Virtual Twins

 - Overview

Virtual twins and digital twins have different definitions.

A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its lifecycle, updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning, and reasoning to aid decision-making. A virtual twin is a three-dimensional analytical model used to represent the original physical size, shape and behavior, constructed and manipulated using data typically from sensors and connected devices. Once established, the model allows for trial-and-error experiments to determine how to achieve precisely the desired results. 

Virtual twins are often used for physical objects, such as airplanes and cars, where operating conditions can be easily measured. Before building these machines, or even welding a screw or piece of metal, manufacturers first use software to build a virtual twin. These digital copies allow them to quickly see how the design will perform in different real-world scenarios and make changes as needed. 

Most importantly, these twins are ideal for solving problems that are impossible, immoral or too expensive to explore in the real world, such as space travel, or the inside of the human body as we now see it. 

If a virtual twin of a car can perform an unlimited number of virtual crash tests and produce results that replicate its behavior in a real-world crash, could a virtual human occupant replace crash test dummies to further improve safety?