Spotlight on autonomization: from digital twings to replicating reality | Editorial

Digital twins are the product of a long development process that began with counting on one’s fingers (Latin: digiti), before leading to mathematics and eventually to digitalization and linking of the real and virtual worlds. Yet they are fundamentally so much more than just a virtual replica – they are a mathematical translation of reality based on models, parameters and real-world data.

The big advantage of a digital twin in a simulation is its ability to anticipate the future in a virtual environment. This enables virtual monitoring, testing and decision-making support for real objects or systems without the need to physically handle them.

Small wonder, then, that digital twins have become so symbolic of the digital transformation. There is nothing new about the basic idea – scientists have been working on capturing complex processes in mathematical equations for decades. What is new is that, thanks to huge increases in computing power, it is now possible to perform previously unimaginable simulations. Today, we have vehicles that can intelligently predict traffic flows in real time, energy systems that respond smartly to consumption and weather patterns, and virtual factories that improve their own processes.

But why stop at just improving if we can also mathematically automate optimization? Rather than just analyzing, intelligent digital twins are capable of independent learning, decision-making and action. And it is exactly this that enables autonomization: machines, processes and systems that operate autonomously and optimally.

These developments offer particular benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises, especially if they work closely with research institutions and technology-focused partners such as those in the Steinbeis Network.

In this edition of Steinbeis TRANSFER magazine, you will find inspiring insights about digitalization, autonomous systems and how digital twins bridge the gap to real-world applications.

We hope you enjoy reading it, and, who knows, perhaps you’ll even be inspired to create your own digital twin.
Christof Büskens and Mitja Echim