Why digital twins will be the backbone of industry in the future

Summary

The video explores the transformative impact of digital twins, which provide virtual representations of real-world entities. These digital models evolve through data flow, enabling advanced simulations in development, production, and operations. For instance, Siemens leveraged digital twins to create a groundbreaking electric aircraft motor. Additionally, they enhance efficiency in manufacturing by predicting and compensating for forces affecting robotic tasks. Merging digital twins with AI is paving the way for innovations like customized sports cars. Overall, digital twins are positioned as the backbone of future technological advancements.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Digital twins are virtual representations of real-world products, systems, and cities, significantly transforming various industries.
• ⚙️ They analyze not only the design but also the functions of products, monitoring parameters such as rotation, thermal conductivity, and sensor data.
• 📈 Digital twins evolve continuously through data flow, user feedback, and new inputs, enhancing their effectiveness over time.
• 🔍 In development, digital twins enable simulation and testing of product behavior before physical prototypes are created.
• ✈️ Siemens utilized digital twins to create a world record-setting electric aircraft motor, which is lightweight and highly powerful.
• 🖨️ The integration of digital twins with 3D printing leads to innovative designs, as demonstrated by Siemens' study on gas mixing systems.
• 🤖 In manufacturing, digital twins allow real-time calculations of forces impacting robotic movements, improving precision in tasks like milling.
• 🔗 They enable real-time comparisons between actual sensor data and simulations, enhancing operational reliability and reducing disruptions.
• 🧠 Merging digital twins with artificial intelligence empowers autonomous design of advanced products, opening new possibilities.
• 🚗 Partnerships, such as Siemens with Hackrod, illustrate the potential of digital twins in customizing products like sports cars.

Q & A

What are digital twins?

Digital twins are virtual representations of real-world products, systems, and cities that continuously evolve with data and user feedback.

How does a digital twin of an electric motor work?

The digital twin of an electric motor not only showcases its form but also analyzes its functions, including the rotation of the shaft, thermal conductivity, and sensor data.

What advantages do digital twins offer during product development?

Digital twins allow for the simulation and testing of a product's behavior before creating a physical prototype, leading to faster and more efficient development.

Can you give an example of a successful application of digital twins?

Siemens used digital twins to develop a world record-setting electric aircraft motor that weighs 50 kilograms and is five times more powerful than similar motors.

How do digital twins enhance 3D printing processes?

Digital twins combine simulation insights with generative algorithms to create unique and efficient designs, as seen in Siemens' study for gas mixing systems.

What role do digital twins play in manufacturing operations?

Digital twins allow real-time comparisons of sensor data with simulations, predicting availability and minimizing disruptions during operations.

How do digital twins help improve robot performance in manufacturing?

Digital twins calculate and compensate for forces that may push robots off their milling paths, ensuring accurate and reliable movements.

What future potential do digital twins hold when combined with artificial intelligence?

Merging digital twins with AI enables independent design of advanced products, such as the customized sports cars being developed by Siemens and Hackrod.

What traditional paradigms do digital twins break away from?

Digital twins challenge conventional product development, production, and operation methods, opening up new and extraordinary possibilities.

Why are digital twins considered the innovation backbone of the future?

They significantly enhance efficiency, reduce development time, and create opportunities for new designs and operations, positioning them as essential tools for future innovation.