scholarly journals Methodology and Tools for Digital Twin Management—The FA3ST Approach

IoT ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 717-740
Author(s):  
Ljiljana Stojanovic ◽  
Thomas Usländer ◽  
Friedrich Volz ◽  
Christian Weißenbacher ◽  
Jens Müller ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Industrie 4.0 ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Digital Representations ◽  
Lifecycle Model ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
International Data ◽  
Physical Assets

The concept of digital twins (DT) has already been discussed some decades ago. Digital representations of physical assets are key components in industrial applications as they are the basis for decision making. What is new is the conceptual approach to consider DT as well-defined software entities themselves that follow the whole lifecycle of their physical counterparts from the engineering, operation up to the discharge, and hence, have their own type description, identity, and lifecycle. This paper elaborates on this idea and argues the need for systematic DT engineering and management. After a conceptual description of DT, the paper proposes a DT lifecycle model and presents methodologies and tools for DT management, also in the context of Industrie 4.0 concepts, such as the asset administration shell (AAS), the international data spaces (IDS), and IEC standards (such as OPC UA and AML). As a tool example for the support of DT engineering and management, the Fraunhofer-advanced AAS tools for digital twins (FA3ST) are presented in more detail.

scholarly journals Digital Twins: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions for Modeling and Simulation in Engineering Dynamics Applications

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Wagg ◽  
K. Worden ◽  
R. J. Barthorpe ◽  
P. Gardner
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Transport Systems ◽  
Synthesis Process ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Digital Twins

Abstract This paper presents a review of the state of the art for digital twins in the application domain of engineering dynamics. The focus on applications in dynamics is because: (i) they offer some of the most challenging aspects of creating an effective digital twin, and (ii) they are relevant to important industrial applications such as energy generation and transport systems. The history of the digital twin is discussed first, along with a review of the associated literature; the process of synthesizing a digital twin is then considered, including definition of the aims and objectives of the digital twin. An example of the asset management phase for a wind turbine is included in order to demonstrate how the synthesis process might be applied in practice. In order to illustrate modeling issues arising in the construction of a digital twin, a detailed case study is presented, based on a physical twin, which is a small-scale three-story structure. This case study shows the progression toward a digital twin highlighting key processes including system identification, data-augmented modeling, and verification and validation. Finally, a discussion of some open research problems and technological challenges is given, including workflow, joints, uncertainty management, and the quantification of trust. In a companion paper, as part of this special issue, a mathematical framework for digital twin applications is developed, and together the authors believe this represents a firm framework for developing digital twin applications in the area of engineering dynamics.

The Post-Occupancy Digital Twin

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-65
Author(s):  
Barry Kirwan ◽  
Jonathan Rogers
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Digital Representations ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Building Information ◽  
Ongoing Relationship ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Physical Assets

Through the application of building information modelling (BIM), the construction industry can now develop digital representations of physical assets. By combining BIM with digital technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), an opportunity is created to link real-time data to digital representations, resulting in the creation of digital twins (DT). A major aspect in the creation of DT involves the ongoing relationship between physical and digital versions of assets through interlinked sensors, generating an opportunity to analyse the performance of the asset and its occupants. The aim of this report was to further understand the effects of implementing these technologies, resulting in the digitalisation of the construction industry. A literature review was undertaken, along with a focused interview questionnaire and an online survey. Results showed that although there was an awareness of the importance of BIM and digital technology within the construction industry, the number of projects implementing these technologies and procedures were low.

scholarly journals Augmented Reality and the Digital Twin: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives for Cybersecurity

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-538
Author(s):  
Fabian Böhm ◽  
Marietheres Dietz ◽  
Tobias Preindl ◽  
Günther Pernul
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Technological Advancement ◽  
Digital Information ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Security Challenges ◽  
Physical Assets

The rapid advancements of technology related to the Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems mark an ongoing industrial revolution. Digital Twins and Augmented Reality play a significant role in this technological advancement. They are highly complementary concepts enabling the representation of physical assets in the digital space (Digital Twin) and the augmentation of physical space with digital information (Augmented Reality). Throughout the last few years, research has picked up on this and explored the possibilities of combining DT and AR. However, cybersecurity scholars have not yet paid much attention to this combined-arms approach, despite its potential. Especially, concerning contemporary security challenges, such as developing cyber situational awareness and including human factors into cybersecurity, AR and DT, offer tremendous potential for improvement. In this work, we systematize existing knowledge on AR-powered DTs and shed light on why and how cybersecurity could benefit from this combination.

scholarly journals Blockchain-Empowered Digital Twins Collaboration: Smart Transportation Use Case

Machines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 193
Author(s):  
Radhya Sahal ◽  
Saeed H. Alsamhi ◽  
Kenneth N. Brown ◽  
Donna O’Shea ◽  
Conor McCarthy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Data Representation ◽  
Distributed Manufacturing ◽  
Smart Transportation ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
Operational Data ◽  
Distributed Manufacturing Systems

Digital twins (DTs) is a promising technology in the revolution of the industry and essential for Industry 4.0. DTs play a vital role in improving distributed manufacturing, providing up-to-date operational data representation of physical assets, supporting decision-making, and avoiding the potential risks in distributed manufacturing systems. Furthermore, DTs need to collaborate within distributed manufacturing systems to predict the risks and reach consensus-based decision-making. However, DTs collaboration suffers from single failure due to attack and connection in a centralized manner, data interoperability, authentication, and scalability. To overcome the above challenges, we have discussed the major high-level requirements for the DTs collaboration. Then, we have proposed a conceptual framework to fulfill the DTs collaboration requirements by using the combination of blockchain, predictive analysis techniques, and DTs technologies. The proposed framework aims to empower more intelligence DTs based on blockchain technology. In particular, we propose a concrete ledger-based collaborative DTs framework that focuses on real-time operational data analytics and distributed consensus algorithms. Furthermore, we describe how the conceptual framework can be applied using smart transportation system use cases, i.e., smart logistics and railway predictive maintenance. Finally, we highlighted the future direction to guide interested researchers in this interesting area.

scholarly journals Steering Representations—Towards a Critical Understanding of Digital Twins

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulan Korenhof ◽  
Vincent Blok ◽  
Sanneke Kloppenburg
Keyword(s):  
High Expectations ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Digital Representations ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Product Engineering ◽  
Critical Understanding ◽  
Reductionist Approach

Abstract Digital Twins are conceptualised in the academic technical discourse as real-time realistic digital representations of physical entities. Originating from product engineering, the Digital Twin quickly advanced into other fields, including the life sciences and earth sciences. Digital Twins are seen by the tech sector as the new promising tool for efficiency and optimisation, while governmental agencies see it as a fruitful means for improving decision-making to meet sustainability goals. A striking example of the latter is the European Commission who wishes to delegate a significant role to Digital Twins in addressing climate change and supporting Green Deal policy. As Digital Twins give rise to high expectations, ambitions, and are being entrusted important societal roles, it is crucial to critically reflect on the nature of Digital Twins. In this article, we therefore philosophically reflect on Digital Twins by critically analysing dominant conceptualisations, the assumptions underlying them, and their normative implications. We dissect the concept and argue that a Digital Twin does not merely fulfil the role of being a representation, but is in fact a steering technique used to direct a physical entity towards certain goals by means of multiple representations. Currently, this steering seems mainly fuelled by a reductionist approach focused on efficiency and optimisation. However, this is not the only direction from which a Digital Twin can be thought and, consequently, designed and deployed. We therefore set an agenda based on a critical understanding of Digital Twins that helps to draw out their beneficial potential, while addressing their potential issues.

scholarly journals A Novel Embedding Model Based on a Transition System for Building Industry-Collaborative Digital Twin

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 553
Author(s):  
Minyeol Yang ◽  
Junhyung Moon ◽  
Jongpil Jeong ◽  
Seokho Sin ◽  
Jimin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cycle Time ◽  
Transition System ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Production Environment ◽  
Correct Decision ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Event Log

Recently, the production environment has been rapidly changing, and accordingly, correct mid term and short term decision-making for production is considered more important. Reliable indicators are required for correct decision-making, and the manufacturing cycle time plays an important role in manufacturing. A method using digital twin technology is being studied to implement accurate prediction, and an approach utilizing process discovery was recently proposed. This paper proposes a digital twin discovery framework using process transition technology. The generated digital twin will unearth its characteristics in the event log. The proposed method was applied to actual manufacturing data, and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method is effective at discovering digital twins.

scholarly journals An approach for Industrie 4.0-compliant and data-sovereign Digital Twins

2021 ◽  
Vol 69 (12) ◽  
pp. 1051-1061
Author(s):  
Michael Jacoby ◽  
Friedrich Volz ◽  
Christian Weißenbacher ◽  
Ljiljana Stojanovic ◽  
Thomas Usländer
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Industrial Production ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Industrie 4.0 ◽  
Application Domain ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Implementation Approach ◽  
Architectural Framework ◽  
International Data

Abstract Data sharing between enterprises requires both interoperability and data sovereignty. In the application domain of industrial production an integrated approach is required that encompasses standards and technologies of both Industrie 4.0 and the International Data Spaces (IDS). This paper describes how to combine them for the concept of Digital Twins following the architectural framework given in ISO DIS 23247. Furthermore, an implementation approach is described relying upon the Fraunhofer Advanced AAS Tools for Digital Twins (FA³ST). The resulting architectural approach may be combined with further open manufacturing standards, and may be applied for data analytics and the engineering of AI-based systems.

scholarly journals How to Set Up the Pillars of Digital Twins Technology in Our Business: Entities, Challenges and Solutions

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1307
Author(s):  
Islam Asem Salah Abusohyon ◽  
Alberto Crupi ◽  
Faezeh Bagheri ◽  
Flavio Tonelli
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Empirical Method ◽  
The Other ◽  
Digital Representation ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Physical Assets ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
Set Up

A digitalization of business process through utilizing Digital Twins is an approach that assists companies to align themselves with changes of technology development, and accordingly, improve their outcomes. To take full advantage of implementing Digital Twins, the importance of the creative phase role as pillars of this technology on the performance of the other parts and overall outcome should not be overlooked. This research addresses the lack of an integrated framework for setting up the creative phase of digital twins. To design the proper framework, by relying on a qualitative empirical method, an interview with persons who are experts in the Digital Twin area was organized to collect the information about all obvious and hidden aspects of this phase and manifest what kind of entities participate in this phase, what potential challenges and obstacles exist and what solution is effective to overcome them. The structural feature of the proposed framework continuously prepares the system for changes, aiming to adopt improvement within. The findings of this study can be used as instruction by all companies that want to take the first steps toward the digital representation of physical assets, or for those who deal with Digital Twin and want to improve their systems’ interactions.

scholarly journals Digital Twin Providing New Opportunities for Value Co-Creation through Supporting Decision-Making

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 3750
Author(s):  
Shaun West ◽  
Oliver Stoll ◽  
Jürg Meierhofer ◽  
Simon Züst
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Service Management ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Research Gap ◽  
Manufacturing Environments

The application of digital twins provides value creation within the fields of operations and service management; existing research around decision-making and value co-creation is limited at this point. Prior studies have provided insights into the benefits of digital twins that combined both data and simulation approaches; however, there remains a managerial gap. The purpose of this paper is to explore this research gap using input from a multiple case study research design from both manufacturing environments and non-manufacturing environments. The authors use ten cases to explore how digital twins support value co-creation through decision-making. The authors were all involved in the development of the ten cases. Individual biases were removed by using the literature to provide the assessment dimensions and allowing a convergence of the results. Drawing on the lessons from the ten cases, this study empirically identified eight managerial issues that need to be considered when developing digital twins to support multi-stakeholder decision-making that leads to value co-creation. The application of digital twins in value co-creation and decision-making is a topic that has developed from practice and is an area where a research gap exists between theory and practice. A cross-case analysis was developed based on the literature and the ten cases (eight industrial and two pilot-scale cases) providing the empirical findings. The findings describe how firms can design, develop, and commercialize digital-twin-enabled value propositions and will initiate future research.

scholarly journals System for monitoring parameters of functioning infrastructure objects and their external environment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.A. Sidorov ◽  
R.O. Kostromin ◽  
A.G. Feoktistov
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Transfer Functions ◽  
Heat Pumps ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Digital Twin ◽  
Peripheral Equipment ◽  
Measuring Devices ◽  
Digital Twins ◽  
Object Models ◽  
Natural Territory

The paper addresses relevant issues applying the concept of Industry 4.0 in related to modeling infrastructure objects at the Baikal natural territory that use environmentally friendly technologies. In particular, the use of heat pumps belongs to such technologies, since this enables us to reduce air emissions. Object models are designed on the basis of their digital twins. Digital twins are intended to reflect the structure and processes of object functioning. In addition, we plan to delegate them the decision-making in managing these objects in real-time. Such a digital twin has to become smarter over time. This virtual entity has to gain knowledge and skills to select optimal scenarios for controlling object and improving its functioning parameters. Therefore, the initial problem in its development is creating a monitoring system for the collection, unification, aggregation, storage, and transmission of subject-oriented data. Such data include information about the object operation and environmental state. The data must be promptly obtained from peripheral equipment (controlling and measuring devices). For the effective operation of a digital twin, we have to partially transfer functions of primary data processing, their intellectual analysis and decision-making to the controlling and measuring devices. To this end, we use agents that implement software on peripheral equipment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document