Glossary · IIoT, data and AI
Digital twin
German: Digitaler Zwilling
In industry, a digital twin is a digital representation of a physical entity, such as a product, machine, process or plant, that is linked to it and synchronized with it at a defined frequency and fidelity, so that its state can be observed, analyzed or simulated. ISO/IEC 30173 covers digital twin concepts and terminology; ISO 23247 provides a framework for manufacturing.
- IIoT
- Standards
In one sentence
A digital twin is a digital representation of a machine, product or process, linked to and synchronized with its physical counterpart.
Example
A digital twin of a palletizer combines its 3D model, kinematics and live PLC data, so engineers can test a new stacking pattern before downloading it.
Explained in context
Context cards connect this term with others to answer one question. Also in British English and German.
How it applies
- Engineering: Twins are used for virtual commissioning, simulation and design reviews. Define the purpose first, since it determines the required fidelity and data.
- Operation: A connected twin shows the current state of the asset and supports diagnosis and optimization. The value depends on how well the twin is kept in sync with modifications of the physical asset.
- Documentation: Documentation can be part of the twin: manuals, spare parts and maintenance history linked to the asset instance, for example via the Asset Administration Shell (AAS).
Digital twin vs. simulation model
A Simulation model represents the behavior of a system for analysis but need not be connected to a specific physical asset. A digital twin is tied to a particular entity and updated with its data. The term is used loosely in marketing; ask what is linked and how often it is updated.
A twin supports analysis; it does not replace the validation of the real machine.