At the heart of all Digital Twin implementations is data. Real-world objects, processes, or environments all have their own data characteristics and challenges, such as availability, accessibility, and formats.
A Digital Twin solution should be able to ingest (import and convert) data from particular domains such as:
- 3D Graphics Systems, for example Universal Scene Description (USD) format
- Computer Vision, for example image and video formats (png, RTSP)
- Computer Aided Design (CAD), for example 2D-3D drawings (DWG, DXF)
- Edge and robotics, for example LiDAR sensor E57 format (.bag)
- Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S), for example GeoJason format
This data can then be leveraged to form the basis of virtualized digitized assets. The ability to easily ingest a myriad of data formats from multiple different sources with live synchronization is a critical consideration when developing Digital Twin solutions.
Virtual model of the real world
Building digitized virtual models involves data transfers, data conversions, and data aggregations into a central environment before these digitized assets can be presented to a modeling framework. Subsequent changes in the real-world data sources need to be constantly synchronized and mirrored to these virtualized models.
The ability to manage a common data format, unified asset pipeline, and central collaboration are key capabilities of Digital Twin solutions. These capabilities enable easy visualizations and interactions with digitized assets within virtual models.
Simulations within the virtual world
Simulation offers the possibility for faster innovation, rare scenario modeling, and higher-quality outcomes. Anomalies can be detected earlier or ideally avoided before they occur in real-world instances.
The Digital Twin can become a single source of truth in which scenario modeling can take place after the following components are in place:
- Data Pipelines
- Assets ingestion
- Data aggregation into digitized models
- Models synchronization
The ability to easily collaborate and run simulations is therefore a critical consideration when developing Digital Twin solutions.
Feedback mechanism from virtual to Real-World
The final core component of a Digital Twin is the ability to leverage what you have modeled and learned from the twinned virtual assets to positively impact real-world outcomes. Hence, the feedback mechanism from the virtual to the real world is critical for any instance of Digital Twin.
Real-world objects, processes, or environments will all face feedback-related challenges such as feasibility, synchronization, and safety. It might not be prudent, practical, or desirable to build real-time or automated feedback into a Digital Twin workflow, and this should be considered on a case-by-case basis. For example, automated action in a life-threatening scenario requires careful consideration.