On the Importance of Simulation and Digital Twin for Industrial Applications

The term Digital Twin has become ubiquitous recently as virtual representation of a physical asset to leverage business opportunities, i.e., with a dedicated purpose. It consists of very heterogeneous data and can take very different shapes, from the collection of datasheet information together with a visual reproduction of the real object via the compilation of operational data to the application of physics-based simulations or predictions based on artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence (AI). Obviously, any combination thereof is also possible. The applications of Digital Twins are spread over the whole lifecycleLifecycle of products and systems including the interaction of Digital Twins at different hierarchical levels. In addition, Digital Twins can create a connection between different value chains. An example is the exchange of Digital Twins along the supply chain with a link to the shop floor, which then enables the execution of cooperative simulations for different purposes. In our book chapter, we investigate the role of simulation for a Digital Twin with respect to value chains, the lifecycleLifecycle phases, and their business value. Furthermore, in the age of the Industrial MetaverseIndustrial metaverse the importance of simulation for Digital Twins is getting even more important, as immersion, interaction, and collaboration in real-time play a greater role, making it necessary to have fast and good enough predictions of the behavior of industrial assets. Novel algorithms and machine learning (ML) methods enhance the capabilities of the traditionally engineering-focused simulation tools. The mentioned aspects will be illustrated with several examples of real-life industrial applications.