Search

Digital twins became of greater interest to researchers and practitioners in supply chain and operations management (SCOM). Literature has addressed the need to understand digital twins in SCOM, mostly focusing on fragmented technological solutions and use cases. We start with an integrative literature review to determine which elements belong to research on digital twins in SCOM. We define the seven major elements of a digital twin in SCOM: technology, people, management, organisation, scope, task, and modelling. We also distinguish five major types of digital twins in SCOM: product, process, organisation, supply chain and network-of-networks. Illustration of a SCOM digital twin is provided using an anyLogistix example. We conclude that digital twins in SCOM are not merely a simulation-based replica of a real object but a complex socio-technical phenomenon involved in continuous human-artificial intelligence interactions. This leads to an understanding of the role of digital twins through the lens of Industry 5.0, reconfigurable and viable supply chains. Researchers and practitioners alike can use our framework to structure the knowledge on SCOM digital twins and consider all seven elements when designing and using digital twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High quality, safe, and reliable batteries are essential for widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Current Li-ion battery pack manufacturing processes rely on manual inspections to ensure electric vehicle battery quality. Such manual quality control is prone to errors, increasing the chances of defective batteries. This is likely to increase safety and reliability concerns in the public imagination, slowing down the adoption of electric vehicles. Furthermore, manual inspection is time-consuming and likely to become a bottleneck in scaling up electric vehicle battery production. A potential solution to address this need for fast and accurate inspection of batteries is the use of machine vision and robotics. In this study, we use digital twin design and simulation to develop a battery module inspection system that uses cobots and machine vision to inspect electric vehicle batteries for defects. Our proposed system can automate visual quality checks that are currently being done by human operators. The proposed cobotic system has been simulated and validated for a variety of battery defects to achieve fast and reliable detection. Since a digital twin of the cobotic inspection workcell has been used, the battery inspection system, as designed and validated, is ready for immediate implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitalization of agriculture is rapidly changing the way farmers do business. With the integration of advanced technology, farmers are now able to increase efficiency, productivity, and precision in their operations. Digitalization allows for real-time monitoring and management of crops, leading to improved yields and reduced waste. This paper presents a review of some of the use cases that digitalization has made an impact in the automation of open-field and closedfield cultivations by means of collecting data about soils, crop growth, and microclimate, or by contributing to more accurate decisions about water usage and fertilizer application. The objective was to address some of the most recent technological advances that are leading to increased efficiency and sustainability of crop production, reduction in the use of inputs and environmental impacts, and releasing manual workforces from repetitive field tasks. The short discussions included at the end of each case study attempt to highlight the limitations and technological challenges toward successful implementations, as well as to introduce alternative solutions and methods that are rapidly evolving to offer a vast array of benefits for farmers by influencing cost-saving measures. This review concludes that despite the many benefits of digitalization, there are still a number of challenges that need to be overcome, including high costs, reliability, and scalability. Most of the available setups that are currently used for this purpose have been custom designed for specific tasks and are still too expensive to be implemented on commercial scales, while others are still in their early stages of development, making them not reliable or scalable for widespread acceptance and adoption by farmers. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the current state of digitalization in agriculture and its impact on sustainable crop production and food security, this review provides insights for policy-makers, industry stakeholders, and researchers working in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineer-to-order manufacturing, characterized by highly customized products and complex workflows, presents unique challenges for warehouse management and operational efficiency. This paper explores the potential of a digital twin as a transformative solution for engineer-to-order environments in manufacturing companies realizing prefabricated building components. This paper outlines a methodology encompassing users' requirements and the design to support the development of a digital twin that integrates Internet of Things devices, Building Information Modeling, and artificial intelligence capabilities. It delves into the specific challenges of outdoor warehouse optimization and worker safety within the context of engineer-to-order manufacturing, and how the digital twin aims to address these issues through data collection, analysis, and visualization. The research is conducted through an in-depth analysis of the warehouse of Focchi S.p.A., a leading manufacturer of high-tech prefabricated building envelopes. Focchi's production processes and stakeholder interactions are investigated, and the paper identifies key user groups and their multiple requirements for warehouse improvement. It also examines the potential of the digital twin to streamline communication, improve decision-making, and enhance safety protocols. While preliminary testing results are not yet available, the paper concludes by underlining the significant opportunities offered by a BIM-, IoT-, and AI-powered digital twin for engineer-to-order manufacturers. This research, developed within the IRIS project, serves as a promising model for integrating digital technologies into complex warehouse environments, paving the way for increased efficiency, safety, and ultimately, a competitive edge in the market of manufacturing companies working in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the incorporation of the Shopping Assistance Automatic Suggestion (SAAS) model into Virtual Reality (VR) environments in order to improve the online shopping experience. The SAAS model employs sophisticated deep learning methods to offer customized product recommendations, which are conveyed by non-player characters (NPCs) via voice-based interactions. Our goal is to develop an interactive shopping experience that replicates real-life interactions by integrating AI-powered recommendations with immersive VR technology. We gather and standardize data from several open commerce databases, such as Amazon Product and Customer Reviews. The SAAS model, in conjunction with GPT-3, BERT, and T5, undergoes training and testing to evaluate its effectiveness across multiple criteria. The results demonstrate that the SAAS model surpasses other models in delivering contextually aware and pertinent recommendations. The integration process outlines the specific steps involved in capturing, processing, and transforming user interactions in virtual reality (VR) into vocal suggestions provided by non-player characters (NPCs). This strategy improves customization and utilizes the immersive features of virtual reality to effectively engage people. The results of our research establish a higher standard for e-commerce, with the goal of enhancing the user experience of online purchasing by making it more instinctive, engaging, and pleasurable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interaction-free usage (IfU) will be one of the quantitatively dominant forms of computer use in the future. In qualitative terms, this form of use will cover a wide range of applications, also software that supports communication and cooperation. Digital twins for cooperation and communication will be employed by individual users to maintain a variety of social networking activities. Generative AI will play a decisive role in this development, autonomously identifying user needs, replacing the predominant form of use through prompting with question-and-answer dialogs. These dialogs will also be used to preconfigure systems for IfU phases. The counterpart to IfU, which will become ever less-frequent, is intervening interaction, when users intervene to explore and adjust the performance of AI-based systems in exceptional situations or to optimize them for future task handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has been used in safety-critical situations for over twenty years. Rooted in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and related disciplines, the field of crisis informatics made considerable efforts to investigate social media use and role patterns in crises, facilitate the collection, processing and refinement of social media data, design and evaluate supportive ICT, and provide cumulative and longitudinal research. This narrative review examines contemporary challenges of human-centred crisis informatics and envision trends for the following decade, including (I) a broadening scope of crisis informatics, (II) the professionalisation of cross-platform collaboration of citizen communities and emergency services, (III) expert interfaces for explainable and multimodal artificial intelligence for user-generated content assessment, (IV) internet of things and mobile apps for bidirectional communication and warnings in disruption-tolerant networks, as well as (V) digital twins and virtual reality for the effective training of multi-agency collaboration in hybrid hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The realm of digital twins is experiencing rapid growth and presents a wealth of opportunities for Industry 4.0. In conjunction with traditional simulation methods, digital twins offer a diverse range of possibilities. However, many existing tools in the domain of open‐source digital twins concentrate on specific use cases and do not provide a versatile framework. In contrast, the open‐source digital twin framework, OpenTwins, aims to provide a versatile framework that can be applied to a wide range of digital twin applications. In this article, we introduce a re‐definition of the original OpenTwins platform that enables the management of custom simulation services and the management of FMI simulation services, which is one of the most widely used simulation standards in the industry and its coexistence with machine learning models, which enables the definition of the next‐gen digital twins. Thanks to this integration, digital twins that reflect reality better can be developed, through hybrid models, where simulation data can feed the scarcity of machine learning data and so forth. As part of this project, a simulation model developed through the hydraulic software Epanet was validated in OpenTwins, in addition to an FMI simulation service. The hydraulic model was implemented and tested in an agricultural use case in collaboration with the University of Córdoba, Spain. A machine learning model has been developed to assess the behavior of an FMI simulation through machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, Artificial Intelligence/Knowledge Representation methods are used for the digital modeling of cultural heritage elements. Accordingly, the new concept of digital cultural heritage twin is presented as composed of a physical component and an immaterial component of the cultural entity. The former concerns the physical aspects, i.e. style, name of the artist, execution time, dimension, etc. The latter represents the emotional and intangible aspects transmitted by the entity, i.e. emotions, thoughts, opinions. In order to digitally model the physical and immaterial components of the twin, the Narrative Knowledge Representation Language has been formally introduced and described. It is particularly suitable for representing the immaterial aspects of the cultural entity, as it is capable of modeling in a simple but rigorous and efficient way complex situations and events, behaviours, attitudes, etc. As an experiment, NKRL has been adopted for representing some of the most relevant intangible items of the visual narrative underlying the hidden painting that lies beneath the Mona Lisa (La Gioconda) image painted by Leonardo Da Vinci on the same poplar panel. Real-time application of the resulting knowledge base opens up novel possibilities for the development of virtual objects, chatbots and expert systems, as well as the definition of semantic search platforms related to cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), combined with variable ventilation strategies and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is poised to revolutionize critical care by transitioning from reactive to predictive approaches. This integration aims to enhance patient outcomes through personalized interventions and real-time monitoring. Methods: this narrative review explores the principles and applications of EIT, variable ventilation, and AI in critical care. EIT impedance sensing creates dynamic images of internal physiology, aiding the management of conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Variable ventilation mimics natural breathing variability to improve lung function and minimize ventilator-induced lung injury. AI enhances EIT through advanced image reconstruction techniques, neural networks, and digital twin technology, offering more accurate diagnostics and tailored therapeutic interventions. Conclusions: the confluence of EIT, variable ventilation, and AI represents a significant advancement in critical care, enabling a predictive, personalized approach. EIT provides real-time insights into lung function, guiding precise ventilation adjustments and therapeutic interventions. AI integration enhances EIT diagnostic capabilities, facilitating the development of personalized treatment plans. This synergy fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and sets the stage for innovative research, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of critical care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings significantly contribute to global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This systematic literature review explores the potential of artificial intelegence (AI) to enhance sustainability throughout a building's lifecycle. The review identifies AI technologies applicable to sustainable building practices, examines their influence, and analyses implementation challenges. The findings reveal AI's capabilities in optimising energy efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, and aiding in design simulation. Advanced machine learning algorithms facilitate data-driven analysis, while digital twins provide real-time insights for decision-making. The review also identifies barriers to AI adoption, including cost concerns, data security risks, and implementation challenges. While AI offers innovative solutions for energy optimisation and environmentally conscious practices, addressing technical and practical challenges is crucial for its successful integration in sustainable building practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a construction project schedule, delays in delivery are one of the most important problems. Delays can be caused by several project components; however, the issue is amplified when delays occur simultaneously. Classifying delays is relevant in order to allocate responsibility to the parties. In Italy, the delay in the delivery of medium and large-sized works in residential urban centers is about 15% compared to the project forecast. Moreover, the AECO sector's ability to adapt to emerging challenges, such as environmental sustainability and digitization, is limited by the lack of innovation in management methods. The aim of this research is to create a methodology for managing the built and to-be-built environment in a digital way. This will optimize the building process by reducing delays and waste of resources. The methodology will use tools such as digital twin (DT), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms. The integration of lean construction practices can make the use of these technologies even more efficient, supporting better workflow management by using the BIM environment. The paper presents a methodology that can be applied to various scaling factors and scenarios. It is also useful for construction sites that are already in progress. As highlighted below, this brings significant economic-temporal advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of multi-omics has witnessed unprecedented growth, converging multiple scientific disciplines and technological advances. This surge is evidenced by a more than doubling in multi-omics scientific publications within just two years (2022–2023) since its first referenced mention in 2002, as indexed by the National Library of Medicine. This emerging field has demonstrated its capability to provide comprehensive insights into complex biological systems, representing a transformative force in health diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. However, several challenges are evident when merging varied omics data sets and methodologies, interpreting vast data dimensions, streamlining longitudinal sampling and analysis, and addressing the ethical implications of managing sensitive health information. This review evaluates these challenges while spotlighting pivotal milestones: the development of targeted sampling methods, the use of artificial intelligence in formulating health indices, the integration of sophisticated n-of-1 statistical models such as digital twins, and the incorporation of blockchain technology for heightened data security. For multi-omics to truly revolutionize healthcare, it demands rigorous validation, tangible real-world applications, and smooth integration into existing healthcare infrastructures. It is imperative to address ethical dilemmas, paving the way for the realization of a future steered by omics-informed personalized medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Businesses of the 21st century are utilizing technology in developing offerings for the growth of their businesses. From taking a minor role in formulating business decisions, technologies now have a larger stake. Disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics, blockchain, 3D printing, 5G, Internet‐of‐Things, digital twins and augmented reality are changing how marketing strategies are developed and consumer behaviour is shaped. Our special issue contributes to enhancing the academic and industry‐relevant knowledge of such new‐age technologies and their marketing implications. The papers in this issue focus on the changing consumer behaviour in sectors like healthcare, apparel, footwear to highlight the critical role played by disruptive tech in shaping the modern world marketing and business plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The digital warehouse management system is an emergence that forms a critical part of the transformation of economic structure in Industry 4.0. In the present business scenario, the warehouse management system encounters a messy layout, poor damage control, unsatisfactory order management, lack of visibility and lack of technological interventions. Digital twin (DT) based warehouse system shows the ontology and knowledge graphs for competitive advantage by consolidating and transferring goods directly from an inbound supplier to an outbound customer on short notice and with no or limited storage. There remains a lack of clarity on how the DT can be implemented successfully in warehouse management. Design/methodology/approach: The current literature remains largely unstructured and scattered due to a lack of a systematic approach to integrating the research implications and analysis. This paper probes the conceptualization of the DT with the help of theoretical analysis using the systematic literature analysis method. Findings: The study explores essential concepts such as interoperability and integrability in implementing DT. Further, it analyzes the role of a supply chain control tower (SCCT) in modern supply chain management. A research framework is proposed for practitioners and academicians by incorporating the opportunities and challenges associated with DT implementation. The research findings are mainly threefold: Conceptualization of DT, Featuring SCCT and Exploration of cross-computer platform interfaces, scalability and maintenance strategies. Originality/value: This study is among the first to analyze and review DT applications in warehouse management. Moreover, the study proposes a theoretical toolbox for the practitioners to successfully implement the DT in warehouse DT-based warehouse management system: A theoretical toolbox for future research and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europe's transportation infrastructure including bridges requires optimised maintenance plans and adequate monitoring throughout its life cycle to ensure safety and serviceability. The deployment of new technologies can help this goal, providing numerous advantages compared to existing and established inspection and monitoring methods. This deployment can be facilitated by adequate policies and focused research and innovation, taking also into account the European ambitions for safe, secure, and future-proof transportation infrastructure. Considering the above, the objective of this study is threefold. First, it provides an overview of recent policy initiatives in Europe that facilitate the adoption of new and emerging technologies in bridge inspection and monitoring, as well as maintenance in general. Second, it identifies and reviews R&I projects relevant to bridges, including the budgetary expenditure, from the Horizon 2020 European Research Framework Programme which was recently concluded. Finally, it systematically reviews technologies and solutions developed by the identified projects, assessing also their technology readiness. What emerges is substantial research, which includes solutions and technologies (e.g., use of air or ground drones, artificial intelligence, digital twins) that have the potential to reshape the bridge inspection and monitoring state of play in Europe and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid progress in the development of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, represents a step-wise change in human's interactions with technology as part of a broader complex, sociotechnical system. Based on historical parallels to the present moment, such changes are likely to bring forth structural shifts to the nature of work, where near and future technologies will occupy key roles as workers or assistants in sports science and sports medicine multidisciplinary teams (MDTs). This envisioned future may bring enormous benefits, as well as a raft of potential challenges. These challenges include the potential to remove many human roles and allocate them to semi- or fully-autonomous AI. Removing such roles and tasks from humans will make many current jobs and careers untenable, leaving a set of difficult and unrewarding tasks for the humans that remain. Paradoxically, replacing humans with technology increases system complexity and makes them more prone to failure. The automation and AI boom also brings substantial opportunities. Among them are automated sentiment analysis and Digital Twin technologies which may reveal novel insights into athlete health and wellbeing and team tactical patterns, respectively. However, without due consideration of the interactions between humans and technology in the broader system of sport, adverse impacts are likely to be felt. Human and AI teamwork may require new ways of thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research background: Multi-modal synthetic data fusion and analysis, simulation and modelling technologies, and virtual environmental and location sensors shape the industrial metaverse. Visual digital twins, smart manufacturing and sensory data mining techniques, 3D digital twin simulation modelling and predictive maintenance tools, big data and mobile location analytics, and cloud-connected and spatial computing devices further immersive virtual spaces, decentralized 3D digital worlds, synthetic reality spaces, and the industrial metaverse. Purpose of the article: We aim to show that big data computing and extended cognitive systems, 3D computer vision-based production and cognitive neuro-engineering technologies, and synthetic data interoperability improve artificial intelligence-based digital twin industrial metaverse and hyper-immersive simulated environments. Geolocation data mining and tracking tools, image processing computational and robot motion algorithms, and digital twin and virtual immersive technologies shape the economic and business management of extended reality environments and the industrial metaverse. Methods: Quality tools: AMSTAR, BIBOT, CASP, Catchii, R package and Shiny app citation-chaser, DistillerSR, JBI SUMARI, Litstream, Nested Knowledge, Rayyan, and Systematic Review Accelerator. Search period: April 2024. Search terms: "digital twin industrial metaverse" + "artificial Intelligence of Things systems", "multisensory immersive extended reality technologies", and "algorithmic big data simulation and modelling tools". Selected sources: 114 out of 336. Published research inspected: 2022-2024. PRISMA was the reporting quality assessment tool. Dimensions and VOSviewer were deployed as data visualization tools. Findings & value added: Simulated augmented reality and multi-sensory tracking technologies, explainable artificial intelligence-based decision support and cloud-based robotic cooperation systems, and ambient intelligence and deep learning-based predictive analytics modelling tools are instrumental in augmented reality environments and in the industrial metaverse. The economic and business management of the industrial metaverse necessitates connected enterprise production and big data computing systems, simulation and modelling technologies, and virtual reality-embedded digital twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building energy system management is critical for resource-saving approaches amid climate change-driven energy transitions. This paper presents a digital twin toolchain leveraging modern technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). The toolchain automates the derivation of georeferenced digital twins during Technical Building Equipment (TBE) commissioning. Using a Scan vs. BIM process, discrepancies between as-planned and as-built TBE are identified, allowing automatic updates to the BIM model. Validation methods ensure both physical and functional aspects of the TBE are accurate. VR and AR facilitate off- and on-site commissioning, enabling immersive visualization and live sensor data access. An evaluation in small and large-scale demonstrators shows the toolchain's scalability and efficiency, with promising results in performance and accuracy. Future work aims to integrate more operational data, enhancing the digital twin's capabilities for building energy system management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of Digital Twin technology in small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) has brought forth a transformative paradigm in engineering practices. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the use of Digital Twin in SMEs and its implementation of advanced digital technologies in an engineering context. The paper highlights key benefits, such as the ability to simulate, analyze, and predict the behavior of products or processes before their physical instantiation. By leveraging advanced modeling and simulation techniques, SMEs can efficiently explore multiple design iterations, identify potential issues, and optimize engineering solutions without costly physical prototyping. Furthermore, the paper discusses integrating other advanced digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Digital Twin to create intelligent and interconnected systems. The implementation of Digital Twin technology in SMEs extends beyond product design to encompass various aspects of the product lifecycle, fostering efficiency, accuracy, and innovation. However, challenges such as data integration, cybersecurity, and skill requirements are addressed. With proper planning and investment, SMEs can unlock the full potential of Digital Twin technology to gain a competitive edge in the dynamic engineering domain. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that the use of Digital Twin in SMEs and its integration with advanced digital technologies revolutionizes engineering practices. By offering virtual representations of physical assets and processes, Digital Twin enables SMEs to make informed decisions, optimize performance, and drive innovation. As the technology evolves, it becomes an indispensable tool for SMEs seeking to thrive in the ever‐evolving engineering landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will discuss Data, Information, Knowledge, and Wisdom, which is commonly referred to as DIKW. The DIKW Pyramid Model is a hierarchical model that is often referenced in both academic and practitioner circles. This model will be discussed and shown to be faulty on several levels, including a lack of definitional agreement. A new DIKW framework with systems orientation will be proposed that focuses on what the DIKW elements do in the way humans think, not what they are by definition. Information as a replacement for wasted physical resources in goal-oriented tasks will be a central organizing point. The paper will move the DIKW discussion to the computer-based concept of Digital Twins (DTs) and its augmentation of how we can use DIKW to be more effective and efficient. This will especially be the case as we move toward Intelligent Digital Twins (IDTs) with Artificial Intelligence (AI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the intersection of generative AI and digital twins within drug discovery, exploring their synergistic potential to revolutionize pharmaceutical research and development. Through various instances and examples, we illuminate how generative AI algorithms, capable of simulating vast chemical spaces and predicting molecular properties, are increasingly integrated with digital twins of biological systems to expedite drug discovery. By harnessing the power of computational models and machine learning, researchers can design novel compounds tailored to specific targets, optimize drug candidates, and simulate their behavior within virtual biological environments. This paradigm shift offers unprecedented opportunities for accelerating drug development, reducing costs, and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes. As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, collaboration between interdisciplinary teams and continued innovation will be paramount in realizing the promise of generative AI and digital twins in advancing drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent rise in the applications of advanced technologies in the sustainable design and construction of transportation infrastructure demands an appropriate medium for their integration and utilization. The relatively new concept of Civil Integrated Management (CIM) is such a medium; it enhances the development of digital twins for infrastructure and also embodies various practices and tools, including the collection, organization, and data-management techniques of digital data for transportation infrastructure projects. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of advanced CIM tools and technologies and categorizes its findings into the following research topics: application of advanced surveying methods (Advanced Surveying); geospatial analysis tools for project planning (Geospatial Analysis); multidimensional virtual design models (nD Modeling); Integrated Geospatial and Building Information Modeling (GeoBIM); and transportation infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation planning (Asset Management). Despite challenges such as modeling complexity, technology investment, and data security, the integration of GIS, BIM, and artificial intelligence within asset-management systems hold the potential to improve infrastructure's structural integrity and long-term performance through automated monitoring, analysis, and predictive maintenance during its lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While digital twins (DTs) have recently gained prominence as a viable option for creating reliable asset representations, many existing frameworks and architectures in the literature involve the integration of different technologies and paradigms, including the Internet of Things (IoTs), data modeling, and machine learning (ML). This complexity requires the orchestration of these different technologies, often resulting in subsystems and composition frameworks that are difficult to seamlessly align. In this paper, we present a scalable compositional framework designed for the development of a DT-based production management system (PMS) with advanced production monitoring capabilities. The conducted approach used to design the compositional framework utilizes the Factory Design and Improvement (FDI) methodology. Furthermore, the validation of our proposed framework is illustrated through a case study conducted in a phosphate screening station within the context of the mining industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next generation of wireless networks, 6G is being designed with data-intensive applications. One of the key technologies that will enable 6G is blockchain technology. The emergence of blockchain technology and 6G networks has revolutionized service migration. Service migration in 6G networks is a complex process that requires the integration of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and network slicing. Motivated by these facts, this comprehensive review includes an overview of blockchain and service migration integration in 6G. First, state of art, development frame work and related works were introduced. Then, we used content analysis by WordStat software and bibliographic analysis by VOSviewer to analysis the current status of service migration and blockchain integration in 6G networks. Next, patterns and characteristics, benefits and challenges and potential cases were reviewed. Then, we proposed an architectural blockchain-based model including decentralized architecture, edge computing, network slicing, softwaredefined networking, and 5G-6G interworking in 6G. Finally, we described potential application service migration-based in 6G networks including digital twin (DT), holograms, robot avatar, high density internet of things (IoT), AR and VR in 6G and collected open research and future directions of service migration and blockchain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is part of an ongoing research study on developing a methodology for the low-cost creation of the Digital Twin of an urban neighborhood for sustainable, transparent, and participatory urban management to enable low-and middle-income economies to meet the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 successfully and timely, in particular SDGs 1, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The methodology includes: (1) the creation of a geospatial data infrastructure by merging Building Information Models (BIMs) and 3D cadastral data that may support a number of applications (i.e., visualization of 3D volumetric legal entities), and (2) the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, Machine Learning (ML), and sensors that are interconnected with devices located in the various property units to test and predict future scenarios and support energy efficiency applications. Two modular platforms are created: (1) to interact with the AI sensors for building tracking and management purposes (i.e., alarms, security cameras, control panels, etc.) and (2) to analyze the energy consumption data such as future predictions, anomaly detection, and scenario making. A case study is made for an urban neighborhood in Athens. It includes a dynamic weather simulation and visualization of different seasons and times of day in combination with internal energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the main idea and approach of the H2020 ASSISTANT (LeArning and robuSt deciSIon SupporT systems for agile mANufacTuring environments) project. ASSISTANT is aimed at the investigation of AI-based tools for adaptive manufacturing environments, and focuses on the development of a set of digital twins for integration with, management of, and decision support for production planning and control. The ASSISTANT tools are based on the approach of extending generative design, an established methodology for product design, to a broader set of manufacturing decision making processes; and to make use of machine learning, optimisation, and simulation techniques to produce executable models capable of ethical reasoning and data-driven decision making for manufacturing systems. Combining human control and accountable AI, the ASSISTANT toolsets span a wide range of manufacturing processes and time scales, including process planning, production planning, scheduling, and real-time control. They are designed to be adaptable and applicable in a both general and specific manufacturing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovation and transformative changes in products, manufacturing technologies, business strategies, and manufacturing paradigms have profoundly changed the manufacturing systems. In addition to being environmentally, economically socially sustainable, manufacturing systems are increasingly using intelligent technologies to be even more resilient, responsive, and adaptable. A new Adaptive Cognitive Manufacturing Systems (ACMS) paradigm, its drivers, enablers, and characteristics, including cognitive adaptation, is presented. Classification and definitions of four types of adaptability in manufacturing systems are included. Human-centric collaboration of workers and intelligent machines and applications, and the future of work in cognitive adaptive manufacturing systems are outlined. Cognitive Digital Twins (CDT), their features, evolution, and their use to support humans in intelligent, collaborative manufacturing settings are discussed. Industrial applications and case studies are used to illustrate the presented concepts and paradigms. Challenges and future research directions to achieve the ACMS paradigm and implement more intelligent, more adaptive, and sustainable manufacturing systems are presented. The presented novel concepts and technologies make significant contributions to the fast-evolving field of manufacturing systems. This pioneering research sheds light on many important future research topics and provides a road map and motivation for researchers in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the development of a smart Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) platform tailored for long-span bridge monitoring, using the Forth Road Bridge (FRB) as a case study. It discusses the selection of smart sensors available for real-time monitoring, the formulation of an effective data strategy encompassing the collection, processing, management, analysis, and visualization of monitoring data sets to support decision-making, and the establishment of a cost-effective and intelligent sensor network aligned with the objectives set through comprehensive communication with asset owners. Due to the high data rates and dense sensor installations, conventional processing techniques are inadequate for fulfilling monitoring functionalities and ensuring security. Cloud-computing emerges as a widely adopted solution for processing and storing vast monitoring data sets. Drawing from the authors' experience in implementing long-span bridge monitoring systems in the UK and China, this paper compares the advantages and limitations of employing cloud- computing for long-span bridge monitoring. Furthermore, it explores strategies for developing a robust data strategy and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin (DT) technologies to extract relevant information or patterns regarding asset health conditions. This information is then visualized through the interaction between physical and virtual worlds, facilitating timely and informed decision-making in managing critical road transport infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comprehensive review investigates the transformative potential of sensor-driven digital twin technology in enhancing healthcare delivery within smart environments. We explore the integration of smart environments with sensor technologies, digital health capabilities, and location-based services, focusing on their impacts on healthcare objectives and outcomes. This work analyzes the foundational technologies, encompassing the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence (AI), that underpin the functionalities within smart environments. We also examine the unique characteristics of smart homes and smart hospitals, highlighting their potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery through remote patient monitoring, telemedicine, and real-time data sharing. The review presents a novel solution framework leveraging sensor-driven digital twins to address both healthcare needs and user requirements. This framework incorporates wearable health devices, AI-driven health analytics, and a proof-of-concept digital twin application. Furthermore, we explore the role of location-based services (LBS) in smart environments, emphasizing their potential to enhance personalized healthcare interventions and emergency response capabilities. By analyzing the technical advancements in sensor technologies and digital twin applications, this review contributes valuable insights to the evolving landscape of smart environments for healthcare. We identify the opportunities and challenges associated with this emerging field and highlight the need for further research to fully realize its potential to improve healthcare delivery and patient well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the requirement for highly precise synchronous sampling and the substantial reliance on time difference calculations, the current partial discharge (PD) localization based on the time difference of arrival is only applicable in certain situations. As digital twin technology has advanced, it is possible to employ virtual models to support gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) PD localization. To do this, we propose a meta‐learning (ML) network with the aid of digital twin for actual GIS PD localization. Firstly, a GIS digital twin model was established to acquire an auxiliary simulated sample library. Then, a temporal convolutional network is established to extract the discriminable features, effectively obtain the time dependence between features, and improve the accuracy of localization. Next, ML is adopted to quickly learn meta‐knowledge that can be applied across tasks, and the model's sensitivity to task changes is improved. Finally, the model is fine‐tuned through a limited number of samples from the target task, and high precise PD localization is achieved. The experimental results demonstrate that the ML has an average localization error of only 9.25 cm and a probability density rose to 93% within 20 cm, which is clearly superior to previous methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, state‐of‐the‐art multiscale modeling methods have been described. This research includes notable molecular, micro‐, meso‐, and macroscale models for hard (polymer, metal, yarn, fiber, fiber‐reinforced polymer, and polymer matrix composites) and soft (biological tissues such as brain white matter [BWM]) composite materials. These numerical models vary from molecular dynamics simulations to finite‐element (FE) analyses and machine learning/deep learning surrogate models. Constitutive material models are summarized, such as viscoelastic hyperelastic, and emerging models like fractional viscoelastic. Key challenges such as meshing, data variability and material nonlinearity‐driven uncertainty, limitations in terms of computational resources availability, model fidelity, and repeatability are outlined with state‐of‐the‐art models. Latest advancements in FE modeling involving meshless methods, hybrid ML and FE models, and nonlinear constitutive material (linear and nonlinear) models aim to provide readers with a clear outlook on futuristic trends in composite multiscale modeling research and development. The data‐driven models presented here are of varying length and time scales, developed using advanced mathematical, numerical, and huge volumes of experimental results as data for digital models. An in‐depth discussion on data‐driven models would provide researchers with the necessary tools to build real‐time composite structure monitoring and lifecycle prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective monitoring of road fixtures is essential for urban safety and functionality. However, traditional inspections are time-consuming, costly, and error prone, while current automated solutions struggle with high initial setup costs, limited flexibility preventing wide adaptation, and reliance on centralized processing that can delay response times. This study introduces an edge AI-based remote road fixture monitoring system which automatically and continuously updates the information of the road digital twin (DT). The main component is a small-sized edge device consisting of a camera, GPS, and IMU sensors designed to be installed in typical cars. The device captures images, detects the fixture, and estimates their location by employing deep learning and feature matching. This information is transmitted to a dedicated cloud server and represented on a user-friendly user interface. Experiments were conducted to test the system's performance. The results showed that the device could successfully detect the fixture and estimate their global coordinates. Outputs were marked and shown on the road DT, proving the integrated and smooth operation of the whole system. The proposed Edge AI device demonstrated that it could significantly reduce the data size by 80–84% compared to traditional methods. With a satisfactory object detection accuracy of 65%, the system effectively identifies traffic poles, stop signs, and streetlights, integrating these findings into a digital twin for real-time monitoring. The proposed system improves road monitoring by cutting down on maintenance and emergency response times, increasing the ease of data use, and offering a foundation for an overview of urban road fixtures' current state. However, the system's reliance on the quality of data collected under varying environmental conditions suggests potential improvements for consistent performance across diverse scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns the aptitudes of medical staff to explore new therapies and training exercises for image-assisted robotic diligent interventions. This exploration can be carried out using physical, digital, or both copies of patients. Such physical and digital phantoms should approximate real living tissues through realistic biological properties. Such a realistic assessment could be achieved through strategies to reduce physical and numerical uncertainties. The concept of physical-virtual matched pairs is used in image-assisted robotic interventions to enable such reduction. The present commentary aimed to analyze and illustrate possibilities for increasing the capabilities of medical personnel to explore new therapies and training exercises for image-assisted robotic diligent interventions. In this context, the manuscript focused on the use of the physical-virtual digital twin (DT) concept to monitor image-assisted robotic interventions, thereby reducing the complexity and uncertainties involved in such a procedure. Extensions involve robotic operations assisted by human-in-the-loop DT, artificial intelligence (AI), and augmented reality (AR). The various topics covered in this commentary are supported by a review of the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban digital twin is a key step to build a smart city, digital twin is an important application scenario for smart city platform, and the relationship between the two are both current research hotspots. In this paper, we will start from the demand of digital twin on smart city platform, study the architecture method and key technology of smart city platform, in this paper's platform construction method compared to the traditional construction method, reduces the difficulty of digital twin smart city construction, and also reduces the coupling degree between smart city platform modules, and use a smart city platform for engineering verification. Finally compared with the traditional smart platform construction techniques, the techniques in this paper are better than the traditional ones in terms of coupling, difficulty and cost. Through engineering verification and experimental results show that this paper on the digital twin-oriented smart city construction technology, the coupling degree of each module is the lowest, and in the development efficiency experiments, this paper by comparing with the traditional technology, the experimental development cycle compared to the traditional technology can be shortened by 61.7% of the development cycle, greatly reducing the development cost and improving the construction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines digital transformation-oriented priorities and practices in Turkish higher education. While digital technologies are gaining importance in every field with Industry 4.0, the business-human-technology relationship has entered the digital transformation process in a broader and systematic framework. Many digital technologies, such as blockchain, big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, have occurred in almost all sectors. While the digital transformation process, accelerated by the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), increases the use and functionality of technology, digital technologies have become indispensable parts of individual and social life. While the digital transformation process increases the need for human resources with digital skills, digital technologies, which have gained importance with digitalization, have also led to the development of new professions. The digital transformation process has affected higher education as well as all sectors. Many digital-dimensional applications such as blockchain, metaverse, and digital twin, where digital technologies gain prominence in higher education, have begun to take their place. Turkish higher education also has a strategic role in the digital transformation process, training human resources, developing education and career relations, and university-industry cooperation. Implementing digital transformation-focused programs in Turkish higher education and training human resources sensitive to the digital economy has become more critical than ever in the digitalizing world. In this context, the first part of the study examines the concept of digital transformation and higher education. The second part reviews Turkish higher education's digital transformation goals and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the development of a Next Generation First Responder (NGFR) communication platform with the key goal of embedding it into a smart city technology infrastructure. The framework of this approach is a concept known as SmartHub, developed by the US Department of Homeland Security. The proposed embedding methodology complies with the standard categories and indicators of smart city performance. This paper offers two practice-centered extensions of the NGFR hub, which are also the main results: first, a cognitive workload monitoring of first responders as a basis for their performance assessment, monitoring, and improvement; and second, a highly sensitive problem of human society, the emergency assistance tools for individuals with disabilities. Both extensions explore various technological-societal dimensions of smart cities, including interoperability, standardization, and accessibility to assistive technologies for people with disabilities. Regarding cognitive workload monitoring, the core result is a novel AI formalism, an ensemble of machine learning processes aggregated using machine reasoning. This ensemble enables predictive situation assessment and self-aware computing, which is the basis of the digital twin concept. We experimentally demonstrate a specific component of a digital twin of an NGFR, a near-real-time monitoring of the NGFR cognitive workload. Regarding our second result, a problem of emergency assistance for individuals with disabilities that originated as accessibility to assistive technologies to promote disability inclusion, we provide the NGFR specification focusing on interactions based on AI formalism and using a unified hub platform. This paper also discusses a technology roadmap using the notion of the Emergency Management Cycle (EMC), a commonly accepted doctrine for managing disasters through the steps of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It positions the NGFR hub as a benchmark of the smart city emergency service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to various factors such as aging, natural environment erosion, and man-made destruction, architectural heritage has formed various diseases and cracks, especially in pathology cracks, which are the most typical masonry–timber architectural heritages, directly affecting the structural stability of masonry–timber buildings. This paper uses artificial intelligence and architecture and other multi-disciplinary research methods, taking James Jackson Gymnasium, a famous masonry–timber architectural heritage in Wuhan, as an example, using 3D laser scanning technology to obtain disease details and crack data of architectural heritage, using a Mask R-CNN model to detect crack area, using an FCN model to identify and calculate single cracks, and finally summarizing the type, location, and characteristics of cracks, analyzing the causes of cracks, and then putting forward corresponding hierarchical restoration strategies. The research results build a set of detection and repair systems of masonry–timber architectural heritage pathology cracks, which provide a set of accurate and objective pathology cracks data for architectural heritage protection and repair, and provide a reference for architectural heritage repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the role of sensing technology in driving innovation in digital technology, particularly in areas such as data acquisition, machine learning, digital twins, sustainable material-based electronics, and human-machine interaction. It explains that digital twins are multiphysical, multiscale, and probabilistic simulations of complex products in both physical and virtual environments. The use of sensors is crucial in building digital twins, as they collect data and synchronize physical objects with their virtual representations. The document also highlights various applications of sensing technology in fields such as automatic driving, smart cities, medical care, and intelligent robots. The document features eight research and review articles that explore the recent advances in physical sensing and its applications in machine learning, human-machine interfaces, data confusion, and digital twin innovation. These articles cover topics such as evaluating shallow-water bathymetry, magnetic induction switches, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic sensors, gear fault detection, cable defect identification, monitoring systems for intensive care units, fake-news detection, and virtual reality online education. The authors express their gratitude to the contributors and reviewers of this special issue and hope that the articles inspire new innovations in the field. [Extracted from the article]

Fish processing is an indispensable part of fish food production. It mainly involves de-heading, gutting, filleting, skinning, trimming, and slicing, with the cutting operations holding a critical role. Unfortunately, inefficiency, low quality, and poor safety are the primary problems facing the fish processing industry today, dramatically hindering the automation and intelligence of fish processing. Consequently, it is vital to develop intelligent cutting in current fish processing in an efficient, high-quality, and safe manner. This review summarizes the main cutting techniques for fish processing. The critical techniques to achieve intelligent cutting in fish processing from imaging, image processing, and modeling dimensions are outlined, with their applications in practical fish processing. Fish characteristics, cutting mechanisms, and cutting process control are emphasized. In addition, Industry 4.0 technologies, especially the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and digital twins (DT), are emphasized. Finally, challenges and future work are highlighted, which will serve as references for subsequent researchers and enterprises engaged in this field to promote the automation and intelligence of fish processing production, ultimately realizing the high-efficiency, high-quality, and safe production of fish food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus has created significant disruptions and exposed supply chain (SC) vulnerabilities. This crisis started a discussion about SC sustainability and performance. Therefore, the implementation of advanced technologies and supply chain collaboration could mitigate this disruption with the help of government support and policies. Considering this situation, this paper examines how COVID-19 influences advanced technologies (Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, Digital twins, and Big Data Analytics) and supply chain collaboration (SCC) with a moderating role of government support and policies (GSP) in Pakistan. The study encompasses a comprehensive assessment carried out via structural equation modeling and data collected from Pakistani companies engaged in SCM or those operating within the SC divisions of manufacturing enterprises. According to the empirical findings, it is evident that COVID-19 outbreaks have a significant influence on SSCP; However, they do not show a similar impact on advanced technologies (AI, IoT, Blockchain, DT, and BDA) and supply chain collaboration, the influence of COVID-19 on SSCP was effectively mediated through advance technologies (AI, IoT, Blockchain, DT, and BDA) and supply chain collaboration. This research contributes to the existing literature on SSCP by emphasizing the importance of the resource-based view, dynamic capability view, and institutional theories. SC and logistics managers can apply the theoretical framework proposed in this study to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic or disruptions in logistics and SC operations, thereby improving profitability in the context of an epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Digital twins can accelerate sustainable development by leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to simulate state, reactions and potential developments of physical systems. In doing so, they can create a comprehensive basis for data-driven policy decisions. One of the purposes of digital twins is to facilitate the implementation of the EU’s Green Deal-in line with internationally binding climate and environmental targets. One prerequisite for the success of digital twins is a comprehensive, high-quality database. This requires a suitable legal framework that ensures access to such data. Methods: Applying a qualitative governance analysis, the following article examines if the EU’s strategies and legal acts on data governance are paving the way for digital twin projects which promote sustainability. Results: Results show important starting points for open and fair data use within the growing field of EU digital law. However, there is still a lot of progress to be made to legally link the use of digital twins with binding sustainability objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent manufacturing is the main direction of Industry 4.0, pointing towards the future development of manufacturing. The core component of intelligent manufacturing is the computer numerical control (CNC) system. Predicting and compensating for machining trajectory errors by controlling the CNC system's accuracy is of great significance in enhancing the efficiency, quality, and flexibility of intelligent manufacturing. Traditional machining trajectory error prediction and compensation methods make it challenging to consider the uncertainties that occur during the machining process, and they cannot meet the requirements of intelligent manufacturing with respect to the complexity and accuracy of process parameter optimization. In this paper, we propose a hybrid-model-based machining trajectory error prediction and compensation method to address these issues. Firstly, a digital twin framework for the CNC system, based on a hybrid model, was constructed. The machining trajectory error prediction and compensation mechanisms were then analyzed, and an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm was used to predict the machining trajectory error. This error was then compensated for via the adaptive compensation method. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method were verified through specific experiments, and a realization case for this digital-twin-driven machining trajectory error prediction and compensation method was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twins have emerged as integral components of modern industrial operations, owing to their ability to create virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems. This article thoroughly explores the manifold applications of digital twins within the industry, emphasizing their role in enabling data-driven decision-making. These virtual counterparts facilitate real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, they play a crucial role in predictive maintenance by minimizing downtime and prolonging the lifespan of machinery. By expediting testing and simulation procedures, digital twins promote innovation and efficiency gains even before real-world implementation. Moreover, they foster interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual understanding, particularly through collaborative digital twin platforms. These platforms act as catalysts for Industry 4.0, integrating various technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). As the influence of digital twins continues to grow within industrial processes, they serve as conduits for innovation, driving the trajectory of industrial advancement forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]