Authors

Olga Sulema

Abstract

This course introduces students to the concept of digital twins, virtual replicas of physical systems used for monitoring, simulation, and predictive analysis. Beginning with a foundational overview of digital twins, we explore their integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), where real-time data is harnessed to mirror and optimize physical assets and processes. The course then categorizes various types of digital twins (such as component, system, and process twins) illustrating their distinct applications and characteristics.Focusing on real-world applications, we examine technical domains like manufacturing and smart infrastructure, as well as healthcare applications for personalized medicine and patient monitoring. A comparison between the digital twin of a human (focused on mimicking physiological aspects) and the concept of a digital human (encompassing cognitive and behavioural modelling) further differentiates their unique roles and functionalities. The course also covers digital twin computing, a field dedicated to advancing the computational power and resources required for digital twin ecosystems.In the development section, students learn the stages and technologies involved in creating digital twins, including data acquisition, model building, and validation processes. The course concludes by summarizing the transformative potential of digital twins across industries and envisioning their future impact on complex, data-driven environments.

license

Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0