7 Amazing Examples of Digital Twin Technology In Practice

Digital twin technology is a revolutionary approach that allows businesses and industries to create a virtual replica of their physical assets and processes, enabling real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization for improved performance, efficiency, and decision-making. These assets or physical objects can include anything from jet engines to whole cities.

A digital twin is computer software that simulates how a process or product works using data from the real world. In addition, these applications can use artificial intelligence, software analytics, and the internet of things (Industry 4.0) to improve output.

Many companies are offering full-fledged IoT-based development services globally. Let us look into the details of the impact of digital twin technologies below.

In Manufacturing, Digital Twins are built to replicate product lines, end products, or any other real-world physical process that occurs as a part of manufacturing. It allows manufacturers to simulate and analyze the performance of their equipment and operations in real-time, identify potential issues, and optimize their processes for increased efficiency, productivity, and quality.

Using digital twin technology, they can also test the impact of different scenarios and changes on their operations, such as production line reconfigurations, new product introductions, or equipment failures, without disrupting their production.

Additionally, digital twin technology can link the virtual and physical manufacturing environments, enabling the integration of data from sensors, IoT devices, and other sources to provide a comprehensive view of the manufacturing process.

It allows manufacturers to make data-driven decisions and improve their overall operational performance.

Digital Twin Example in Manufacturing- IntelligentEngine by Rolls-Royce

IntelligentEngine is part of Rolls-Royce's "IntelligentEngine" program, which aims to use digital twin technology, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to optimize the performance of aircraft engines.

Rolls-Royce's digital twin software, IntelligentEngine, utilizes digital twin technology to enhance the performance of aircraft engines. This technology enables the creation of virtual replicas of physical engines, which allows for the simulation of a more significant number of potential circumstances than traditional physical engine testing. Using IntelligentEngine, customers can better understand and achieve greater efficiencies in their operations.

In the construction industry, digital twin technology creates virtual representations of buildings, infrastructure, and other physical assets.

These virtual models provide a detailed look at how the asset is designed and performs in real-time. For example, it allows construction companies to see how people use the space, how much space is being used, and how people move through the building.

The virtual model also allows construction companies to test different scenarios, such as design changes, weather disruptions, or security events, without disrupting the construction. It also allows one to collect and see all the data in one place.

Digital Twin Example in Construction- Bentley BIM Model

Bentley BIM Modelling services utilize Bentley software to help architects, engineers, contractors, and site workers tackle various problems that can arise during all stages of a construction project. The software processes point cloud data and create a detailed 3D building information model.

With this model, BIM Managers can perform quality assurance and quality control checks to ensure the client receives accurate results. In addition, Bentley's clash detection feature can identify discrepancies and eliminate miscommunication between systems like electrical or plumbing.

BIM coordination and clash resolution performed by BIM Machine ensures the model is accurate and without errors. This process, known as BIM quality assurance, is an essential part of any design, construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation project.

In the energy and utilities industry, digital twin technology creates virtual representations of power plants, transmission and distribution networks, and other energy assets. In addition, digital twins help utility companies improve planning and specifications, operational efficiency, and personnel training.

Due to the recent pandemic, the energy and utilities industry has significantly accelerated digital technology, including digital twin technology. This technology allows companies to create virtual models of their energy assets and simulate real-time performance. As a result, it can significantly reduce the need for physical testing and lower costs.

Additionally, it can help improve the overall quality and performance of the protection systems. Digital twin technology can also enable testing activities to occur remotely and at any time. While it may not wholly replace on-site testing, it can significantly reduce it.

Digital Twin Example in Energy and Utilities- Siemens Digital Twin

Harbin Turbine Co., Ltd. is using digital twin technology, specifically with the help of Siemens NX software, to improve the design of its turbines. This software allows the company to use virtual models of their turbine designs, which helps to reduce production cycles and improve the accuracy of designs.

Using NX, the company can automatically generate the shape of the turbine guide blade by inputting specific attributes and parameters instead of starting from scratch.

Using Teamcenter solutions, this technology allows the company to share and access product information across different departments, such as manufacturing, quality, cost engineering, compliance, service, and supply chain.

In the healthcare field, digital twin technology is used to create virtual representations of patients and medical devices.

The use of digital twin technology in the diagnosis process allows healthcare professionals to simulate different scenarios and identify potential issues without having to disrupt the patient's actual care. As a result, it can help to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and reduce the number of unnecessary tests and procedures.

Additionally, by creating a detailed digital representation of the patient's body and medical history, healthcare professionals can identify patterns and trends that may indicate a potential health risk. Digital twin technology is also being used to create virtual representations of medical devices, such as implants, prosthetics, and other equipment.

At the same time, digital twin technology is being used in studies in the personalized medicine and pharmaceutical industry to develop more personalized treatment plans and drugs tailored to the specific needs of individual patients.

Digital Twin Example in Healthcare- Siemens Healthineers

The radiology department at MPH underwent a layout and infrastructure renovation in collaboration with Siemens Healthineers. Unfortunately, it frequently takes months or even years of trial and error to redesign an entire department, which results in noticeable improvements.

However, the team's use of workflow simulation and digital process optimization throughout the project allowed them to achieve the anticipated redesign and optimization results quickly.

Doctors and engineers worked together to create a digital copy of a radiology department using data from real-life MRI and CT machines. They studied the current layout and found ways to improve it.

They spent a week observing the department's work, interviewing people, and conducting workshops. Then, they created a 3D computer model of the department using this information.

This digital twin allowed them to test different layouts and ideas without changing the entire department. They could see how these changes will affect the flow of patients and staff and subsequently choose the best solution to make the department run more efficiently.

Digital twin technology is used to create virtual models of transportation systems, such as roads, bridges, and trains. These digital twins are used to simulate the behavior of these systems in different scenarios, such as traffic congestion, weather conditions, and maintenance events.

It allows transportation engineers and planners to test and optimize the performance of these systems before they are built or modified. Additionally, digital twin technology can monitor the real-time performance of transportation systems, allowing for proactive maintenance and improved safety.

It includes providing real-time information to drivers, such as traffic conditions, road closures, and weather alerts, to help them make better road decisions.

Digital Twin Example in Transportation- Anylogic's Digital Twin

Alstom, a global leader in the transportation industry, uses digital twin technology to maintain and optimize the performance of the Pendolino train fleet on the busy West Coast Main Line in the UK.

The digital twin, developed by Anylogic, simulates the operations of the entire fleet and allows users to test and evaluate different strategies for servicing the trains. It includes altering maintenance regimes, scheduling, and depot capacities.

The digital twin helps minimize unnecessary expenses and improve train maintenance efficiency by understanding the system performance and identifying bottlenecks. Additionally, the digital twin allows users to compare different scenarios and make informed decisions based on key performance indicators.

In the retail industry, digital twin technology is used to improve various aspects of the customer experience and store operations. One of the primary uses of digital twin technology in retail is store design and layout optimization.

By creating a virtual replica of a store, retailers can experiment with different layouts and product displays to see how they impact customer flow and purchase behavior. It can help them identify the most effective ways to increase sales and improve the overall customer experience.

Another critical use of digital twin technology in retail is inventory management. By analyzing data from sensors and other sources, retailers can create a real-time digital twin of their inventory. It allows them to track inventory levels and identify potential stockouts before they happen, reducing the risk of lost sales.

Additionally, retailers can use digital twin technology to optimize their supply chain operations, such as determining the most efficient shipping routes and identifying potential bottlenecks. Finally, digital twin technology is also used in retail for employee training, customer service, and marketing.

Digital Twin Example in Retail- Walmart

Walmart has introduced new features to its mobile app to make the in-store shopping experience more streamlined and convenient for customers. For example, when shoppers enter a Walmart store and launch the mobile app, it transforms into the "Store Assistant" feature, which provides access to all the tools needed to make shopping fast and easy, such as Walmart Pay and a product search bar.

One of the key new capabilities added to the app is the "Improved Store Navigation with Store Maps." Walmart is creating unique maps for its 4,700 stores, which will help shoppers find where an item is located, even down to the aisle and shelf area.

These maps are already available for a select number of stores, making it easier for shoppers to navigate and find what they're looking for. Additionally, shoppers can check if a store has specific departments, such as a photo or auto care center, and see the department's hours and phone numbers.

They can also check the availability of specialty items like Rug Doctor rentals from the app. These new features are in addition to existing features that app users can already enjoy, such as store pickup location and real-time notifications when an order is ready, price checking, reordering past purchases, managing pharmacy prescriptions, price comparisons, weekly ads, wedding and baby registration, and a barcode scanner.

Digital twin technology is becoming increasingly popular in designing and managing intelligent cities. A digital twin of a city can be used to simulate and analyze different scenarios, such as traffic flow, energy consumption, and emergency response.

Cities can use digital twin technology to simulate and analyze traffic flow, identify bottlenecks, and optimize traffic signal timing. As a result, it can lead to more efficient use of roadways and reduced congestion.

Smart cities can simulate and analyze energy consumption, identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved, and optimize the use of renewable energy sources. As a result, it can lead to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.

Additionally, Cities can use digital twin technology to simulate and analyze emergency response scenarios, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. It can help cities to better prepare for emergencies and respond more effectively when they occur.

Digital Twin Example- Virtual Singapore Platform

The Virtual Singapore platform is a digital representation of Singapore that allows users from various sectors to create tools and applications for testing new concepts and services. It is also used for planning, decision-making, and researching technologies that can address complex issues in the country.

The platform's functionality will vary for different user groups and will be rolled out in stages, taking into account data confidentiality and privacy protocols. Currently, the platform is available to government agencies for decision-making related to various initiatives.

When it is rolled out to other stakeholders, it has the potential to improve the overall quality of life in the following ways:

• Citizens: Connecting them to community services and raising awareness.

• Businesses: Using 3D data for business analytics, resource planning and management, and specialized services.

• Academia and Research Conduct research in 3D semantic modeling and creating innovations and technologies for public-private collaborations.

Currently, the Virtual Singapore platform is being used in various real-world projects, such as:

• Town planners in the Yuhua district use the platform's tools to visualize various options for designing a pedestrian bridge over one of its main roads and how it can be integrated with the existing park in the region.

• Real-time monitoring of the GreenPrint project, a sustainable Yuhua district, provides insights into how it can be applied in other districts.

Digital twin technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach various industries and sectors, from transportation and retail to smart cities and beyond. By creating a virtual replica of a physical object or system, digital twin technology allows for real-time monitoring, simulation, and analysis, leading to increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved decision-making.

As technology continues to evolve and advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and impactful applications of digital twin technology in the future. However, it is essential to remember that the implementation of digital twin technology must be done with consideration for data privacy and security.

As we continue to rely on technology more and more in our daily lives, we must prioritize protecting personal information and ensure that the benefits of digital twin technology are accessible and equitable for all.

If you are looking for developing IoT-enabled technology, feel free to reach out to our experts at info@toobler.com.