes significantly longer because of the complications of sending it to Earth and back. An officer of the Space Force mentioned that because of DTt, the time, money, and resources needed for the repair of an object are considerably fewer. The Space Force uses Digital Twins to model the damage of a collision and how to respond to one.

US Department of Health and Human Services

DTt in the healthcare industry will result in more efficient healthcare delivery to patients. It will change how treatments are used, as it will be able to diagnose a patient’s disease state and assess treatment options. The technology would tailor treatment options to every individual. It would also be possible to find health problems before they occur which would save lives. There are several benefits to adding DTt to the healthcare system, and the US Department of Health and Human Services is currently working on modifying the system to incorporate this ever-growing technology.

General Uses

Traffic Planning

Planners can use DTt to test different traffic patterns. For example, they can add a building in a location and test how much traffic the addition would cause. They could also use data from crashes to allow planners to locate dangerous roads. Planners could then use the technology to figure out how to fix dangerous situations and ensure safety.

Combating Climate Change

Retailers have been using DTt as it speeds up the manufacturing process. Because of the technology’s ability to find malfunctions before the product is manufactured, the product will be more reliable which would therefore increase sales. This technology also allows for better financial decision-making as retailers can figure out what adjustments are financially smart to make.

In San Francisco, for example, DTt was used to study dense areas and movement patterns. Areas with poor air quality were identified and this data allowed the city to work on a plan to fix the problem. Additionally, DTt can be used to model future effects of climate change. Scientists can stimulate outcomes of hazards like rising sea levels, droughts, and tropical storms. The hope of such projects is to get lawmakers to understand the effects of climate change.

Conclusion: The Future of Digital Twins

Digital Twins will surface to be a major tool in IT as it will continue to transform manufacturing and product testing. The market of Digital Twins is estimated to reach $48.2 billion by 2026 (Presgraves). Currently, Digital Twins have advanced into the Digital Triplet, which is an extension that consists of the physical and cyber world with the addition of the intelligent activity world. Together, Digital Twin and Digital Triplet are the next step to organizations and agencies fulfilling their digital transformation.

References

“Digital Twin: Solving real world problems with Visualization.” TechSci Research, March 2021, https://www.techsciresearch.com/blog/digital-twin-solving-real-world-problems-%20with-visualization/161.html. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.

Presgraves, David. “3 ways additive manufacturing and digital twins benefit the military.” GovDesignHub, 6 Apr. 2022, https://govdesignhub.com/2022/04/06/3-ways-additive-manufacturing-and-digital-twins-are-transforming-air-force-and-space-force-supply-chains/#.ZClqh3bMK3A. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.

Read, Bill. “Aerospace digital transformation.” Royal Aeronautical Society, 12 May 2020, https://www.aerosociety.com/news/aerospace-digital-transformation/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.

Rhea, Kerry. “IoT in Government: How Government is Using Digital Twins.” GovEvents, 7 July 2022, https://www.govevents.com/blog/2022/07/07/iot-in-government-how-government-is-using-digital-twins/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2022.