William Boll published this article on Mar 16, 2021. It is a 4 minute read.
AVEVA Insight predicts that by 2030 construction output will grow by 85% to $15.5 trillion. China, India, and the US are expected to lead that growth, accounting for 57% of it.
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process, person, place, system, or device. It links a real-world object to its digital representation and uses sensor data that is continuously updated.
The concept was initially coined by NASA. The article describes it as an information mirroring model that lets teams experiment and simulate in a virtual space before working in the real one.
Digital twins bridge the physical and virtual worlds. They allow data to move between both sides in real time. The article says this can support simulation, safety testing, and more accurate feedback.
After a project is commissioned, a digital twin can be continuously updated with operational and process data. Predictive learning can then identify failures early and offer preventive actions. The article also mentions artificial intelligence, advanced process control, control strategy design, and process optimization.
The article says building information modeling, or BIM, created many single-purpose models. A digital twin is presented as a unified, validated environment shared by everyone.
It describes a “golden thread” running from design through selection, specification, manufacture, delivery, installation, and whole-life operation. The article argues that BIM digitized workflows, but digital twins can actually change them.
Paired with wearable and mobile devices, digital twins can better represent the as-built project at any point in time. They can feed up-to-date information back to the field and reduce errors and rework.
nVolve Technologies says it focuses on innovation for a new global economy shaped by:
The company says it operates in the U.S. and works with research and development technology partners in Finland. It also says it has global partnerships with green, eco, and sustainable universities and research centers.