What is Digital Twin (Data)

Definition

A digital twin is a dynamic virtual representation of a physical object, system, or process, continuously updated with real-world data so it mirrors the real entity's state, enabling simulation, monitoring, and analysis without acting on the physical asset directly.

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Mirrors a physical asset’s live state for monitoring and analysis
Enables safe simulation of changes before applying them physically
Supports predictive maintenance and optimisation
Connects real-world sensor data to virtual experimentation

Real World Example

A manufacturer builds a digital twin of a production line fed by live sensor data, simulating a proposed configuration change on the twin first to predict its effect before altering the real line.

FAQs

What is a digital twin?

A virtual model of a physical object or system, continuously updated with real data to mirror its current state.

What are digital twins used for?

Monitoring, simulation, predictive maintenance, and optimising physical assets and processes safely in the virtual model.

What data powers a digital twin?

Real-time sensor and operational data from the physical entity keep the twin synchronised with reality.