Digital Twin
A virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process used for simulation, monitoring, and optimization.
Definition
A digital twin is a real-time virtual model of a physical asset, process, or system. Connected through sensors and data feeds, the digital twin mirrors its physical counterpart's state and behavior, enabling simulation, analysis, and optimization without affecting the real-world version.
Digital twins range from simple monitoring dashboards to complex 3D simulations powered by AI and machine learning. They are used across manufacturing, urban planning, healthcare, event production, and facility management.
Why It Matters
Digital twins allow organizations to test changes, predict failures, and optimize operations in a virtual environment before committing resources in the real world. This reduces risk, lowers costs, and accelerates innovation.
The technology is becoming more accessible and affordable, moving from industrial applications into mainstream business use. Event venues, retail spaces, and office buildings are increasingly using digital twins for design, operations, and experience optimization.
Examples in Practice
A manufacturing company creates a digital twin of their production line, simulating process changes virtually before implementing them, reducing downtime by 35% and saving $2 million annually.
A convention center maintains a digital twin of the entire facility, allowing event planners to walk through virtual setups and test different configurations before committing to a floor plan.
A city creates a digital twin of its downtown district to simulate the impact of new construction on traffic flow, pedestrian movement, and emergency response times.