In simple terms, digital twins are virtual, dynamic images of physical objects and offer enormous potential for more efficient and resource-saving planning, operation and subsequent utilisation of infrastructures. They can help to overcome challenges such as climate change and the need to modernise public infrastructure. However, practical, widespread implementation remains a challenge: Scalability, integration into existing IT systems and data management are key hurdles.
The study presents an in-depth discussion of the project results and provides comprehensive basic knowledge on digital twins. The diverse application possibilities and current implementation hurdles of digital twins are systematically identified and comprehensively analysed in the publication. The qualitative analysis of the specialist literature, the evaluation of application projects and the status quo of implementation are supplemented with experiences from 49 interviews with experts from practice, research, administration and business.
Image: Christoph Löffler / iRights.Lab
February 2025
