A digital twin is an exact replica of a physical object or system in the digital world. It encompasses the entire lifecycle of the object or process, updates in real time based on data, and utilizes simulation, machine learning, and reasoning to support decision-making.
To create a digital twin, conceptual models can be imported into a 3D environment using technologies such as BIM, CAD, or GIS, or real-world physical entities can be scanned. These models can be visualized and analyzed in combination with other business and Internet of Things (IoT) data. Additionally, advancements in 3D graphics enable digital twins to present not only static information but also interactive and realistic visualizations that facilitate decision-making.
Each digital twin implementation is unique. They are typically developed in stages, with each phase increasing in complexity and business impact. A digital twin can range from a product configurator based on a 3D model to an accurate representation of a network or a system as vast as a city, with each component dynamically linked to engineering, construction, operations, and virtual design data.
Below are some key use cases for digital twins.
Use in the Automotive Industry
In the automotive sector, digital twins are used to enhance vehicle design, manufacturing, and maintenance through real-time monitoring and process simulation.
BMW has leveraged digital twins to plan and fully validate its Debrecen plant in Hungary virtually, allowing them to optimize systems and processes before physical construction.
Use in Real Estate
In the real estate industry, digital twins are primarily used for product visualization, providing interactive and immersive experiences that enhance how customers explore properties. One of the most notable applications is the creation of personalized virtual tours. Through a digital twin, potential buyers can walk through a property from anywhere, interact with the space, open doors, adjust lighting, and change finishes, giving them a realistic feel of the property without being physically present.
Another significant use is the presentation of projects under development. Digital twins allow stakeholders to see how a building or an entire development will look once completed, even before construction begins. This is particularly useful for pre-sales, as buyers can visualize the final design before it is built. Additionally, different configurations or decorative styles can be simulated within the spaces, allowing potential buyers to personalize the property according to their preferences.
From a marketing perspective, digital twins enable the creation of high-quality content, such as promotional videos or hyper-realistic renders that showcase properties in an engaging way. This content can be used in online advertising campaigns or on social media, increasing the reach and visibility of properties. Furthermore, urban environment visualizations, such as views from windows or proximity to amenities like parks and public transportation, can be integrated into these digital models, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the property in its context.
Finally, integrating digital twins with technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) further enhances the customer experience. Buyers can take immersive virtual tours using VR headsets or view a life-sized representation of the property through AR, projecting it into their own surroundings. This type of visualization helps stakeholders make more informed and confident decisions.
In summary, digital twins in the real estate industry not only improve the way properties are visualized in greater detail and attractiveness but also enhance marketing strategies and customer experience, all without the need to gather real-world data.
Digital twins are revolutionizing various industries by providing innovative solutions for visualization, personalization, and process optimization. In the real estate sector, they allow customers to take virtual tours, explore customized configurations, and obtain hyper-realistic representations of properties under development, improving marketing and simplifying decision-making without requiring physical visits. Similarly, in the automotive industry, digital twins optimize vehicle design, manufacturing, and predictive maintenance through virtual replicas, enhancing operational efficiency and the customer experience.
Overall, this technology is transforming the way we interact with products, opening new opportunities for innovation and improving user experiences while optimizing resources across production, sales, and maintenance processes. As digital twins continue to evolve, their applications will expand further, redefining how industries approach product creation, marketing, and management.
Sources:
Unity: Digital Twin Definition
IBM: What is a Digital Twin?
BBC News
Híbridos y Eléctricos: BMW and Nvidia to Build a Fully Digitally Designed Car Factory
Article by Oliver Sitán, CTO | December 2, 2024
