TECH & AI
Let ’ s start from the beginning . A digital twin , at its core , is exactly what it sounds like – a non-physical replica of something physical .
Eva Carranza , Head of ESG and Sustainability at Hexagon , sums it up : “ A digital twin is a precise digital representation of the physical world that uses dynamic data to simulate , analyse , monitor and optimise performance . You could create a digital twin of an entire city , an aeroplane engine or a tiny screw .
“ They are used to run risk-free simulations to boost efficiency , productivity , quality and safety across industrial , manufacturing , infrastructure , public sector and mobility applications - ensuring a scalable , sustainable future .”
The original case comes out of NASA – a digital twin was created of the Apollo 13 spaceship that allowed engineers to simulate possible scenarios without risking the lives of astronauts .
Now , the opportunities that digital twins present are exponential and exploration of the technology hand in hand with AI presents real potential for sustainability applications .
“ The fidelity ( level of detail ) and currency ( how up to date ) of digital twins can vary , depending on the requirement ,” Bill Wilson , Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer and Head of Data & Intelligence Solutions at NTT DATA UK , says .
“ Moreover , digital twins can also vary in scope from a single component to a complex system of systems .
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