By Dr Miko Chang May Lee
What is a “Digital Twin”?
Two decades ago, Dr. Michael Grieves, a professor at Florida Institute of Technology, coined the term “Digital Twin” in 2003, defining it as virtual representations mirroring physical assets, offering insights throughout their lifecycle. However, the concept traces back to the 1960s when digital models simulated physical systems, notably in NASA’s Apollo Program. By the 1980s, computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) facilitated detailed digital models. The emergence of Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors in the 2000s revolutionized digital twins, enabling real-time data collection for dynamic representations. Today, a digital twin comprises three components: the physical object, its virtual counterpart, and the data connecting the two. From spacecraft simulation to modern IoT-driven systems, digital twins have evolved into vital tools across industries, offering predictive capabilities and facilitating proactive maintenance and optimization.
How to implement “Digital Twin”?
Various technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, simulation and modelling software, augmented/mixed reality, edge computing, and cybersecurity forms the foundation of implementing digital twin. For instance, IoT devices are used to gather real-time data from physical assets, which is then processed by data science and AI algorithms for insights. Cloud platforms store and manage this data. Simulation software enables virtual testing and optimization of designs. Augmented and mixed reality enhance visualization and interaction with digital twins for training and collaboration. Edge computing reduces latency for real-time processing and cybersecurity helps safeguard digital twin data and systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats.
Digital Twin applications in manufacturing and urban planning
In the industry, digital twins are aiding sustainable development effort by simulating and optimizing production processes, monitoring equipment performance, and improving operational efficiency. Siemens and General Electric are notable examples, using digital twins in gas turbine manufacturing and aircraft engine monitoring respectively to achieve a circular and green economy. Originated from manufacturing, digital twins also extend to other fields such as urban planning and healthcare. For instance, Singapore utilizes integrated datasets to simulate traffic flow, optimize energy usage, and address climate change and urbanization, establishing itself as a global leader for smart and sustainable urban development.
Digital Twin innovations in healthcare
In healthcare, a company called Proximie develops platform leveraging digital twins to enable remote surgical collaboration and training. Surgeons can use Proximie’s augmented reality technology to share real-time 3D models of surgical sites, allowing colleagues from around the world to provide guidance and support during procedures. This not only expands access to expertise but also enhances patient safety and surgical proficiency, particularly in remote or underserved areas. In Swinburne Sarawak, our computing researchers are developing patient-specific cardiac digital twins for early diagnosis and prognosis of heart abnormalities, contributing to personalized medicine research which could be a game-changer in the healthcare industry.
Transforming Patient Care and Business Models for Sustainable Growth
Today, Digital Twins has therefore become the leading strategic asset that will have innovation, operational excellence, and competitive advantage boosted within the healthcare sector amidst the ever-demanding business environment. This allowed the healthcare provider, through reflecting the real-time state of surgical sites or a particular patient condition, to deliver treatment that was most personal and of highest effectiveness for a direct impact on patient outcome and satisfaction. Such customization and efficiency, in the case of a company or business offering services, would mean they have the ability to provide solidifying market positions and reputation of the customers and professionals in service delivery.
Furthermore, with this new environment, there come cost-saving advantages: the ability to perform ‘what-if’ scenarios and to forecast when equipment will be due for maintenance using Digital Twins—both at significantly lower costs that could be otherwise incurred and with an optimized use of assets, key to keeping healthy bottom lines in a healthcare market that is very competitive. Digital Twins allows faster research and development processes, open new revenue streams due to innovative treatments and medical devices being brought to the market much faster and safe. Hence, the Digital Twins are an asset not only for patients’ care but can enable the business model of healthcare organizations to guarantee their sustainability and growth in a world which is undergoing changes at a rapid pace.
Is “Digital Twin” just another buzzword or a real game-changer?
In conclusion, Digital Twins are disruptive technologies across manufacturing, health, and business. They optimize production in manufacturing and revolutionize the treatment of patients by enabling efficiency, sustainability, and personalized care across the board, from manufacturing to healthcare. They have developed themselves into one of the strategic assets to boost innovation, operational excellence, and the competitiveness of the markets for any business. Digital Twins unlock new cost-saving and revenue opportunities while speeding up product development. At the base of digital transformation, they help bridge physical and digital worlds to enable sustainable growth and innovation within a very dynamic globe. digital twin isn’t just a trendy term but a real game changer. Driven by the advancements in AI and simulation technologies, digital twins have evolved from mere ideas to sophisticated models that predict outcomes. They’re like live mirrors of physical entities, constantly updating and offering huge benefits in fields like manufacturing, city planning, healthcare and more. Digital twins help optimize processes, foresee problems, and generate new ideas. As technology progresses, digital twins will transform industries, bridging physical and virtual worlds to create a more sustainable and connected future.
● Ts. Dr. Miko CHANG May Lee, Senior Lecturer, School of Information and Communication Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
