Examining Model Qualities and Their Impact on Digital Twins

Digital Twins (DTs) are built using modelling and simulation techniques in complex domains such as cyberphysical systems. However, further formal investigation is required for how a DT and the services it provides relate to the qualities of the models used by a service. Specifically, this article examines when a DT service can be said to have the qualities of relevant, verifiable, substitutable, and faithful based on the results of checking properties in comparison to the actual system. Using an incubator system as our running example, we show how a DT service relies on multiple models, present the consequences when these qualities are violated, and discuss strategies for adapting models to ensure these qualities.