Digital Twin
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system, or process that is kept in sync with its real-world counterpart using live data. It lets teams monitor, analyze, and test changes to performance and behavior virtually, and it is used in manufacturing, healthcare, urban planning, and other industries.
A digital twin combines a model of the asset with data streaming from sensors, controllers, and business systems. As the physical asset changes, the twin updates. Teams can then run what-if simulations on the twin, such as a new production schedule or a maintenance plan, without disrupting the real operation.
For example, a manufacturer can build a digital twin of a packaging line, feed it machine and camera data, and use it to find the bottleneck that limits throughput before moving any equipment.
A digital twin differs from a static simulation or CAD model because it is connected to the real asset and reflects its current state. A simulation models how something might behave; a digital twin models how a specific asset is behaving now.