Mention the words “digital twin” and the mind conjures up all sorts of images. Futuristic doppelgangers staring us back in the face, mirroring our every move in a parallel technical universe. Or worse still, a digital remastering of the 1988 “classic” starring Danny De Vito and Arnold Schwarzenegger…. neither an appealing prospect. Whilst that might be an exaggeration, there’s a lot of confusion out there about what a digital twin actually is. Today’s digital world covers a broad spectrum of market needs and technologies, so it’s little wonder there are so many interpretations of the digital twin concept.

In brief, a digital twin is a digital copy of a real-world place or object. Artificial intelligence and technology have enabled the creation of digital twins – 3D, dimensionally accurate digital models that can be updated quickly to reflect the changes of its physical counterpart. Whilst the concept may seem like a relatively new one, digital twins have been around since the early 2000’s. As technology continues to advance and improve – the virtual world is becoming even more powerful. When we can’t visit a place in real life, virtual reality has become an invaluable substitute. With the recent global pandemic putting additional restrictions on the real world – virtual technology has become more than just a form of entertainment. It can replicate the reality of what’s really going on in the world, and put it into a virtual world – giving a first- hand experience to its users. A digital twin on the other hand is all about the virtual simulation - gathering the information from the real world, and taking itself into the virtual one – adapting and improving itself to meet its needs.

Put simply, you put information into the system, choose how you want to see the information, sit back and watch the results. The more you feed a digital twin, the more it grows and evolves. It’s the perfect way to map out different scenarios using visuals, not numbers. A digital twin lets you see the possible success, or failures, without the risk. Suddenly trial and error becomes sustainable – not costly errors of judgement.

Digital twins can automate decision making, and be transformative when it comes to saving money, reducing waste and improving an assets’ lifecycle. They can help with complex systems and resolve problems before they arise. Digital twins let us understand the present and predict the future. With more and more businesses realising the importance, the question should be can we afford not to care?

Initially popular in the manufacturing sector, digital twinning is now also widely used in many sectors, but is particularly successful in the property market. It not only helps owners and managers to maintain buildings, but it can help with floor plans, data about the assets, digitised documentation, security systems and environmental sensors. With increased competition in the property market and houses selling faster than ever, more buyers are prepared to buy homes without even viewing them – or at least not in person. By adopting innovative technology like digital twins and VR, the popularity of virtual viewings has risen – helped by the pandemic restrictions of not being able to view in person.

You aren’t alone. Google recently reported an increase of 400 per cent on searches on the topic in the last five years. But with more and more businesses looking to invest in their digital twin development, this on topic trend looks like it will be more than just a buzz word. Read, research and investigate what applications are emerging in your industry. Find an expert and have a conversation about how digital twinning may take your business firmly into the future.

To find out how we can help you with your digital twinning, call us on 0203 875 4468 or send an email to talktous@apex-mt.com