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Digital Twins (DTs) hold significant promise in addressing the challenges faced by food supply chains (FSCs). This paper aims to provide critical insights into the potential for Digital Twins to meet the key challenges of the FSC and establish a comprehensive conceptual framework for their implementation. Following a systematic literature review (SLR), the study identified 81 peer-reviewed, high-quality papers published over the last decade (2012–2023). The typology-driven thematic analysis emphasises the emergent nature of DTs within FSCs, highlighting their key characteristics including monitoring, real-time simulation, and scenario analysis. The identified characteristics, applications, implementation drivers and barriers of Digital Twin form the basis for a novel conceptual framework for implementing DTs in FSCs. Leveraging insights from Innovation Adoption Theory and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study outlines a structured five step implementation process divided into three stages. Notably, technology assessment and performance evaluation emerge as two innovative steps necessary for the successful implementation of DTs specifically, not previously considered by the theory. The study identifies promising avenues for future research. These findings provide invaluable guidance to researchers and practitioners seeking to embrace the potential of Digital Twin within the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays many processes in the food industry are monitored in an automatic way, with the purpose of minimising the need for workforce and of ensuring the proper control of the quality and safety of the foodstuff. All the sensors share data with a centralised management unit, where often a Manufacturing Execution System collects and evaluates them. As reported in recent research, however, a further step that can be undertaken, exploiting Industry 4.0 enabling technologies, is the implementation of digital twin approaches, with the additional aim to prevent possible issues during production. In line with these considerations, this work aims at showing two different digital twin models intended for improving the control of as many real food systems. Liquid and powder fluids are taken as examples for highlighting the differences in the optimization of the two food processes, as well as for fully exploring the potential of the digital twin approach. Finally, based on the real data taken from two pilot plants, a framework for the selection of the best digital twin tool in the food sector is delineated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photogrammetry systems are widely used in industrial manufacturing applications as an assistance measurement tool. Not only does it provide high-precision feedback for assembly process inspection and product quality assessment, but also it can improve the flexibility and robustness of manufacturing systems and production lines. However, with growing global competition and demands, companies are forced to enhance production efficiency, shorten production lifecycle and increase product variety by incorporating reconfigurable factory design that can meet challenging timeline and requirements. Although dynamic facility layout is widely investigated, the position selection for the photogrammetry system in dynamic manufacturing environment is usually overlooked. In this paper, dynamic layout of the V-STARS photogrammetry system is investigated and optimised in a digital-twin environment using deep reinforcement learning. The learning objectives are derived from the field of view (FoV) evaluation from point clouds 3D reconstruction, and collision detection from the digital twin simulated in Visual Components. The application feasibility of the proposed dynamic layout optimisation of the V-STARS photogrammetry system is verified with a real world industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to explore adaptation-based and stability-based views of supply chain resilience to analyse what insights these different perspectives, individually and collectively, offer for theory and practice. In the stability-based view, resilience is triggered by disruptions and performance deviationsto return to some 'normal' states. This view accounts for known-known uncertainty. The adaptation-based view shifts the focus from avoiding oscillations and recovering some stable states toward proactive adaptation and performance persistence. The adaptation-based view aims at designing structurally adaptable networks with process flexibility and actively used redundancy. It considers resilience from the value-creation perspective accounting for unknown-unknown uncertainties. Stability-based approach views resilience as an outcome or quantity. Adaptation-based approach considers resilience as a property or quality. A combination of stability- and adaptationbased approaches is imperative for building a strong supply chain immunity through an integration of general protection and adaptability. These approaches complement each other depending on the knowledge of and attitude to uncertainty by decision-makers. A combination of the two views helps consider resilience both as a quantity to measure how sick the supply chain is and to understand how the resilience comes about to ensure the quality of the network health and viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid advances in new-generation information technologies have been the main driving force for the transformation of manufacturing enterprises in Industry 4.0. Digital twin (DT), as a key technology to promote intelligent manufacturing, has shown great potential for manufacturing enterprises to create an industrial intelligence-driven production equipment through in-depth integration of cyber-physical systems. However, the lack of a systematic effective DT modelling method with a supporting evaluation metric is the most important factor restricting the application of DT in manufacturing enterprises. To bridge the gap, this paper proposes a novel multi-level modelling and fidelity evaluation (MLM&FE) method of DT for creating smart production equipment in manufacturing enterprises, which could help enterprises establish an industrial intelligence-driven production environment to quickly respond to changes in the customised global market, thus greatly improving competitiveness of the enterprises. Specifically, this paper firstly designs a reference framework for DT-enhanced smart production equipment, on which an MLM&FE architecture is proposed. Then, key implementation methodologies and tools for MLM&FE are introduced from the perspective of data space modelling, virtual space modelling, knowledge space modelling, model integration and evaluation. Finally, the developed smart production equipment prototype demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of DT MLM&FE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production systems have to be adapted continuously to changing circumstances. This means that the responsible production planner has to frequently make decisions about reconfiguring complex systems under uncertainty whose outcome greatly affects the company's business success. Discrete-event simulation is one powerful tool to support the necessary analysis and scenario evaluation, but still remains time-consuming and tricky to set up and to maintain. When implemented as a digital twin of the production system, the simulation model can maintain a high degree of accuracy over a long time period. An approach to realise this potential is presented and illustrated in this paper with a use case from the automotive industry. This paper contributes several new methods and findings to the development of digital twins of production systems: Firstly, it demonstrates how exceptional events in the validation of the digital twin can be handled. Secondly, it shows how structural changes in the system can be discovered using data on machine activity and process mining. Thirdly, the paper introduces a possibility on how to assess the accuracy of the digital twin. Furthermore, it demonstrates how to assess the robustness of the digital twin to estimation errors in machine processing times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of simulation models as Digital Twins (DTs) has been standing out in recent years and represents a revolution in decision-making. In this context, we note increasingly faster and more efficient decisions by mirroring the behaviour of physical systems. On the other hand, we highlight the challenges to ensure the simulation models validity over time since traditional validation approaches have limitations when we consider the periodic update of the model. Thus, the present work proposes an approach based on the constant assessment of these models through Machine Learning and control charts. To this end, we suggest a monitoring tool using the K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN) classifier, combined with a p-control chart, to periodically assess the validity of DT simulation models. The proposed approach was tested in several theoretical cases and also implemented in a real case study. The findings suggest that the proposed tool can monitor the DT functioning and identify possible special causes that could compromise its results. Finally, we highlight the wide applicability of the proposed tool, which can be used in different DT models, including near/real-time models with different characteristics regarding connection, integration, and complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme is an ambitious but challenging endeavour to design and deliver a prototype fusion power plant. It is a rapid, fast-moving programme, designing a first of a kind device in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment, and digital tools play a pivotal role in managing and navigating this space. Digital helps manage the complexity and sheer volume of information. Advanced modelling and simulation techniques provide a platform for designers to explore various scenarios and iteratively refine designs, providing insights into the intricate interplay of requirements, constraints and design factors across physics, technology and engineering domains and aiding informed decision-making amidst uncertainties. It also provides a means of building confidence in the new scientific, technological and engineering solutions, given that a full-scale-integrated precursor test is not feasible, almost by definition. The digital strategy for STEP is built around a vision of a digital twin of the whole plant. This will evolve from the current digital shadow formed by system architecting codes and complex workflows and will be underpinned by developing capabilities in plasma, materials and engineering simulation, data management, advanced control, industrial cybersecurity, regulation, digital technologies and related digital disciplines. These capabilities will help address the key challenges of managing the complexity and quantity of information, improving the reliability and robustness of the current digital shadow and developing an understanding of its validity and performance. This article is part of the theme issue 'Delivering Fusion Energy – The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational models can be at the basis of new powerful technologies for studying and classifying disorders like pre-eclampsia, where it is difficult to distinguish pre-eclamptic patients from non-pre-eclamptic based on pressure when patients have a track record of hypertension. Computational models now enable a detailed analysis of how pregnancy affects the cardiovascular system. Therefore, new non-invasive biomarkers were developed that can aid the classification of pre-eclampsia through the integration of six different measured non-invasive cardiovascular signals. Datasets of 21 pregnant women (no early onset pre-eclampsia, n = 12; early onset pre-eclampsia, n = 9) were used to create personalised cardiovascular models through computational modelling resulting in predictions of blood pressure and flow waveforms in all major and minor vessels of the utero-ovarian system. The analysis performed revealed that the new predictors PPI (pressure pulsatility index) and RI (resistance index) calculated in arcuate and radial/spiral arteries are able to differentiate between the 2 groups of women (t-test scores of p <.001) better than PI (pulsatility index) and RI (Doppler calculated in the uterine artery) for both supervised and unsupervised classification. In conclusion, two novel high-performing biomarkers for the classification of pre-eclampsia have been identified based on blood velocity and pressure predictions in the smaller placental vasculatures where non-invasive measurements are not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green hydrogen is a potential contributor to a more sustainable transportation system. In this paper, we present our experiences and insights gained from an industrial-scale green hydrogen refilling station, marked by the innovative hybrid Edge–Cloud electrolyser system (EMS) employed in this context. Hybrid EMS can improve system performance, adapt to dynamic conditions, and continuously improve efficiency, even under unpredictable load and low storage situations. It also allows the centralized monitoring of future hydrogen production sites to facilitate the operation and maintenance and, in the long-term vision, to enable the joint coordination of the plants flexibilities in the service market as a virtual plant, thus increasing the cost efficiency. Through a real-time digital-model based assessment of the EMS, this study offers valuable lessons learned and findings, contributing to a deeper understanding of EMS in green hydrogen infrastructure. • Description of a commercial Energy Management System (EMS) developed by the company ABB. • Demonstration of the benefits of the hybrid edge–cloud EMS architecture. • Application of an EMS to a hydrogen fueling station with on-site electrolysis. • Real-time digital-model assessment, offering valuable lessons learned contributing to a deeper understanding of EMS for H2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal error significantly influences the accuracy of precision computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. The key to compensating thermal error lies in selecting appropriate temperature measurement points and establishing an accurate error prediction model. Traditional methods separate measurement points selection and prediction modeling, that is, selecting temperature measurement points first and then establishing the prediction model using these points. These methods are difficult to achieve optimal matching between measurement points and the prediction model, resulting in shortcomings in modeling accuracy. To address these challenges, an integrated optimization method for measurement points layout and error modeling for digital twin of CNC machine tools is proposed. A dual-stage attention-based long short-term memory combined with convolutional neural network (DA-CLSTM) error modeling method is proposed to accurately predict the thermal error for different numbers of temperature measurement points. Then, an integrated method of virtual-real temperature measurement points layout and error modeling is proposed, which ensures the temperature measurement points and the error prediction model are closely matched, offering rational sensors layout and high-accuracy prediction. Finally, experiments are conducted on the spindle system test bench to validate the method proposed in this research. Through integrated optimization of measurement points layout and the prediction model, the proposed method achieves high-accuracy thermal error prediction across various sensor counts and maintains reliable prediction ability when the number of sensors is reduced. This method is applied to a digital twin system of MKL7150 grinding machine, and effectively improves the accuracy of actual machining. • An integrated optimization method for measurement points layout and error modeling of CNC machine tools is proposed. • A dual-stage attention-based long short-term memory combined with convolutional neural network model is designed. • Genetic algorithm is used to optimize the layout of measurement points to achieve the optimal prediction effect. • The proposed method achieves high prediction accuracy and maintains accuracy well with fewer sensors. • The method is validated on the test bench and embedded into the digital twin system to achieve thermal error prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improvements are necessary for the performance improvements of the digital twin technology developed for the virtual energy market on the Metaverse platform. However, more important factors need to be improved first to avoid excessive increases in costs. Thus, a priority analysis needs to be carried out to determine the variables that most affect the performance of technology investments. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the investments of digital twin technologies for virtual energy market in the Metaverse. A novel artificial intelligence-based fuzzy decision-making model is constructed to reach this objective. Firstly, the expert choices are prioritized with artificial intelligence-based decision-making method. Secondly, the investment priorities are analyzed for digital twin technologies with quantum picture fuzzy rough sets (QPFRS)-based Multi Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (M-SWARA). Finally, the alternatives for virtual energy market in the metaverse are ranked by VIKOR (VIsekriterijumska optimizacija i KOmpromisno Resenje). There are limited studies in the literature that computes the weights of the experts while generating a decision-making model. Therefore, the main contribution of this study is integrating the artificial intelligence approach and fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methodology. Within this scope, an artificial intelligence-based application is performed when creating the decision matrix. Owing to this issue, the importance weights of experts are determined according to the qualifications of these people. This situation contributes to the results obtained being more realistic. The findings demonstrate that operational performance is the most important indicator for the improvements of the digital twin technology investments for virtual energy markets in metaverse platform because it has the greatest weight (0.267). Furthermore, integrated data production is another critical factor for the performance increase of these projects with the weight of 0.257. It is also concluded that optimization of energy consumption with smart grids has the best ranking performance among the alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Energy systems, as critical infrastructures (CI), constitute Cyber-Physical-Social Systems (CPSS). Due to their inherent complexity and the importance of service continuity of CIs, digitization in this context encounters significant practical challenges. Digital Twins (DT) have emerged over the recent years as a promising solution for managing CPSSs by facilitating real-time interaction, synchronization, and control of physical assets. The selection of an appropriate architectural framework is crucial in constructing a DT, to ensure integration of enabling technologies and data from diverse sources. Objectives: This study proposes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to examine technological enablers, design choices, management strategies and Computational Challenges of DTs in Smart Energy Systems (SES) by also analyzing existing architectures and identifying key components. Methods: The SLR follows a rigorous workflow exploiting a multi-database search with predefined eligibility criteria, accompanied by advanced searching techniques, such as manual screening of results and a documented search strategy, in order to ensure its comprehensiveness and reliability, More specifically, research questions are first defined and then submitted as queries to scientific digital libraries (i.e., IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and WoS) selected due to their coverage and reliability (Google Scholar was excluded for the presence of grey literature and non-peer-reviewed material). Then, inclusion and exclusion criteria are established to filter the results and shortlist the significant publications. Subsequently, relevant data are extracted, summarized, and categorized in order to identify common themes, existing gaps, and future research directions, with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of DTs for SESs. Results: From the proposed DT-based solutions described in the selected publications, the adopted architectures are examined and categorized depending on their logical building blocks, microservices, enabling technologies, human–machine interfaces (HMI), artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) implementations, data flow and data persistence choices, and Internet-of-Things (IoT) components involved. Additionally, the integration of edge-cloud computing and IoT technologies in literature are studied and discussed. Finally, gaps, opportunities, future study lines, and challenges of implementing DTs are thoroughly addressed. The results achieved also pave the way for a forthcoming design pattern catalog for DTs in CPSSs capable of supporting the engineering and research communities, by offering practical insights on implementation and integration aspects. Conclusion: The proposed SLR provides a valuable resource for designing and implementing DTs of CPSSs in general and of SESs in particular. Furthermore, it highlights the potential benefits of adopting DTs to manage complex energy systems and it identifies areas for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of advanced productive forces has catalyzed the ongoing evolution of intelligent and digital technologies within the pump-turbine sector. The integration of digital technologies has not only enhanced production efficiency but also facilitated intelligent operation management, offering novel solutions for pump-turbine design and operation, thereby accelerating the digital transformation in fluid machinery. This study first established the theoretical framework of the digital twin system for pump-turbines, followed by the development of a mathematical model and the construction of a twin virtual model utilizing Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) reduction theory. The model's accuracy was validated through real-time pressure pulsation data, and exploratory investigations into cavitation prediction were subsequently carried out. To enable the visualization of the digital twin system, this study incorporated Open3D (Three-dimensional computer graphics tools) point cloud technology, effectively rendering the state cloud map of the pump-turbine. Finally, by synthesizing the proposed theories and technologies, the digital twin system's visualization and monitoring for pump-turbines were successfully implemented through the Unity3D simulation platform. This study offers novel insights into intelligent monitoring and prediction of pump-turbines, holding significant implications for the modernization and intelligent advancement of the hydropower industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twins enable simulation, comprehensive analysis and predictions, as virtual representations of physical systems. They are also finding increasing interest and application in the healthcare sector, with a particular focus on digital twins of the brain. We discuss how digital twins in neuroscience enable the modeling of brain functions and pathology as they offer an in-silico approach to studying the brain and illustrating the complex relationships between brain network dynamics and related functions. To showcase the capabilities of digital twinning in neuroscience we demonstrate how the impact of brain tumors on the brain's physical structures and functioning can be modeled in relation to the philosophical concept of plasticity. Against this technically derived backdrop, which assumes that the brain's nonlinear behavior toward improvement and repair can be modeled and predicted based on MRI data, we further explore the philosophical insights of Catherine Malabou. Malabou emphasizes the brain's dual capacity for adaptive and destructive plasticity. We will discuss in how far Malabou's ideas provide a more holistic theoretical framework for understanding how digital twins can model the brain's response to injury and pathology, embracing Malabou's concept of both adaptive and destructive plasticity which provides a framework to address such yet incomputable aspects of neuroscience and the sometimes seemingly unfavorable dynamics of neuroplasticity helping to bridge the gap between theoretical research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate defect detection is crucial for ensuring the trustworthiness of intelligent railway systems. Current approaches either rely on static ensembling of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) or on single deep-learning CNN models. Traditional methods use a large volume of data to identify underlying patterns. However, training a new defect classifier with limited samples often results in overfitting and poor performance on unseen images. To overcome these challenges, we introduce a dynamic weight adaptation mechanism within an ensemble learning framework, enhanced by state-of-the-art transfer learning models (VGG-19, MobileNetV3, and ResNet50). We obtained a good test and validation accuracy of 99%, accompanied by a precision of 0.99, and recall and F1-score of 0.98. Unlike previous methods, our approach demonstrates consistency. Particularly, techniques that involve selecting predictions based on minimum loss previously required a significant number of epochs to stabilize. Data fusion techniques are even more demanding, requiring a substantially higher number of epochs for stabilization. Conversely, our proposed method achieves stable performance and rapid convergence within just 10 epochs, and it shows minimal fluctuation in the training curve (0–5 epochs). This visibly contrasts with earlier methods, which, despite reaching similar levels of accuracy, required significantly more epochs and exhibited greater fluctuations in their training curves. Through these findings, we anticipate that the proposed dynamic weight adaptation-based ensemble approach will further research and development of reusable AI-enabled solutions for rail defect classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 45% of ship delivery delays are due to welding quality. To solve the problematic control of production tempo and process sequence optimization in the welding process, it is urgent to combine the characteristics of the digital twin for dynamic simulation and optimization. Therefore, the capacity evaluation and scheduling optimization for the ship welding production line (WPL) based on the digital twin is proposed. Firstly, to describe the construction method of the digital twin model and digital twin data, a strategy is proposed for the construction of a digital twin ship component WPL model. Based on the fusion mapping of model and data, the construction of the digital twin model for WPL (DTM-WPL) is achieved. Secondly, by using equipment failure rate, processing time and buffer capacity as evaluation indicators, an WPL optimization model based on digital twins is constructed to solve the WPL production sequencing problem. Thirdly, to illustrate the welding quality traceability and prediction process, a DTM-WPL synchronous mapping for quality prediction and adjustment method is proposed. Finally, taking small and medium-sized WPL as the research object, the capacity evaluation and scheduling optimization system of ship components is developed to evaluate the production capacity of ship components. The validation results indicate that the optimized process scheme has increased production efficiency by 7.27%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the integration of digital technologies has grown rapidly in the field of thermal comfort and energy efficiency for buildings. The concept of a digital twin, incorporating multiple digital technologies, has gained increasing attention. The literature lacks a review of the digital twin concept in thermal comfort and energy consumption for existing buildings. This paper conducts a review of the current state-of-the-art in digital twin (DT) technology for thermal comfort/ energy consumption in buildings. The review employs a scientometric approach and examines various technologies used in creating DTs and a systematic analysis of the methods, technologies, algorithms, and approaches used in digital twin experiments. The results show a growing number of studies in this area, with a focus on thermal comfort monitoring, visualization, tracking, energy management, prediction, and optimization for existing buildings. Furthermore, the prediction of energy consumption using algorithms such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep neural networks, and YOLOv4 have been used in buildings. However, the wider adoption of a DT that can facilitate occupants, and thermal sensations, enhance human-centered solutions, and improve energy prediction levels are necessary. There is a need for further international collaboration to expand the studies on digital twins for thermal comfort and energy efficiency. The review highlights the limitations and areas of improvement, such as the limited adoption of sensors for environmental measures, the need for more focus on the subjective perception of occupants, and the need for more comparative studies of algorithms for predicting energy consumption. Further studies can be conducted in areas such as understanding occupant psychological responses/behaviors to comfort in the digital world. This will enhance a more consolidated and robust validation for building performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the inherent unpredictability of marine trial conditions, safety issues in the launching and recovery process are commonplace. For these issues, digital twin (DT) maintenance offers a novel idea. In this paper, a blended-wing-body underwater glider skeleton is selected as a research object. And a simple demo is created to investigate the major technologies that may be involved in DT maintenance. According to this specimen, the necessary development environments are developed to obtain physical information and produce a DT model in cyberspace respectively. An attitude sensor is used as the physical data collector, while real-time structural field prediction and virtual reality visualisation are employed. By using the attitude angles and structural data, it is possible to achieve real-time monitoring of the skeleton strength. Through the means of this straightforward case study, the key technologies are supported and can be applied to far more complex inquiries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive understanding of aging mechanisms and degradation diagnosis under fast charging in battery electric vehicles is needed. However, there is a lack of tools to capture both macroscopic and microscopic parameters, still focusing on experiment results analysis. To get a comprehensive degradation insight for improved service life, this study explores aging mechanisms in LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 graphite batteries under different fast charging conditions (0.6C to 2C) for up to 1000 equivalent full cycles (EFCs). An improved digital twin is used to quantify aging effects and identify aging modes, combining electrochemical techniques with post‐mortem analysis for assessing chemical and structural degradation. After 1000 EFCs, the dominant aging modes are loss of active material (LAM) in the negative electrode and loss of lithium inventory (LLI), surpassing LAM in the positive electrode. Compared to constant current charging, multistep fast charging effectively mitigates Li plating effects and graphite cracking, resulting in a 13% reduction in LAM. Additionally, optimizing the depth of discharge leads to at least 4% reductions in LLI and 16% in LAMpos. This study proves the electrochemical digital twin's potential for quantifying aging effects and serves as a basis for future physics‐informed machine learning to predict aging behavior and modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decentralized periodic event‐triggered control can reduce the working time and data transmissions in the sensor nodes for feedback control loops, making it suitable for wireless networked control systems, especially those with large physical scales, such as smart water distribution systems. However, the design of this control approach requires accurate system model, which is normally difficult to obtain. In this work, we assume a digital twin of the original system can be obtained by some modeling and simulation tools, for example, Simscape in MATLAB/Simulink for water distribution systems, and thus present an event‐triggered controller design approach. We first present the design of such an event‐triggered controller for the digital twin; and then analyze the condition under which if both the original system and its digital twin can be satisfied, the same controller can work for the original system and some type of stability can be guaranteed at the same time. The proposed approach is applied in a smart water distribution system to show the feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing need to implement modern technologies, such as digital twinning, to improve the efficiency of transport fleet maintenance processes and maintain company operational capacity at the required level. A comprehensive review of the existing literature is conducted to address this, offering an up-to-date analysis of relevant content in this field. The methodology employed is a systematic literature review using the Primo multi-search tool, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The selection criteria focused on English studies published between 2012 and 2024, resulting in 201 highly relevant papers. These papers were categorized into seven groups: (a) air transportation, (b) railway transportation, (c) land transportation (road), (d) in-house logistics, (e) water and intermodal transportation, (f) supply chain operation, and (g) other applications. A notable strength of this study is its use of diverse scientific databases facilitated by the multi-search tool. Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed, revealing the evolution of DT applications over the past decade and identifying key areas such as predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and decision-making processes. This study highlights the varied levels of adoption across different transport sectors and underscores promising areas for future development, particularly in underrepresented domains like supply chains and water transport. Additionally, this paper identifies significant research gaps, including integration challenges, real-time data processing, and standardization needs. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on enhancing predictive diagnostics, automating maintenance processes, and optimizing inventory management. This study also outlines a framework for DT in transportation systems, detailing key components and functionalities essential for effective maintenance management. The findings provide a roadmap for future innovations and improvements in DT applications within the transportation industry. This study ends with conclusions and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further enhance the intelligence level of coal mining faces and achieve the autonomous derivation, learning, and optimization of shearer navigation cutting, this paper proposes the methods of shearer digital twin navigation cutting motion planning based on the concept of shearer autonomous navigation cutting technology and intelligent coal mining face digital twins. This study includes the digital twin theory and the construction method of the shearer digital twin navigation cutting motion planning system based on this theory. Based on the digital twin theory, a shearer digital twin navigation cutting motion planning system was constructed. This system supports the service functions of the shearer cutting digital twin, dynamic navigation map digital twin, reinforcement learning environment construction, and motion planning through the physical perception layer, comprehensive data layer, and digital–model fusion analysis layer. Finally, by comparing the effects of the DQN-NAF and DDPG deep reinforcement learning algorithms in the shearer motion planning task within the constructed digital twin environment, the results show that the DQN-NAF algorithm demonstrates better performance and stability in solving the shearer digital twin motion planning task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most large aerospace cylindrical components still adopt a manual aligning method with low automation, large manual intervention, and heavy dependence on operator workers, resulting in the low quality and efficiency of large component aligning, which seriously prolongs the manufacturing time of aerospace products. To cope with this issue, based on closed-loop adaptive control and digital twin (DT) technologies, an adaptive aligning system for large cylindrical components, i.e., the DT aligning system, is proposed in this study. For the DT aligning system, through the DT multi-dimensional modeling, i.e., geometric modeling, physical modeling, functional modeling, and data modeling, it can be divided into a physical space, a virtue space, and twin data. Note that the association, mapping, and interaction between physical space and virtual space of the aligning system can be realized via the twin data, thereby realizing real-time virtual display, monitoring, and control of the large component aligning. In addition, based on the measured pose data, aligning stress, and predicted aligning error, an adaptive force/position control method for large component aligning is proposed, and it can achieve real-time decision-making and precise execution of the aligning process. Finally, through application validation, the DT process system can realize the real-time status perception and process execution decision during the large component aligning. Finally, through experimental validation, it is found that the proposed system, i.e., the DT aligning system, can improve the quality and efficiency of the large aerospace cylindrical component aligning, as well as the automation and intelligent level of the aligning system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on enhancing the preventive maintenance strategies currently employed for induction motors within ship propulsion systems, advocating for a shift towards a predictive maintenance model. It introduces a real-time monitoring framework that continuously observes the induction motor, providing essential support to maintenance personnel. The motor operates under a range of environmental and operational conditions, including temperature fluctuations, rotational speeds, and mechanical loads. These variations can obscure the current time series data, potentially masking signs of actual damage and hindering effective damage detection. To tackle this issue, the proposed framework utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) technology, specifically the well-established autoencoder, in conjunction with the Mahalanobis statistical distance. This approach accounts for the diverse operating conditions during the training phase, allowing it to model complex, non-linear relationships and effectively differentiate between normal and anomalous states. The framework is integrated into a decision support platform designed for real-time operations in maritime settings, offering a sophisticated system architecture that aims to align advanced damage detection methodologies with the maritime industry's need for real-time, user-friendly solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of modern power systems, the structure and operation of distribution networks are becoming increasingly complex, demanding higher levels of intelligence and digitization. Digital twin, as a virtual cutting-edge technique, can effectively reflect the operational status of distribution networks, offering new possibilities for real-time monitoring, optimization and other functions for distribution networks. Building efficient and accurate models is the foundation of enabling a digital twin of distribution networks. This paper proposes a digital twin operating system for distribution networks with renewable energy based on robust state estimation and deep learning-based renewable energy prediction. Furthermore, the identification and correction of possible bad or missing data based on deep learning are also included to purify the input data for the digital twin system. A digital twin test platform is also proposed in the paper. A case study and evaluations based on a real-time digital simulator are carried out to verify the accuracy and real-time performance of the established digital twin system. In general, the proposed method can provide the basis and foundation for distribution network management and operation, as well as intelligent power system operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During service, civil turbofans experience environmentally induced deterioration. Predicting this in a digital service twin model is computationally challenging due to the need to model both deterioration mechanisms and environmental conditions. For compressor erosion, a key challenge is to model particle ingestion throughout a flight mission (FM). During ground operations, these particles may be airborne or deposited on runways and taxiways. This work assesses the impact of the latter on turbofan core compressor deterioration during a mission. The airflow field in front of the engine intake is approximated using potential flow theory. Comparisons with measurements show that the predicted air velocity near the engine is underestimated since the inlet ground vortices generated from viscous effects are neglected. The forces acting on the particles are derived from the flow field. It turns out that most particles are lifted from the ground during take-off (TO). Yet only smaller particles below ≈ 50 µm are ingested into the engine intake. A deterioration model based on flat plate erosion experiments is used to compute mission severity, assuming all particles are similar to medium Arizona Road Dust. The results indicate that the engine's distance from the ground, power setting, and the number of particles on the ground are key parameters influencing the impact of runway and taxiway particles. Considering the underestimation of the airflow field and thus the number of particles ingested, it is concluded that runway and taxiway particles play a major role in turbofan compressor deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the problems of low accuracy in fault diagnosis of oil-immersed transformers, poor state perception ability and real-time collaboration during diagnosis feedback, a fault diagnosis method for transformers based on the integration of digital twins is proposed. Firstly, fault sample balance is achieved through Iterative Nearest Neighbor Oversampling (INNOS), Secondly, nine-dimensional ratio features are extracted, and the correlation between dissolved gases in oil and fault types is established. Then, sparse principal component analysis (SPCA) is used for feature fusion and dimensionality reduction. Finally, the Aquila Optimizer (AO) is introduced to optimize the parameters of the Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM), establishing the optimal AO-KELM diagnosis model. The final fault diagnosis accuracy reaches 98.1013%. Combining transformer digital twin models, real-time interaction mapping between physical entities and virtual space is achieved, enabling online diagnosis of transformer faults. Experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper has high diagnostic accuracy and strong stability, providing reference for the intelligent operation and maintenance of transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delivering value from digital concepts such as Digital Twins is necessary to address systemic national and global issues, such as achieving Net Zero. However, there is still a lack of consensus over what a Digital Twin (DT) is and efforts to clarify this do not consider the Geospatial perspective. With the aspiration for national- and international-scale DTs, it is important that the Geospatial community understands its role in supporting the realisation of the value of these DTs. Here, a systematic literature review is used to gather DT case studies that use, or are inferred to use, elements of the Geospatial discipline. A total of 77 DT case studies about smart cities, manufacturing, energy, construction and agriculture are reviewed in full, and 24 Geospatial DT dimensions are defined and then compared with existing DT dimensions. The results indicate a considerable use of Geospatial Science in DTs that is not explicitly stated, meaning that there are possibly missed opportunities for collaboration between the Geospatial and DT communities. We conclude that the role of Geospatial Science in DTs is larger than stated and needs to be understood further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, smart systems require the use of Digital Twins (DTs) for their engineering and management. Self-updating capability is a key feature in the DT technology. This raises the challenge of model inference from data collected on the system and requires a formal framework be defined, in which a system representation can be coupled with inference methods to achieve automatic model updating. While data-based process model inference is a well-known technique, the inference of a simulation model from existing knowledge and collected data is yet an unexplored area. In this paper, we first clarify and explicitly define some key elements of the terminology related to the DT concept, including model update and model inference, and we propose a framework of inference capabilities based on a formal DT specification, which formally captures the conditions for different updating capabilities and relates them. That way, on one hand, the framework enables the use of symbolic approaches to build a DT with the desired inference capability, and on the other hand, it establishes a partial order relation between inference capabilities. Through a case study, we show how the framework helps formally specifying the DT model of a mobility system toward realizing a fully capable DT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, there has been a growing interest in the emerging concept of digital twin (DT) as it represents a promising paradigm to continuously monitor cyber–physical systems, as well as to test and validate predictability, safety, and reliability aspects. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) is exponentially affirming as an extremely powerful tool when it comes to modeling the behavior of physical assets allowing, de facto, the possibility of making predictions on their potential evolution. However, despite the fact that DTs and AI (and their combination) can act as game-changing technologies in different domains (including the railways), several challenges have to be faced to ensure their effectiveness, especially when dealing with safety-critical systems. This paper provides a narrative review of the scientific literature on DTs for railway maintenance applications, with a special focus on their relationship with AI. The aim is to discuss the opportunities the integration of these two technologies could open in railway maintenance applications (and beyond), while highlighting the main challenges that should be overcome for its effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The economic growth of developed or emerging countries through globalization has prompted them to increase their supply chain performance. A large number of concepts, tools, and methodologies have been proposed in support of this performance improvement. They are mainly based on the use of classical optimization or enterprise modeling methods. However, environmental and social issues, not to mention digital transformation, are often ignored or not sufficiently integrated. Indeed, the world geopolitical situation, the increase in oil prices, and the commitment to protect our earth require the integration of sustainability aspects and Industry 4.0 concepts like digital twin and artificial intelligence in transforming the supply chain. This paper focuses on defining a conceptual framework to support sustainable supply chain management and digital transformation. It aims to exploit the sustainability and digital maturity of companies to transform their supply chains and enhance their performance to meet the challenges of Industry 5.0. Several practices related to sustainability, as well as two use cases on optimization and digital twin, are presented to illustrate this framework. Finally, based on the previous practices and use cases, an adapted framework for the supply chain manager to support the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0 has been developed, as well as a performance dashboard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-robot collaboration (HRC) in assembly is becoming increasingly popular in the field of intelligent manufacturing. However, safety concerns remain the most critical issue to be addressed. The complex assembly environment and the individual differences of workers make it challenging to ensure safety effectively. Furthermore, the concept of human-centric manufacturing also places higher requirements on safety and efficiency of HRC assembly. The application of digital twin (DT) technology has bolstered the cognitive and decision-making capabilities in the context of HRC assembly. This technological advancement provides essential support for addressing safety concerns in HRC assembly processes guided by a human-centric approach. A personalised safety detection method for HRC assembly based on DT technology is proposed. This approach involves personalised modelling and simulation of real objects within the HRC process, establishing a collision detection model based on skeleton points. Subsequently, human motion prediction methods drive safety monitoring between humans and robots. Ultimately, personalised safety warning strategies are applied to ensure the safety of the assembly process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While large enterprises are actively preparing for digital transformation by leveraging technologies such as digital twins, smaller companies face challenges due to economic constraints and market uncertainties, leading to a relative lack of awareness and readiness. To address this situation, this study proposes a digital twin development framework tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This framework utilizes attachable IoT devices for real-time collection of manufacturing data and leverages public server systems for data management. Moreover, it enables the refinement and optimization of digital twins by training machine learning models on collected data. Additionally, the framework includes the integration of simulation models and machine learning models for comprehensive digital twin modelling. Finally, the paper suggests a process for applying and validating this framework in real manufacturing companies, demonstrating the effects of digital twin implementation on productivity enhancement in the production lines of two SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital Twin (DT) is considered the most modern simulation method when it comes to tightly connect the real and virtual worlds to produce accurate simulation models of constant use to aid stakeholders in decision making. This method has been used more intensively in the manufacturing sector, but its use has spread to other sectors of great relevance in the economy, such as the retail industry. The contribution of this article to existing research is to present a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) addressing the state-of-the-art of the potential use of Digital Twins (DTs) to support decision making in the retail field. The main findings illustrate a considerable appearance of case studies applied directly in the sector, a strong investment in research focused on supply chains, an extensive use of simulation models and sensors, however, that mostly make use of secondary data and are not completely autonomous. Summary tables of the main benefits, opportunities and challenges in applying DTs in the retail sector are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation is the guiding principle of this new era, and despite the problems that humanity faces as a result of automation, technology has greatly benefitted people by streamlining challenging jobs across many industries. The mining business, where there are frequently unforeseen mishaps, is one such industry that requires complete automation. In this work, a new simulative processing environment termed DTFL‐DF—Digital twin federated learning decision forest a digital twin environment that is tailored to handle unforeseen fire incidents—is offered as a means of avoiding these unplanned catastrophes in the mining industry. Although the design presented here is intended for usage in the mining sector, it can also be applied to other sectors. The overall technological contribution of this study is to guarantee the processing of real‐time data in order to successfully handle mission‐critical operations without relying on past data. This is accomplished by adapting the digital twin's original design and distributing the processing environment within the edge‐fog layer. Results analysis in the form of robustness analysis, performance evaluation of the classification model, etc. provides strong support for the suggested methodology. For handling the decentralized training procedure, a brand‐new algorithm termed FL‐DF is put forth in order to speed up classification and prevent any sort of catastrophe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of Internet of Things and artificial intelligence in the era of Industry 4.0 has transformed decision-making within production systems. In particular, many decisions that previously required significant human activity are now made automatically with minimal human intervention via so-called digital twins (DTs). In the context of maintenance and reliability modeling, this naturally calls for new paradigms that can be seamlessly integrated within DTs for decision-making. The input data for time to failure needed in reliability computations are directly collected from the work center in a digital setting and often do not satisfy a known distribution. A neural network (NN) is proposed here to bypass this difficulty within the DT. Further, an algorithm inspired from machine learning is employed to solve the underlying semi-Markov decision process, whose transition model is captured via the NN. Numerical studies are carried out to demonstrate the usefulness of the approach. Finally, convergence properties of the algorithm are analyzed mathematically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid booming of information and communication technologies (ICT) and artificial intelligence has promoted the development of maintenance practices in the building industry towards a data-driven paradigm, of which the digital twin (DT) serves as the fundamental framework to strengthen data transit ability and interoperability. Among the state-of-the-art approaches in the maintenance industry, predictive maintenance (PdM) is a prominent approach by anticipating unexpected failures and unscheduled maintenance tasks. However, most current PdM frameworks are facility-specific, lacking generality and scalability. Besides, existing solutions mainly concentrate on condition monitoring and fault identification rather than failure prediction. Moreover, good prediction results rely heavily on sufficient labelled data sets, which are costly and labour-intensive to collect. To address these issues, the author developed a unified PdM framework for the building industry from the DT perspective. Next, a novel failure prediction method utilising the Semi-supervised Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) has been proposed in this article, which makes effective utilisation of both labelled and unlabelled data. Finally, an online platform has been developed to present the monitoring and prediction information. Experimental findings show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method for failure prediction through public data sets of building facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twin represents the core technology to realize the dynamic monitoring of complex industrial systems. However, the human body, as the most complex system in the physical world, digital twin is rarely applied in it. In this study, we successfully demonstrated a digital twin in the human biomedical application by proposing a dynamic monitoring system of the upper limb force. In this system, the real upper limb drives the motion of the virtual one in real-time and dynamically updates the force. Meanwhile, the virtual upper limb feeds back the monitoring-results of the force to the controller of the real upper limb via immersive virtual reality interaction. Experimental results of the typical motions of the upper limb revealed that the proposed system functioned interactively in real-time in a non-invasive manner, while ensuring the accurate solving of the muscle force. In conclusion, our digital twin-driven system is of great importance for rehabilitation medicine, biomechanical scientific research and physical training, promoting the application of the digital twin in the human biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of Digital Twins (DTs), industry experts have emphasised the pivotal concept of the Federation of Twins, envisioning seamless collaboration across sectors driven by shared semantics. In response to this challenge, the Cognitive Digital Twin (CDT) integrates the DT framework with formal semantics, specifically ontologies. This paper introduces a comprehensive five-step methodology for CDT development. Furthermore, it becomes possible to incorporate human expertise into the DT ecosystem by adopting an ontological approach. The CDT enhances DT services with advanced reasoning capabilities, leading to a profound semantic enrichment of the data. The presented methodology has been validated using a use case where the CDT is employed to detect malfunctions, significantly reducing manual intervention. This paper advocates for the adoption of CDTs, which represent a harmonious fusion of formal semantics and human expertise, enhancing system efficiency and operational performance. • A comprehensive 5-step methodology leveraging ontologies enriches Digital Twin (DT) development and semantics of the data. • Cognitive Digital Twins (CDTs) use formal semantics and facilitate the formalisation of human expertise. • Practical validation through real-world use cases demonstrates CDT's potential for reducing manual intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of digital twins has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to transform various industries, including renewable energy. Digital twins involve the creation of virtual models that mirror the behaviour and characteristics of real-world physical systems. In the context of solar plants, digital twins have emerged as a promising tool to enhance performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and overall operational efficiency. Digital twin engineering, characterized by its dynamic data modelling of industrial assets, offers a disruptive technology capable of adapting to real-time changes in the environment and operations. This living model can predict future infrastructure behaviour and proactively identify potential issues within the physical system. The article highlights the essential components of the digital twin ecosystem, such as sensor technologies, the Industrial Internet of Things, simulation, modelling, and machine learning, underscoring their relevance in predictive maintenance applications. This review provides an in-depth review of the development and application of digital twins for predicting and mitigating faults and defects in solar power plants. It opens with a look at current developments, underlining the rising focus on digital twins for optimizing solar farms. It begins with an overview of existing solutions in the field, highlighting the growing interest in leveraging digital twin technology to enhance solar plant operations. Additionally, the article outlines the implementation stage of a prototype digital twin for a solar power plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed energy resources and the number of relays are expected to rise in modern electrical grids; consequently, relay misoperations are also expected to grow. Relays can detect electrical fault types using an internal algorithm and can display the result using light indicators on the front of the relay. However, some relays' internal algorithms for predicting types of electrical faults could be improved. This study assesses a relay's external and internal algorithms with an Advanced Synchronized Time Digital Grid Twin (ASTDGT) testbed with paired relays. A misoperation relay analysis focused on measuring the accuracy of using the boundary admittance (the external algorithm) versus the set-default (the internal algorithm) relay method to determine the electrical fault types was performed. In this study, the internal and external relay algorithms were assessed with a synchronized time digital grid twin testbed using a real-time simulator. This testbed evaluated two sets of logic at the same time with the digital grid twin and paired relays in the loop. Different types of electrical faults were simulated, and the relays' recorded events and electrical fault light indicator states were collected from the human–machine interfaces. This ASTDGT testbed with paired relays successfully evaluated the relay algorithm misoperations. The boundary admittance method had an accuracy of 100% for line-to-line, line-to-ground, and line-to-line ground faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies and technology companies highlight the actual or potential value of Digital Twins, but they often fail to demonstrate this value or how it can be realised. This gap constitutes a barrier for infrastructure asset management organisations in their attempt to innovate and incorporate digital twinning opportunities in their decision-making processes and their asset management planning activities. Asset management planning activities often make use of existing value-based decision-support tools to select and prioritise investments in physical assets. However, these tools were not originally designed to consider digital twinning investments that also compete for funding. This paper addresses this gap and proposes a value-based analysis for digital twinning opportunities in infrastructure asset management. The proposed analysis method is tested with three rail and road infrastructure case studies: (i) real-time monitoring of a power transformer; (ii) BIM for the design, construction, and maintenance of a new railway line; and (iii) infrastructure displacement monitoring using satellite data (InSAR). The study shows that the proposed method provides a conceptual construct and a common language that facilitates the communication of digital twinning opportunities in terms of their relevance in different contexts. The proposed method can be used to support the investment decision-making process for investments in both physical and non-physical assets and help derive maximum value from the limited available resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review explores the recent advancements in welding techniques for aluminum plates utilized in ships and offshore structures, with a particular focus on minimizing weld-induced deformation and residual stress to improve structural performance. Given the critical role of welding in the construction and repair of marine structures, understanding the influence of these factors is paramount. This article synthesizes current research findings, evaluates the effectiveness of various welding methods, and highlights innovative approaches to reduce adverse effects. Through a comprehensive analysis of experimental and simulation studies, this review identifies key strategies for optimizing welding processes, thereby contributing to the durability and integrity of marine structures. This synthesis not only highlights successful strategies for optimizing welding processes but also offers guidance for researchers and practitioners in the field. This review also identifies previously unaddressed gaps in the literature, particularly focusing on the underexplored interactions between specific welding parameters and the long-term durability of marine structures, offering new perspectives and directions for future research. It delineates critical challenges faced in the welding of aluminum alloys for marine applications and offers targeted suggestions to address these issues, thereby paving the way for advancements in welding practices and technology. The findings aim to guide researchers and industry practitioners in selecting and developing welding techniques that ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of marine infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research presents an innovative approach to revolutionize IoT service development in medical education, specifically designed to empower individuals with physical disabilities. By integrating digital twin technology, we offer dynamic virtual representations of tangible assets, facilitating real-time simulation, monitoring, and feedback. A unique visual response algorithm has been developed to enhance the processing of visual vector data, resulting in a more efficient IoT service development process. Our method demonstrates superior performance over traditional techniques, particularly in achieving higher intrinsic variable merging values, which is critical for accurate and accessible visualization. The practical applications of this technology are highlighted through case studies that demonstrate how physically disabled students can benefit from interactive and immersive educational experiences. For instance, students can engage with the digital twins of medical equipment, allowing them to practice procedures and gain hands-on experience in a virtual environment without physical barriers. This approach not only improves accessibility but also personalizes learning experiences, adapting to the unique needs of each student. The research underscores the importance of inclusive design in developing IoT services, ensuring higher inclusivity rates and addressing diverse learning patterns. The findings suggest that the integration of IoT and digital twin technologies can significantly enhance medical education, making it more accessible, effective, and inclusive for physically disabled individuals. This study lays the groundwork for future advancements in this field, highlighting the potential for ongoing technological innovations to further transform medical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the integration of a hapto-visual digital twin on a master device used for bilateral teleoperation. The device, known as a quasi-spherical parallel manipulator, is currently employed for the remote center of motion control in teleoperated mini-invasive surgery. After providing detailed insights into the device's kinematics, including its geometric configuration, Jacobian, and reachable workspace, the paper illustrates the overall control system, encompassing both hardware and software components. The article describes how a digital twin, which implements a haptic assistive control and a visually enhanced representation of the device, was integrated into the system. The digital twin was then tested with the device: in the experiments, one "student" end-user must follow a predefined "teacher" trajectory. Preliminary results demonstrate how the overall system can pose a good starting point for didactic telesurgery operation. The control action, yet to be optimized and tested on different subjects, indeed seems to grant satisfying performance and accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twins (DTs) provide accurate, data-driven, real-time modeling to create a digital representation of the physical world. The integration of new technologies, such as virtual/mixed reality, artificial intelligence, and DTs, enables modeling and research into ways to achieve better sustainability, greater efficiency, and improved safety in Industry 4.0/5.0 technologies. This paper discusses concepts, limitations, future trends, and potential research directions to provide the infrastructure and underlying intelligence for large-scale semi-automated DT building environments. Grouping these technologies along these lines allows for a better consideration of their individual risk factors and use of available data, resulting in an approach to generate holistic virtual representations (DTs) to facilitate predictive analyses in industrial practices. Artificial intelligence-based DTs are becoming a new tool for monitoring, simulating, and optimizing systems, and the widespread implementation and mastery of this technology will lead to significant improvements in performance, reliability, and profitability. Despite advances, the aforementioned technology still requires research, improvement, and investment. This article's contribution is a concept that, if adopted instead of the traditional approach, can become standard practice rather than an advanced operation and can accelerate this development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the methodology and process of the modeling, designing, and testing of a research station enabling the identification, tuning, and verification of Digital Twin (DT) in control systems in power hydraulics. The concept of the station is presented, the main part of which is a subsystem forcing a dynamic, variable load using a hydraulic actuator controlled by a proportional valve, together with data acquisition and processing systems and software. The load application subsystem can subject the tested power hydraulic system, usually consisting of an actuator with its own control system, to controlled dynamic loads, which allows for the determination of its characteristics and tuning of the DT. This article describes the electro-hydraulic elements used to adjust the position of the actuators and the designed hydraulic and electrical diagrams of the station. The process of identifying, modeling, and selecting a controller for a subsystem simulating an external load is presented. The test station is built and tested. The identification, modeling, and tuning of DTs, for example, actuators and controllers, are described. A satisfactory convergence of the simulation and modeling results with the operation of the real system is achieved, which allows the obtaining of a reliable DT for actuator control systems operating under variable load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]