The Virtual Copy of the Real World
Imagine if you had a twin. Not just any twin, but a digital one—a perfect copy of yourself inside a computer! This twin looks like you, acts like you, and even learns from everything you do. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, in the world of technology, this idea is very real, it’s happening already right here in Tasmania and it’s called a digital twin.
A digital twin is a virtual version of something that exists in the real world. It could be a car, a building, a bridge, or even a whole city! Scientists, engineers, and businesses create digital twins to test things in a safe, computer-generated environment before making changes in real life.
Think of it like a video game where you build a city and see how different choices affect it. But instead of just playing for fun, experts use digital twins to solve real-world problems.
If you have ever renovated a house that you didn’t build, imagine how much easier a digital twin of every cable, stud in the wall, or plumbing could help you know what’s behind a wall, and if planning a renovation, you could use the digital twin to simulate things like more efficient natural cooling based on times of the year, or how hot the deck might get in Summer. This allows you to make more informed choices.
A digital twin is created by collecting lots of data from the real thing. This data comes from sensors—tiny devices that measure things like temperature, speed, movement, and even air quality.
Your smart watch and smart phone for example, tracks information constantly about your health and performance. As you age or get fitter (or less fit), it will change its predictions on your performance. Some watches may even send you a warning about abnormal heart rates, or
In a bigger example of engineering design, imagine a digital twin of an airplane. Sensors on the real airplane send information to the digital twin, which then updates in real-time. Engineers can see how the plane is performing, spot any issues, and even predict problems before they happen. This helps keep airplanes safe and running smoothly.
A the 2024 TMEC Annual Conference, Maree from the Australian Corrosion Association, shared how a digital twin of a bridge can improve the efficiency of maintenance by scanning all the sides of a bridge with drones (much easier than having humans climb under a bridge to visually inspect it), looking at where corrosion and degradation may be forming, and then over time, seeing how the rust or concrete damage is advancing. It can then use the digital twin (with other data points from traffic schedules, original plans etc) to predict a much more efficient maintenance schedule. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an example that is rusting, and needs constant maintenance well beyond just painting over the surface. Corrosion can be compared to cancer; when it gets a foothold, it runs rampant.A steel bridge can last forever if you stop it from rusting, but a rusting bridge will eventually crumble.
Much more than just a simulator which is a decision based on a static point in time, a digital twin improves the real life outcomes based on real time data.
Manufacturers, construction companies, infrastructure designers and even city councils can test changes on the digital twin instead of the real thing, avoiding costly mistakes. And with better maintenance of assets, you can make those assets last longer.
Engineers can check for problems in bridges, buildings, or even medical equipment before anything goes wrong but also collect the data from hard to get places without having to put ‘inspectors’ in dangerous places.
Digital twins allow people to make things work better, whether it’s a factory making ice cream or a sports car racing on a track. For Tasmanian manufacturers and asset holders, you can streamline your decision making and maintenance schedules.
What if we did this? What if, we could try that? With a digital twin you can experiment and model the outcomes of ideas you might have without trhe expense of having to build something and trial it. If it’s easier to model, it’s quicker and easier to get the answer.
You might not realise it, but digital twins are already part of your world!
Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, refers to the ongoing transformation of the manufacturing and industrial sectors through the integration of digital technologies. It represents a significant shift in the way products are designed, manufactured, and delivered, leveraging advancements in areas such as automation, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and data analytics.
Key characteristics of Industry 4.0 include:
The aim of Industry 4.0 is to create more efficient, flexible, and sustainable manufacturing processes, leading to increased productivity, reduced costs, improved quality, and enhanced customer experiences. It has the potential to revolutionise traditional industries and foster innovation in areas such as robotics, additive manufacturing (3D printing), data analytics, and cyber-physical systems.
Businesses can use Industry 4.0 technologies and principles in a range of practical ways.
Here are some examples:
It’s important for businesses to carefully assess their specific needs, capabilities, and industry requirements to determine the most appropriate applications of Industry 4.0 technologies for their operations. Implementation may involve investing in infrastructure, upskilling employees, and rethinking business processes.
TMEC, together with the Department of State Growth have brought together a range of suppliers to help businesses know where to start!