WHAT IS A DIGITAL TWIN? – DEFINITIONS AND INSIGHTS FROM AN INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDY IN TECHNICAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Jakob Trauer, Sebastian Schweigert, Cheryl Engel, Karsten Spreitzer, Markus Zimmermann
Abstract
Abstract Over the last two decades, a concept called Digital Twin has evolved rapidly. Yet, there is no unified definition of the term. Based on a literature study and an industrial case study, an overarching definition of Digital twins is presented. Three characteristics were identified – representation of a physical system, bidirectional data exchange, and the connection along the entire lifecycle. Further, three sub-concepts are presented, namely: Engineering Twin, Production Twin, and Operation Twin. The presented paper thus formulates a consistent and detailed definition of Digital Twins.
Topics & Concepts
Representation (politics)Computer scienceProduct (mathematics)Industrial engineeringEngineeringMathematicsPolitical sciencePoliticsGeometryLawDigital Transformation in IndustryManufacturing Process and OptimizationTechnology Assessment and Management