Industry 4.0 describes the rapid technological advancements of the 21st century, led by AI with the most transformative potential. Currently, developments in tech are altering manufacturing and industrial processes, one innovation being the concept of digital twins.
Digital twin refers to a virtual replica of a physical object, process, or system that uses real-time data and highly advanced simulation tech.
Also Read: 4 Exciting Impacts of Virtual Reality in the Future
Explore the concept of digital twins and the applications they have in Industry 4.0.
They help in the remote analysis and monitoring of physical entities. This drives overall efficiency and improves the decision-making process in many industries.
Digital Twin as a Concept
Digital twin simply implies a digital or virtual replica of a real-life, physical entity. It uses data analytics, sensors, ML algorithms, and simulation to replicate and mirror the physical product or process.
With changes made to the physical entity, the replica also receives continuous updates. Data from the physical entity helps create a permanently evolving digital model that fully reflects its state, performance, and behavior.
Regarding what the physical entity has to be, it can be anything from vehicles to machines to entire cities.
Use Cases of Digital Twins in Industry 4.0
There are 4 main applications of virtual replicas in industry 4.0
Predictive Maintenance
Perhaps the most impactful benefit is the ability of digital twins to predict equipment failures before it occurs.
Frequent and thorough monitoring of the physical asset enables the digital twin to detect any anomalies and alert authorities. This allows for proactive maintenance and reduces overall asset downtime.
For example, a machine in a manufacturing plant can be maintained based on wear and tear rather than fixed schedules.
Streamlining Processes
These virtual replicas allow manufacturers to simulate and optimize production processes. Through various scenarios in a digital model, firms can identify any bottlenecks, streamline allocation of resources, and improve overall performance.
This further reduces waste generation and improves the quality of the product.
Design & Development
Engineers can utilize digital twins in industry 4.0 to create a simulation to assess how a product will perform under different scenarios. This would greatly decrease the requirement for physical prototypes of products.
Thus, products will be launched to the market faster as the design process is accelerated.
Supply Chain Management
Digital twins also help streamline the supply chain operations of a firm. They can simulate the full supply chain operations of a firm, from sourcing raw materials to delivery of products. Firms can better forecast disruptions, manage inventory better, and refine logistics.
