At the heart of Industry 4.0, Italy and the rest of the world are facing a new technological frontier: the digital twin.
What is Digital Twin? We give a definition …
A digital twin is an accurate and dynamic virtual (computer-generated) representation of a physical object, process or system in the real world.
This digital model faithfully reflects the characteristics, performance and behaviour of the real entity and is fed using data from embedded sensors, IoT (Internet of Things) devices and other information sources.
The goal of a digital twin
The main objective of a digital twin is to provide a virtual replica that can be used for analysis, simulation, optimisation and monitoring purposes.
For digital twins to realise their full potential in Italian mechatronics, a number of challenges must be overcome. The collection of accurate and representative data, for example, requires the implementation of reliable sensors and robust monitoring systems. In addition, it is essential to ensure the security and protection of data, especially in sensitive sectors such as industrial automation, and this is precisely what AIknow specialises in.
Using advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and computational modelling, digital twins can be used to predict future behaviour, identify potential problems or impending failures and test new solutions in a secure virtual environment and optimise performance in real time.
It is not magic…
To be practical, a company producing robotic arms could create a virtual 3D model of a new model it intends to produce, ergo its digital twin, containing all the information at the mechanical, geometric and electronic level and have access to:
- an experimental activity, which avoids the creation of an expensive physical prototype
- predictive activity, which would make it possible to predict errors, risks and abnormal behaviour well in advance.
You may ask: how is this possible? Well, by applying artificial intelligence to data from previous models of suitably sensorised robots.
Let’s not get confused with other ‘digital
Put in this way, we could also confuse or assimilate the digital twin with other ‘digital’ models that have been used in the past, and present, to create ‘digital’ copies of physical entities and try to study their behaviour, such as the digital model and the digital shadow, but the big difference that the digital twin brings is the concept of bi-directionality: the physical device and its digital model are in constant bi-directional contact, one feeding the other, and vice versa.
Mechatronics and digital twin
In the field of mechatronics, digital twins have multiple applications. In production processes, for example, they allow accurate and detailed simulation of equipment, enabling engineers to optimise workflows and reduce downtime. They also facilitate predictive maintenance, identifying potential problems before they occur, thus reducing costs and increasing machine availability.
But the applications of digital twins in Italian mechatronics go beyond manufacturing. In the automation sector, these virtual models enable the development and validation of advanced control algorithms, improving the efficiency and accuracy of robotic systems. Furthermore, in the field of product design, digital twins enable the simulation and optimisation of mechatronic components before they are physically manufactured, reducing costs and development time.
Conclusion
Despite the challenges, the adoption of digital twins represents an unprecedented opportunity for the global mechatronics industry. With their potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs and stimulate innovation, these virtual models are already transforming the way we design, produce and operate mechatronic systems.
In an increasingly global competitive landscape, Italy has the opportunity to emerge as a leader in the adoption and development of digital twins, positioning itself at the forefront of Industry 4.0.
If you are interested in applying IIot (digital industry) concepts in your company, please contact us without hesitation, it will be an honour for AIknow to accompany you in this great project.
