Technical Infrastructure for Digital Twins

Achieving potential for savings with Digital Twins

Industrie 4.0 is based on sharing information that is interoperable, and that can be interpreted automatically. In this respect, there is great potential to enhance efficiency and flexibility by improving networking of the individual phases of the life cycle: from product development and production planning, to operation and service, to disposal.

Data and models are already emerging along the life cycle, such as CAD and simulation models, configurations for machines or optimisations of resource consumption. However, they occur in different data formats with a different data structure and in different tools. Digital twins are expected to allow for a comprehensive view of products throughout their life cycle in the future.

The project objective is to develop and test a technical infrastructure for digital twins. This interoperable, consistent infrastructure is expected to enable efficient access to digital descriptions and submodels of machines, products and operating equipment, as well as to enable their interaction throughout their entire life cycle. Potential savings of over 50% are likely to be achieved as a result. The technical infrastructure is based on information models, interfaces and appropriate communication protocols. Requirements from the energy and manufacturing technology sectors, as well as existing Industrie 4.0 standards and IT systems such as PLM, ERP, MES or PIM and simulation systems are taken into account in the process.