A Digital Twin is a virtual (digital) copy of a real-world object, process, or system. It allows people to monitor, simulate, and analyze the real thing — using a digital version.
Think of it like a mirror in the digital world that shows how something is working in real time.
🔹 How Does It Work?
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A physical object (like a machine, building, or even a person) has sensors that collect data.
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This data is sent to the digital twin, which is a computer model.
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The digital twin shows what’s happening to the real object — and can even predict what might happen next.
🔹 Where Are Digital Twins Used?
| Field | Use of Digital Twins |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Monitor machines, prevent breakdowns, optimize production |
| Healthcare | Create virtual models of organs or patients for diagnosis |
| Smart Cities | Simulate traffic, water usage, and energy systems |
| Aerospace | Monitor aircraft performance and maintenance |
| Construction | Plan and manage buildings or infrastructure in real time |
🔹 Benefits of Digital Twins
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Real-time monitoring
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Predict and prevent problems
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Save time and money
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Improve design and performance
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Safer testing without real-world risks
🔹 Example
Imagine a factory machine has a digital twin. The twin receives live data like temperature or vibration. If the digital twin detects something unusual (like overheating), it can alert engineers before the machine breaks.
🔹 What Technologies Are Involved?
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Internet of Things (IoT)
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Sensors and real-time data
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Cloud computing
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Simulation and 3D modeling