The Digital Twin of a System: A Structure for Networks of Digital Twins

There is a growing interest in the concept of a Digital Twin, and more and more companies want to take advantage of the benefits and demand them on the market. As the number of Digital Twins continues to grow, however, the question arises how to deal with a multitude of Digital Twins in a factory, and especially how to integrate Digital Twins on a certain level of detail into a Digital Twin on a higher level of abstractions, and how these networks can be managed if each Digital Twin is to be considered individually. The concept presented in this paper shows a possibility to combine Digital Twins in a structured network which is controlled by one single point of truth, called the Digital Twin of a System. An exemplary application of the Digital Twin of a System is presented. Furthermore advantages of the Digital Twin of a System are introduced and discussed. Finally directions for future research on this topic are suggested.