7 Digital Twin Trends to Watch Out in 2024

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AI adoption will reach the next level

AI is changing every technology, and DT is no exception. The synergy of DT and AI has opened unlimited possibilities. AI-powered systems and machine learning can predict potential asset downtime, simulate behavior under different conditions, assist in training, and much more.

According to a report, top auto manufacturers like BMW and GM already use DT and AI to simulate crash tests, optimize aerodynamic designs, and more. The trend will further accelerate as more automotive manufacturers leverage DT and AI’s twin advantages.

Moving Beyond the Realms of manufacturing

The ability of digital twins to simulate and tweak factory environments has made it very popular in the manufacturing sector. The combination of IoT, AI, edge computing, and automation has given birth to Industry 4.0. However, the appeal of digital twins has started to move beyond manufacturing. Various use cases have emerged in energy, healthcare, retail, hospitality, and urban management.

For example, GE is using digital twins in the energy sector to build a cloud-based model of a wind farm.

Digital twin concepts are gaining acceptance in healthcare. A good example is to create a ‘digital patient’ which can be used for surgery training and practice. The goal is to achieve better patient care and recovery.

Businesses can leverage the DT advantage in the retail sector to evaluate their supply-chain performance and efficiency. Simulated models give an excellent idea of a supply chain performance that includes warehouse assets, material flows, inventory position, and people. Leveraging the IoT data from shelves, French supermarket chain Intermarché built a digital replica of a brick-and-mortar store.

The rise of cognitive digital twins

Ahmed El Adl, who first coined the term “Cognitive Digital Twin,” believes that generative AI integration and support of digital threads with existing digital twins concepts can give birth to cognitive digital twins. A CNBC news report has explained how Rolls Royce leverages digital twins by creating a virtual replica of jet engines.

Generative AI can enhance the concept by providing real-time data for optimization and further analysis. This can bridge the gaps in design, build, and implementation. Additionally, using generative AI can improve the data quality. This can be particularly helpful where accurate data is scarce.

Generative AI models can be trained on historical data and fault patterns to predict potential equipment failures.

AR/VR will gain more prominence

Implementing AR/VR into digital twins can take the digital twin concept to the next level, making it useful for organizations and businesses.

Augmented reality can connect the dots between digital and physical assets, making it easy to understand and visualize. This can empower decision-makers to make more profound, nuanced, and situational assessments of the product’s viability. Over a period, digital twins will fuse with the metaverse.

A report by Accenture says that digital twins can unlock US$1.3 trillion, resulting in a 7.5 Gt reduction in carbon emissions. Recently, Lockheed Martin and NVIDIA joined hands to build an AI-driven digital twin of Earth to build a centralized and efficient approach to monitoring global environmental conditions.

Sustainability goals will drive DT adoption

Pursuing sustainability goals is a tailwind macro factor for the digital twin market. Enterprises are looking for ways to meet their  ESG goals. Digital twin technology can be a great enabler in this direction by allowing businesses to do more with fewer resources, from design to implementation and maintenance.

Closing thoughts

Digital twins have been in existence for more than a decade, but their adoption has been slow because of limited use cases. However, with the new digital technologies like cloud, AI, AR/VR, generative AI, and increasing capability of sensors, digital twins use cases have exploded. It has given a new way of working and promises to make decision-making easier for product leaders, especially when the stakes are high.

I hope you enjoyed the article. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What new trends do you think will emerge in digital twins by 2024?