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One marker of expertise in sport is athletes' ability to anticipate future events. In the 4 × 100 m relay, these anticipation skills are an essential asset for initiating their run at the right time. However, no study has focused on describing the underlying perceptual‐motor processes involved. Virtual reality provides powerful tools to describe and understand these processes, overcoming the drastic constraints encountered in the real world. Nineteen athletes from the French national teams were immersed in a digital replica of the Stade de France and confronted with digital twins of potential partners based on motion capture. Their task was to initiate their run exactly when their virtual partner passed over a go‐mark placed on the ground. The timing of different body motor events and visual behavior were measured and analyzed. Results showed that the execution of this highly constrained task is the result of a significant reduction in the variability of motor events preceding the start. These findings reveal the implementation of a perceptual‐motor dialog until the initiation of the run. This study is a first step toward understanding the mechanisms underlying anticipation skills in the 4 × 100 m relay; it constitutes a preliminary step to the deployment of VR training protocols. [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]

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]

This paper presents computer and color vision research focusing on human color perception in VR environments. A VR art gallery with digital twins of original artworks is created for this experiment. In this research, the field of colorimetry and the application of the L*a*b* and RGB color models are applied. The inter-relationships of the two color models are applied to create a color modification of the VR art gallery environment using C# Script procedures. This color-edited VR environment works with a smooth change in color tone in a given time interval. At the same time, a sudden change in the color of the RGB environment is defined in this interval. This experiment aims to record a user's reaction embedded in a VR environment and the effect of color changes on human perception in a VR environment. This research uses lie detector sensors that record the physiological changes of the user embedded in VR. Five sensors are used to record the signal. An experiment on the influence of the user's color perception in a VR environment using lie detector sensors has never been conducted. This research defines the basic methodology for analyzing and evaluating the recorded signals from the lie detector. The presented text thus provides a basis for further research in the field of colors and human color vision in a VR environment and lays an objective basis for use in many scientific and commercial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAn important step in implementing geospatial digital twins is to enhance the expressiveness of virtual geographical scenes for the physical world. However, the existing virtual geographical scenes cannot quickly express the dynamically changing geographic environment for remote users due to the inefficient handling of modeling processes, user perception, and remote sharing. The research analysed the concept and characteristics of geospatial digital twins, and constructed the virtual geographical scene ontology, based on which we developed geographical spatiotemporal semantic rules and designed a dynamic annotation algorithm to enhance the representation of virtual geographical scenes. Finally, we investigated a real-time transmission method of panoramic video based on 5 G and used immersive virtual reality (IVR) to realize the user experience of remote immersion in geographical scenes. We selected a specific geographic environment containing multiple typical geographic entities to develop three prototype systems for experimental analyses. The results showed that the proposed method enabled users to view the virtual geographical scene on a VR device. The average latency for this process was 14.72 seconds. Compared with the virtual geographical scenes constructed by traditional methods, the experiments showed the proposed method advantageous in comprehensiveness, timeliness, and photorealism and abilities to enhance the user’s geographical scene perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the use of digital twins in critical infrastructure through a literature review as well as a bibliometric and scientific mapping analysis. A total of 3414 documents from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) are examined. According to the findings, digital twins play an important role in critical infrastructure as they can improve the security, resilience, reliability, maintenance, continuity, and functioning of critical infrastructure in all sectors. Intelligent and autonomous decision-making, process optimization, advanced traceability, interactive visualization, and real-time monitoring, analysis, and prediction emerged as some of the benefits that digital twins can yield. Finally, the findings revealed the ability of digital twins to bridge the gap between physical and virtual environments, to be used in conjunction with other technologies, and to be integrated into various settings and domains. [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]

Mapping is now thoroughly digital at all stages of production and maps are widely used in digital form. This digital turn has transformed the nature of mapping and maps. Maps need no longer be static representations, but rather constitute spatial media, providing an interactive, dynamic means for creating, discussing, and sharing spatial information and mediating spatial practices. This has included the development of 3D mapping, including nascent digital twins and digital deep maps. In this short paper, we reflect on our attempts to produce a 3D city information model for Dublin that acts as a basic digital twin, which we have also used to explore deep mapping, as well as map projecting data onto a printed 3D map model of the city. We consider what digital twins and deep maps mean for how we understand the nature of mapping, arguing that they produce a dyadic intertwining of map and territory; a literal, material expression of post‐representational, ontogenetic conceptions of mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robotics includes complex mathematical calculations and coordinate transformations in forward and inverse kinematics, path planning, and robot dynamics. Students may experience a high cognitive load and lose learning motivation because robotics can be complex and challenging to understand. This study applied virtual reality (VR) technology in robotics education to simplify and visualize complex robot kinematics, aiming to increase learning motivation and reduce cognitive load. This study incorporated real and virtual robot control to develop an integrated robot learning system. This system enables learners to control the digital twin of a physical robot and observe the synchronized motion of both the virtual and physical robots. Users can operate the virtual robot to achieve the target position by setting joint parameters or using values calculated from inverse kinematics. They can also understand the principle of digital twins by observing the synchronous motion of both robots. A teaching experiment was conducted to explore the performance of applying VR in robotics education and its impacts on cognitive load and learning motivation. The system was improved based on user responses to facilitate subsequent promotional activities. VR can transform complex robotics into easily understandable learning experiences and provide an interactive user interface, making the system a suitable learning tool for STEM education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the measurement of PM and other meteorological parameters in a small region of central Europe—eastern Slovakia and northeastern Hungary. Due to the increasing availability of sensors measuring not only PM, but also temperature, humidity, pressure, VOC, NOx, and CO2, new possibilities arise in terms of comparing (mainly in terms of correlation) PM and the other measured parameters, thus generating a large amount of data for evaluation. The correlations found are typical for inland conditions, thus able to map other regions of the world. The presented measurements can also be used to predict the evolution of PM with alerts for people with respiratory diseases, or in virtual reality using a digital twin of a humanoid robot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several unique challenges arise in the new field of integration between Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) models and game‐based digital twin visualizations. First, no known standardized interfaces between the MBSE model and game engine visualization are defined, which can lead to custom or stove‐piped solutions. Additionally, visualizing digital twin models in true to life scale is insufficient with typical desktop computers. The Bi‐Directional Interface Requirements Operational System Test (BIFROST) prototype, funded by the US Army Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation, seeks to address these challenges. Progress of the BIFROST prototype is covered in the paper. The prototype aims to determine the feasibility and challenges of validating interfaces through visualizing changes to an MBSE model in a 3D game engine. Research was performed to visualize part of an uncrewed aircraft system ground control station in 3D using the Unity game engine. A Mission Control Architecture MBSE model, developed by PEO Aviation, is used to drive the digital twin of the ground control station through a set of virtual reality (VR) controls. Users can visualize, analyze, and test the human‐machine interaction of the 3D models in VR prior to real‐world system changes. This paper presents the recommended interfaces between the MBSE model and 3D engine, lessons learned, and future research areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a framework that integrates digital twin and virtual reality (VR) technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of human–robot collaborative systems in the disassembly domain. With the increasing complexity of the handling of end-of-life electronic products and as the related disassembly tasks are characterized by variabilities such as rust, deformation, and diverse part geometries, traditional industrial robots face significant challenges in this domain. These challenges require adaptable and flexible automation solutions that can work safely alongside human workers. We developed an architecture to address these challenges and support system configuration, training, and operational monitoring. Our framework incorporates a digital twin to provide a real-time virtual representation of the physical disassembly process, allowing for immediate feedback and dynamic adjustment of operations. In addition, VR is used to simulate and optimize the workspace layout, improve human–robot interaction, and facilitate safe and effective training scenarios without the need for physical prototypes. A unique case study is presented, where the collaborative system is specifically applied to the disassembly of antenna amplifiers, illustrating the potential of our comprehensive approach to facilitate engineering processes and enhance collaborative safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, advancements in digital twin and extended reality (XR) technologies, along with industrial control systems (ICSs), have driven the transition to Industry 5.0. Digital twins mimic and simulate real-world systems and play a crucial role in various industries. XR provides innovative user experiences through virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). By integrating digital twin simulations into XR devices, these technologies are utilized in various industrial fields. However, the prevalence of XR devices has increased the exposure to cybersecurity threats in ICS and digital twin environments. Because XR devices are connected to networks, the control and production data they process are at risk of being exposed to cyberattackers. Attackers can infiltrate XR devices through malicious code or hacking attacks to take control of the ICS or digital twin or paralyze the system. Therefore, this study emphasizes the cybersecurity threats in the ecosystem of XR devices used in ICSs and conducts research based on digital forensics. It identifies potentially sensitive data and artifacts in XR devices and proposes secure and reliable security response measures in the Industry 5.0 environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astronaut training is complex due to its specific infrastructure and equipment requirements, which are often costly. Immersive technologies can simulate entire environments, allowing for interactive user experiences. Previous research has confirmed the effectiveness of immersive technologies in training and learning. However, simulations alone are insufficient; participants must also engage with vehicles, machinery, and spacecraft systems to understand their impact on the environment and adjacent objects. This study develops four scenarios within three modules, inspired by NASA and ESA astronaut training programs. The first module presents a theoretical scenario using mixed reality (MR), incorporating topics from ESA's training modules. The second module offers two practical scenarios: an ISS emergency simulation that includes Hohmann transfer and circular motion concepts, and a spacewalk for repair tasks. In these scenarios, digital twins of the ISS propulsion and navigation systems, as well as a spacesuit, were created. The third module simulates a spacecraft launch, utilizing 3D models from SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and digital twins of its propulsion and navigation systems. Participants interacted with the digital twins and scenarios, generating data that was stored and analyzed against the ISS dataset from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and telemetry from the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch. In this work's initial phase, the main objective was to assess whether digital twins could be integrated with immersive technologies for effective training. A mean squared error metric was employed to compare the digital twins with the physical object data, confirming the alignment of the developed digital twins with the actual systems, thereby validating their utility for astronaut training. • Mixed reality and digital twins can be used to improve astronaut's training. • Mixed reality scenarios are a safe way to learn and train about a specific topic. • Mixed reality foster training experiences: Promoting creative problem-solving skills. • Digital Twins enhances immersive technologies: Leveraging digital twins capacities for immersive training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The convergence with the emerging digital twin technology has been envisaged as the looming of a smart cloud-based healthcare system. Precision clone simulation of the patients and medical service builds a bridge to the virtual medical world, enabling diagnosing, monitoring, and future prediction to offer enhanced medical services. Cloud services provider plays a crucial role in endowing a way to interlink the physical world to the virtual medical world through outsourced storage, a communication platform, reduced computational cost, and the relevance of hosting and other services over the internet offered by it. However, any alteration, deviation, or amendment of the physical patient's and its digital twin's stored data in the cloud storage has been one of the security liabilities. In this work, we propose a blockchain-assisted certificateless public auditing mechanism for the cloud-based digital twin healthcare networks to substantiate the data integrity in cloud storage. Blockchain in the proposed mechanism enables keeping the auditing process and outsourcing activities log. Meanwhile, it also enjoys the benefits of batch auditing and pairing-free operations. The proposed work is demonstrated to be provably secure and efficient in achieving security goals like storage correctness, privacy-preserving, and public verifiability. Furthermore, the computational overhead of the presented work is shown to be efficient with contrasted with some existing works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-speed railway (HSR) in China has entered the stage of large-scale operation, and there is an urgent need for the intelligent and refined management of track structures. However, due to operating requirements and railroad clearance of HSR, it is difficult to fully grasp the service status of track structures in real time. The digital twin theory, which emphasizes the interconnection of physical and virtual worlds, provides a novel perspective for managing track structures. Therefore, this study proposes using digital twin technology to evaluate the status of track structures, specifically focusing on the continuously welded turnout (CWT) on HSR bridges. Via the refined finite element method (FEM), a virtual entity (VE) model is established to mirror the behavior and status of the physical entity (PE), a continuously monitored CWT on the Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Railway. To ensure an efficient and accurate mapping relationship between VE and PE, an improved MOPSO algorithm based on the surrogate model technique and global ranking criterion has been developed. The proposed method is applied to evaluate the performance evolution and damage status of the CWT. The results demonstrate good consistency with insitu manual inspections, suggesting that this method can accurately locate local defects in track structures, assisting in efficiently managing HSR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing numbers of lithium-ion batteries for new energy vehicles that have been retired pose a threat to the ecological environment, making their disassembly and recycling methods a research priority. Due to the variation in models and service procedures, numerous lithium-ion battery brands, models, and retirement states exist. This uncertainty contributes to the complexity of the disassembly procedure, which calls for a great deal of adaptability. Human–Robot Collaboration Disassembly (HRCD) mode maximizes the advantages of both humans and robots, progressively replacing single-person disassembly and single-machine disassembly to become the standard method for disassembling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the HRCD process has more dimensions and uncertainties. In light of the obstacles above, this paper developed an HRCD environment with virtual and real interaction functions, which recommended real-time cooperation strategies in the dynamic production process and significantly enhanced the flexibility of disassembly operations. Based on the genetic algorithm (GA), the Disassembly Sequence Planning (DSP) is developed for waste LIBs in the source domain and imported into the knowledge base. Then, the rapid adaptive generation of HRCD task strategy for LIBs is generated, utilizing the transfer learning approach in the target domain. Two types of end-of-life automobile LIBs are analyzed as case study products. The results demonstrated that the proposed method could plan an effective action sequence, effectively reduce the design time of the target domain disassembly strategy, and enhance the flexibility of HRCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by technological advances in various fields (AI, 5G, VR, IoT, etc.) together with the emergence of digital twins technologies (HDT, HAL, BIM, etc.), the Metaverse has attracted growing attention from scientific and industrial communities. This interest is due to its potential impact on people lives in different sectors such as education or medicine. Specific solutions can also increase inclusiveness of people with disabilities that are an impediment to a fulfilled life. However, security and privacy concerns remain the main obstacles to its development. Particularly, the data involved in the Metaverse can be comprehensive with enough granularity to build a highly detailed digital copy of the real world, including a Human Digital Twin of a person. Existing security countermeasures are largely ineffective and lack adaptability to the specific needs of Metaverse applications. Furthermore, the virtual worlds in a large-scale Metaverse can be highly varied in terms of hardware implementation, communication interfaces, and software, which poses huge interoperability difficulties. This paper aims to analyse the risks and opportunities associated with adopting digital replicas of humans (HDTs) within the Metaverse and the challenges related to managing digital identities in this context. By examining the current technological landscape, we identify several open technological challenges that currently limit the adoption of HDTs and the Metaverse. Additionally, this paper explores a range of promising technologies and methodologies to assess their suitability within the Metaverse context. Finally, two example scenarios are presented in the Medical and Education fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eye movement tracking plays a pivotal role in use interaction within Virtual Reality (VR) environments. Our research focuses on an advanced eye movement simulation using virtual environment for eye tracking training and eye tracking precision evaluating platform. We developed a real‐eye model, enhanced light refraction and corneal reflections under infrared LED light with eye rotation. Our study also customized screen,light source and cameras placement to capture eye images more faithfully. We also presents a noval testing methology and equipments of spatial accuracy testing of the eye‐tracking systems. The proposed proprietary eye‐tracking test system designed to recreate scenarios of human gaze and provide true values for eye gaze directions. Overall, the integration of Pupil Center Corneal Reflection (PCCR) based dataset generation and testing platform mark a significant advancement, enabling huge database, precise groudtruth training and accurate results testing. [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]

To address the problems of poor interactivity and reliance on experience in decision-making during the aerobic fermentation process of cow dung, a fermentation process monitoring system based on digital twin technology was designed. Firstly, a digital twin virtual model of the fermentation chamber was constructed using the Unity engine, and the scene environment and virtual interface were designed and built. Secondly, the IoT gateway and database were designed for transmitting and storing twin data. Finally, a simulation platform was built to conduct time-series synchronization and collision detection experiments on the digital twin system. The experimental results show that the designed digital twin monitoring system virtual model of the fermentation silo has high synchronization with the physical object, which can achieve the virtual and real synchronization, and verifies the feasibility of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementing circular economy principles in the built environment significantly reduces raw material extraction and generated waste. A transition is essential, especially as it accounts for 40-60% of global raw material extraction and 33% of total waste in the European Union. This paper shows the methodological approach to generating a digital Building model to enable circular economy in the early design stage by coupling Generative Design methods, enabling automated variant generation of Digital building models, Building Information Modelling objects, and assessment algorithms to evaluate the environmental impact and circularity. By visualising the assessments of the generated variants of (so-called) Circular Twins in a Virtual Reality environment, including user interaction with a voice-controlled Virtual Agent, the digital Circular Twin ecosystem enables the early implementation of the goals of the circular economy and sustainability in Architecture, Engineering and Construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twin (DT) technology provides a path for implementing cyber–physical systems (CPS) and developing smart manufacturing because they are essential tools for monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes. It is considered a vital technology in smart manufacturing and is being widely researched in academia and industry. Furthermore, the combination of DTs and immersive environments has shown great potential for integrating novel capabilities into the new generation of CPS. This research presents an architecture for implementing immersive digital twins under ISO 23247 in flexible manufacturing processes. The proposed system is based on the integration of DT technologies in conjunction with augmented reality (AR) and gesture tracking, and validation was performed in the sorting station of the MPS 500 to increase the interaction and flexibility between physical and virtual environments in real time, thus enhancing the capabilities of the DT. The methodology used for the design and implementation of the DT includes (1) general principles and requirements; (2) models with functional views based on domains and entities; (3) attributes of the observable manufacturing elements; and (4) protocols for the exchange of information between entities. The results show that the integration of these technologies improves the monitoring, control, and simulation capabilities of processes using 3D resources and immersive environments, achieving a higher level of interactivity. In addition, error detection tests were carried out, where a reduction of time was observed in the resolution of errors that may be caused by internal or external disturbances of the process, thus avoiding production delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research proposes the implementation of an architecture for industrial process monitoring and control for a manufacturing execution system (MES) using an immersive digital twin (DT). For the design of the proposal, cyber–physical systems (CPS), MES, robotics, the Internet of Things, augmented reality, virtual reality, and open platform communication-unified architecture (OPC UA) communication protocols were used to integrate these technologies and enhance the functionalities of the DT by providing greater performance. The proposed work is implemented in an Industry 4.0 laboratory that is composed of Festo Cyber–Physical Factory and CP-Lab stations. The implementation of the architecture is based on ISO 23247, where the following requirements were considered for the design of DTs: (1) observable attributes and 3D design and visualization of all physical production lines in all of their stages, (2) a communication entity through the OPC UA protocol for the collection of state changes of manufacturing elements, (3) a DT entity where digital models are modeled and updated based on the collected data, and (4) user entities through the use of AR and VR to make manufacturing more efficient. The experimental results showed that the architecture enables interoperability between different platforms and control subsystems. It allows for the detection and diagnosis of problems during the execution of the production line; in addition, the high-fidelity simulation and AR and VR environments provided by the DT with data obtained in real time can improve the accuracy and efficiency of manufacturing through a more detailed analysis of the process, providing advantages such as interactive creation for customized products and continuous innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Metaverse promises to change our lives and how we usually interact with the world. However, it can only evolve with technological development and entertainment engagement advances. To investigate more leads regarding this concept, we have a main search question: How are the Metaverse, gaming, and digital twins represented in Academia? To answer it, we need to verify and determine how the Metaverse is defined, how gaming, as an entertainment industry, is represented, and how Digital Twins are defined by scientific knowledge. It will also be important to analyze how these concepts are intercorrelated. Here, we present a documental study—meta-analysis—of the most relevant indexed scientific papers published in the last ten years, according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Leximancer software will help us determine the main concepts and themes extracted from these articles—namely from the Keywords, Abstracts, Methodologies, and Conclusions sections. This study allows us to understand how these concepts are perceived, contribute to a scientific discussion, and give suggestions for future research and new leads on approaching these concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The education sector is a rapidly growing global infrastructure for human resources. It is an essential and sensitive data-containing sector where sensitive private information about the user is included in the data. The incorporation of digital twins (DT) into virtual representations is used in higher education to enhance data analytic performance. However, the DT-enabled industry generates enormous amounts of data, making it challenging to manage security and privacy. The management of personal data by human resources involved in critical and resource-constrained tasks has increased since the globalization of Industry 5.0 and the higher education sector. Managing the security and privacy of users' private data through global data collection methods poses significant challenges. We present a framework for delivering decentralized data processing and learning in blockchain-based industry 5.0, with a use-case for higher education that integrates blockchain and deep learning (DL). The framework begins by introducing a new DT model that makes creating a virtual environment to model and replicate security-critical processes in higher education easier. Second, we propose a higher education data analysis model, so that blockchain-based data are ready for the fully functional higher education DT model. At last, the security and cost analyses of the proposed system are presented. Long short-term memory (LSTM) is used for the deep learning model. A custom Python-based blockchain with a proof-of-authentication consensus algorithm is used to implement the blockchain. Our proposed system is designed in such a way that it includes the higher education sector with the concepts of blockchain technology, digital twin, and Industry 5.0. The efficiency and throughput results of the blockchain show that the proposed system is better than the digital twin-based developed systems. The novelty of our proposed system is that educational blockchain with Industry 5.0 is conceptualized and implemented with deep learning models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyber–physical systems involve the creation, continuous updating, and monitoring of virtual replicas that closely mirror their physical counterparts. These virtual representations are fed by real-time data from sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and other sources, enabling a dynamic and accurate reflection of the state of the physical system. This emphasizes the importance of data synchronization, visualization, and interaction within virtual environments as a means to improve decision-making, training, maintenance, and overall operational efficiency. This paper presents a novel approach to a cyber–physical system that integrates virtual reality (VR)-based digital twins and 3D SCADA in the context of Industry 4.0 for the monitoring and optimization of an olive mill. The methodology leverages virtual reality to create a digital twin that enables immersive data-driven simulations for olive mill monitoring. The proposed CPS takes data from the physical environment through the existing sensors and measurement elements in the olive mill, concentrates them, and exposes them to the virtual environment through the Open Platform Communication United Architecture (OPC-UA) protocol, thus establishing bidirectional and real-time communication. Furthermore, in the proposed virtual environment, the digital twin is interfaced with the 3D SCADA system, allowing it to create virtual models of the process. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the olive oil industry by improving operational efficiency, product quality, and sustainability while optimizing maintenance practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work proposes a comprehensive metaheuristic methodology for the development of a medical robot for the upper limb rehabilitation, which includes the topological optimization of the device, kinematic models (5 DOF), human–robot interface, control and experimental tests. This methodology applies two cutting-edge triads: (1) the three points of view in engineering design (client, designer and community) and (2) the triad formed by three pillars of Industry 4.0 (autonomous machines and systems, additive manufacturing and simulation of virtual environments). By applying the proposed procedure, a robotic mechanism was obtained with a reduction of more than 40% of its initial weight and a human–robot interface with three modes of operation and a biomechanically viable kinematic model for humans. The digital twin instance and its evaluation through therapeutic routines with and without disturbances was assessed; the average RMSEs obtained were 0.08 rad and 0.11 rad, respectively. The proposed methodology is applicable to any medical robot, providing a versatile and effective solution for optimizing the design and development of healthcare devices. It adopts an innovative and scalable approach to enhance their processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly employed in various domains, notably enhancing learning and experiences in cultural heritage (CH). This study examines the effects of gamified and non-gamified VR experiences within virtual museum environments, highlighting the concept of a digital twin and its focus on cultural heritage. It explores how these VR modalities affect visitor motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes. For this purpose, two versions were developed: a gamified virtual reality version incorporating interactive gaming elements like achievements, profiles, leaderboards, and quizzes and a non-gamified virtual reality version devoid of these elements. This study, using an experimental design with 76 participants (38 in each group for the gamified and non-gamified experiences), leverages the Wieng Yong House Museum's digital twin and its fabric collection to assess the educational and experiential quality of virtual museum visits. The findings indicate that while gamification significantly boosts the reward dimension of visitor engagement, its influence is most pronounced in the effort dimension of motivation; however, its impact on learning outcomes is less marked. These insights are instrumental for integrating VR and gamification into museum environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twins (DT) are synchronized clones that mirror their physical counterparts at all times, enabling real-time monitoring, analysis, decision-making, and planning for optimized operations. Digital twins can transcend traditional two-dimensional interfaces by incorporating VR/AR/MR (XR) technology, providing immersive, intuitive, and interactive representations of systems, assets, and processes. Furthermore, real-time data from sensors, simulations, and other sources can be integrated into the XR-enabled digital twins, leading to better and more intuitive understanding and to more efficiently monitor, analyze, and maintain complex systems such as nuclear assets. Immersive, interactive, multi-player XR capabilities embedded in DTs will allow spatially accurate and more realistic representation, leading to improved risk assessment, optimized and predictive maintenance scheduling, enhanced situational awareness, and more effective communication among interdisciplinary teams. By combining the strengths of XR and digital twins, nuclear facilities can achieve heightened safety, operational efficiency, and decision-making accuracy. Marrying XR technology with digital twins is also likely to extend the utilization of digital twins to optimize those aspects of the design and operation of nuclear assets that involve human beings-specifically in human factors engineering. Training can also be significantly enhanced if DTs are linked with XR technology. These systems may also be used to assess human performance through human factors engineering for the safety analysis of nuclear assets. A specific example is assessing human performance in semi-autonomous nuclear assets or operating multiple nuclear assets. After briefly reviewing digital twins of nuclear systems from the perspective of XR technology, this paper summarises our work in the nuclear energy space on VR/AR/MR and how these can be integrated into the newly evolving DTs of nuclear assets. The paper also describes the potential use of such systems in optimizing the design and operations of nuclear systems. As XR technology advances, its symbiotic relationship with digital twins can significantly reshape the landscape of nuclear operations and asset management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Historical sites are incomplete relics left by human activities and are also valuable resources for human society, with most of them buried deep underground. Because the protection of original historical sites is difficult, very few sites choose this method. Many funerary objects that have been in historical sites are scattered in museums, losing their original context and complicating their utilization. Thus, using digital technology to protect and utilize historical sites and to explore their outstanding value from historical, aesthetic, and anthropological perspectives is a foremost concern. Therefore, this study aims to develop a comprehensive method for the protection and utilization of historical sites, that is, digital protection and utilization based on a digital twin. We constructed a historical site digital twin model using qualitative and vertical methods, including a physical entity, virtual entity, twin data center, digital twin service, and connection. We also established a technical framework of data acquisition and processing, digital protection, and digital utilization, forming a layered management and application of digital resources. In digital protection, information in the real world and the virtual world are connected to monitor risks, collect data, create simulations, and propose protection strategies, quickly and accurately. In digital utilization, the knowledge graph is constructed to associate seemingly unrelated information, explore potential knowledge, and improve information sharing. In addition, the method is validated by means of case studies of historical sites in China. In this paper, the historical sites of the Northern Qi Dynasty in Taiyuan, Shanxi, especially the Xuxianxiu Tomb and Lourui Tomb, are discussed in detail. The results indicate that this method is effective for the protection and utilization of historical sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current outdoor thermal comfort index assessment is either based on thermal sensation votes collected through field surveys/questionnaires or using equations fundamentally backed by thermodynamics, such as the widely used UTCI and PET indices. The predictive ability of all methods suffers from discrepancies as multi-sensory attributes, cultural, emotional, and psychological cognition factors are ignored. These factors are proven to influence the thermal sensation and duration people spend outdoors, and are equally prominent factors as air temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity. The studies that adopted machine learning models, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), concentrated on improving the predictive capability of PET, thereby making the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) domain underexplored. Furthermore, universally adopted outdoor thermal comfort indices under-predict a neutral thermal range, for a reason that is linked to the fact that all indices were validated on European/American subjects living in temperate, cold regions. The review highlighted gaps and challenges in outdoor thermal comfort prediction accuracy by comparing traditional methods and Industry 4.0. Additionally, a further recommendation to improve prediction accuracy by exploiting Industry 4.0 (machine learning, artificial reality, brain–computer interface, geo-spatial digital twin) is examined through Knowledge Translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Management of Smart City services using Digital Twin concept with the integration of Internet of Things and Virtual Reality. Special focus in interoperability to enable cross-service applications. The fusion of Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies marks a pivotal advancement in urban development, offering new services to citizens and municipalities in urban environments. This integration promises enhanced urban planning, management, and engagement by providing a comprehensive, real-time digital reflection of the city, enriched with immersive experiences and interactive capabilities. It enables smarter decision-making, efficient resource management, and personalized citizen services, transforming the urban landscape into a more sustainable, livable, and responsive environment. The research presented herein focuses on the practical implementation of a DT concept for managing cross-domain smart city services, leveraging VR technology to create a virtual replica of the urban environment and IoT devices. Imperative for cross-domain city services is interoperability, which is crucial not only for the seamless operation of these advanced tools but also for unlocking the potential of cross-service applications. Through the deployment of our model at the IoTMADLab facilities, we showcase the integration of IoT devices within varied urban infrastructures. The outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of VR interfaces in simplifying complex interactions, offering pivotal insights into device functionality, and enabling informed decision-making processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Virtual and augmented reality digital twins are becoming increasingly prevalent in a number of industries, though the production of digital-twin systems applications is still prohibitively expensive for many smaller organisations. A key step towards reducing the cost of digital twins lies in automating the production of 3D assets, however efforts are complicated by the lack of suitable automated methods for determining the visual quality of these assets. While visual quality assessment has been an active area of research for a number of years, few publications consider this process in the context of asset creation in digital twins. In this work, we introduce an automated decimation procedure using machine learning to assess the visual impact of decimation, a process commonly used in the production of 3D assets which has thus far been underrepresented in the visual assessment literature. Our model combines 108 geometric and perceptual metrics to determine if a 3D object has been unacceptably distorted during decimation. Our model is trained on almost 4, 000 distorted meshes, giving a significantly wider range of applicability than many models in the literature. Our results show a precision of over 97% against a set of test models, and performance tests show our model is capable of performing assessments within 2 minutes on models of up to 25, 000 polygons. Based on these results we believe our model presents both a significant advance in the field of visual quality assessment and an important step towards reducing the cost of virtual and augmented reality-based digital-twins.

Transforming the livability of citizens by combining data, resources, and infrastructure is one of the fundamental goals of a smart city. A smart city is an aggregation of data and live analysis. Smart mobility can be equated with the smart planning of vehicle infrastructure in smart cities. Digital twin (DT) is an advanced concept for creating digital replicas of physical assets in a virtual space to mimic the physical assets for different test scenarios. With DTs, efficient smart mobility can be planned in smart cities to improve transport systems. However, manually generating digital replicas in a virtual environment is cumbersome. Automatic 3D reconstruction of vehicles to be used as DTs in a virtual environment can save a lot of labor. Therefore, we propose a digital twin authoring tool (DTAT) for generating DTs from a smart mobility perspective. The proposed DTAT ingests diverse data types from internet-of-things sensors, such as images and 3D CAD models. The reconstructed 3D models are used as DTs of physical vehicles in a virtual environment. The 3D reconstruction in our proposed DTAT is based on pre-trained models. To provide an immersive experience to city stakeholders, we develop a virtual reality (VR) based representation of vehicles in cyberspace. Our approach extends beyond mere visualization, enabling the running of various simulations within the virtual environment to gain comprehensive analytical insights. These simulations include advanced applications like public transport system optimization, using 3D models and real-time data to simulate and improve vehicle routes, minimizing travel times and maximizing coverage. This particular application demonstrates the practicality and effectiveness of our DTAT in enhancing urban mobility management. We showcase the capabilities of our proposed solution through a VR application, illustrating how it can be a transformative tool in the planning and management of smart city transport systems. Implementing our DTAT streamlines the creation of digital twins and significantly contributes to the smarter, more efficient, and sustainable movement within urban landscapes.

Purpose: In recent years, the rapid growth of virtual reality has opened up new possibilities for creating an immersive virtual world known as Metaverse. With advancements in technology, such as virtual reality headsets, and the emergence of applications with social interaction, Metaverses offer exciting opportunities for cities to build the future and a competitive advantage. The paper focuses on analyzing the theoretical and practical aspects of the Metaverse, particularly in the field of city development. This paper aims to discuss the potential benefits and challenges of the Metaverse projects for building cities' competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach: The article comprehensively describes the use of Metaverse as a project created to build the city's competitive advantage in a technology-based future. Therefore, in the article, we asked a research question: What is the potential of Metaverse projects for cities as a tool for building competitive advantage? The method used was an in-depth literature study based on an electronic basis, e.g., SCOPUS for theory background. In the empirical part, we have done the qualitative research using the multiple case study (Three selected cities: Seoul, Tampere, and Dubai) associated with bibliographic and documentary research. Findings: Metaverse has become one of the hot topics in society and, consequently, is the theme of scientific research worldwide. The development of the Metaverse world will inject new vitality into modern cities, open up more application scenarios for smart cities, and push them forward. It can also be stated that the fundamental concept of Digital Twins emerged with a Digital twin of a person (DToP) and a Digital twin of a customer (DToC). The Metaverse is an entirely new concept, and there are still too many unknowns and uncertainties about its development direction. Originality/value: This article comprehensively describes using the Metaverse as the project for building a city's competitive advantage. The cross-sectional case study and comparison of three cities provided valuable insights into cities' challenges in creating a metaverse project. The main contribution is identifying repeatable decision-making areas that scops become future potentials of Metaverse for cities in building competitive advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the transformations necessary in the field of social responsibility and social accountability employed by manufacturing companies as they transition to a model of smart and sustainable production. A focus group of managers in production companies has been interviewed concerning the challenges and support they derive for their environmental and community approaches, as the firms deploy advanced Industry 4.0 tools such as the internet of things, digital twins and virtual reality to upgrade their manufacturing systems and processes. The results are presented and discussed based on a set of ranked objective indicators, and proposals for a future implementation scenario are advanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, significant efforts have been made to create Health Digital Twins (HDTs), Digital Twins for clinical applications. Heart modeling is one of the fastest-growing fields, which favors the effective application of HDTs. The clinical application of HDTs will be increasingly widespread in the future of healthcare services and has huge potential to form part of mainstream medicine. However, it requires the development of both models and algorithms for the analysis of medical data, and advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based algorithms have already revolutionized image segmentation processes. Precise segmentation of lesions may contribute to an efficient diagnostics process and a more effective selection of targeted therapy. In this systematic review, a brief overview of recent achievements in HDT technologies in the field of cardiology, including interventional cardiology, was conducted. HDTs were studied taking into account the application of Extended Reality (XR) and AI, as well as data security, technical risks, and ethics-related issues. Special emphasis was put on automatic segmentation issues. In this study, 253 literature sources were taken into account. It appears that improvements in data processing will focus on automatic segmentation of medical imaging in addition to three-dimensional (3D) pictures to reconstruct the anatomy of the heart and torso that can be displayed in XR-based devices. This will contribute to the development of effective heart diagnostics. The combination of AI, XR, and an HDT-based solution will help to avoid technical errors and serve as a universal methodology in the development of personalized cardiology. Additionally, we describe potential applications, limitations, and further research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncertainties, such as road restrictions at shipyards and the irregular shape of blocks, pose challenges for transporter scheduling. Efficient scheduling of multiple transporters is critical to improving transportation efficiency. The digital twin (DT) technology offers numerous benefits, enabling interactions between the virtual and real worlds, real-time mapping, and dynamic performance evaluation. Based on DT technology, this study proposes a dynamic scheduling approach for cooperative transportation utilizing multiple transporters. The scheduling problem for multiple transporters is addressed and modeled in this study, considering factors such as block size and transporter loading. To solve this problem, a framework of DT-based multiple transporters system is established in a virtual environment. By inputting block information into this system, a solution is generated using transporter scheduling rules and interference detection methods. Experimental comparisons are conducted in this paper, exploring various scenarios with different number of tasks and the application of DT. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach effectively enhances transportation efficiency and improves ship construction efficiency. Hence, this study expands the application of DT technology in dynamic scheduling of transportation in shipyards and provides new ideas for shipbuilding company managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual and augmented reality digital twins are becoming increasingly prevalent in a number of industries, though the production of digital-twin systems applications is still prohibitively expensive for many smaller organisations. A key step towards reducing the cost of digital twins lies in automating the production of 3D assets, however efforts are complicated by the lack of suitable automated methods for determining the visual quality of these assets. While visual quality assessment has been an active area of research for a number of years, few publications consider this process in the context of asset creation in digital twins. In this work, we introduce an automated decimation procedure using machine learning to assess the visual impact of decimation, a process commonly used in the production of 3D assets which has thus far been underrepresented in the visual assessment literature. Our model combines 108 geometric and perceptual metrics to determine if a 3D object has been unacceptably distorted during decimation. Our model is trained on almost 4, 000 distorted meshes, giving a significantly wider range of applicability than many models in the literature. Our results show a precision of over 97% against a set of test models, and performance tests show our model is capable of performing assessments within 2 minutes on models of up to 25, 000 polygons. Based on these results we believe our model presents both a significant advance in the field of visual quality assessment and an important step towards reducing the cost of virtual and augmented reality-based digital-twins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the structure and mechanisms of all individual functional modules of cells at high molecular detail has often been seen as equal to understanding how cells work. Recent technical advances have led to a flush of high-resolution structures of various macromolecular machines, but despite this wealth of detailed information, our understanding of cellular function remains incomplete. Here, we discuss present-day limitations of structural biology and highlight novel technologies that may enable us to analyze molecular functions directly inside cells. We predict that the progression toward structural cell biology will involve a shift toward conceptualizing a 4D virtual reality of cells using digital twins. These will capture cellular segments in a highly enriched molecular detail, include dynamic changes, and facilitate simulations of molecular processes, leading to novel and experimentally testable predictions. Transferring biological questions into algorithms that learn from the existing wealth of data and explore novel solutions may ultimately unveil how cells work. The limits of the main techniques used in structural biology and the concept of cellular self-organization are reviewed in this article; a perspective of simulating cells in virtual reality that would extend structural biology to understanding cell biology is shared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industry is currently undergoing a digital revolution driven by the integration of several enabling technologies. These include automation, robotics, cloud computing, industrial cybersecurity, systems integration, digital twins, etc. Of particular note is the increasing use of digital twins, which offer significant added value by providing realistic and fully functional process simulations. This paper proposes an approach for developing digital twins in industrial environments. The novelty lies in not only focusing on obtaining the model of the industrial system and integrating virtual reality and/or augmented reality but also in emphasizing the importance of incorporating other enabled technologies of Industry 4.0, such as system integration, connectivity with standard and specific industrial protocols, cloud services, or new industrial automation systems, to enhance the capabilities of the digital twin. Furthermore, a proposal of the software tools that can be used to achieve this incorporation is made. Unity is chosen as the real-time 3D development tool for its cross-platform capability and streamlined industrial system modeling. The integration of augmented reality is facilitated by the Vuforia SDK. Node-RED is selected as the system integration option, and communications are carried out with MQTT protocol. Finally, cloud-based services are recommended for effective data storage and processing. Furthermore, this approach has been used to develop a digital twin of a robotic electro-pneumatic cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The understanding of the metaverse is currently expanding, and several interpretations and implementations may be present. The many metaverse iterations have distinct components and capabilities, which have the potential to evolve and enhance over time in tandem with technological advancements and evolving user requirements. The metaverse has emerged as a widely discussed subject of public interest, with individuals and organizations alike contemplating its potential applications. However, a prevailing misperception persists over its fundamental comprehension. The concept of the metaverse is often misconstrued as solely referring to a virtual world; nevertheless, it encompasses more than simply a virtual realm. Three other categories can be classified as constituting the metaverse. The metaverse encompasses four distinct categories, each characterized by unique aspects that may or must diverge from one another. The elements play a crucial role in the development of any metaverse kind. This work aims to provide a valuable contribution by offering a comprehensive analysis of the constituent features of various metaverse types. Its purpose is to assist anyone interested in studying or implementing a certain metaverse type by fostering a deeper understanding of its core aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of heterogeneous hardware and software components to construct human-centered systems for Industry 5.0, particularly human digital twins, presents considerable complexity. Our research addresses this challenge by pioneering a novel approach that harmonizes the techno-centered focus of the Robot Operating System (ROS) with the cross-platform advantages inherent in NEP+ (a human-centered development framework intended to assist users and developers with diverse backgrounds and resources in constructing interactive human–machine systems). We introduce the nep2ros ROS package, aiming to bridge these frameworks and foster a more interconnected and adaptable approach. This initiative can be used to facilitate diverse development scenarios beyond conventional robotics, underpinning a transformative shift in Industry 5.0 applications. Our assessment of NEP+ capabilities includes an evaluation of communication performance utilizing serialization formats like JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and MessagePack. Additionally, we present a comparative analysis between the nep2ros package and existing solutions, illustrating its efficacy in linking the simulation environment (Unity) and ROS. Moreover, our research demonstrates NEP+'s applicability through an immersive human-in-the-loop collaborative assembly. These findings offer promising prospects for innovative integration possibilities across a broad spectrum of applications, transcending specific platforms or disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twins, an innovative technology propelled by data and models, play a seminal role in the digital transformation and intelligent upgrade of ships. This study introduces a digital twin methodology for the real-time monitoring of ship structure deformation fields, based on finite discrete strain data, and a visualization tool framework is developed using virtual reality technology. First, the inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is employed to derive the deformation field of the ship structure in real time using sensor strain data. Secondly, the deformation field data obtained based on the iFEM algorithm is converted into general visualization data conducive to interpretation within virtual reality (VR) applications. Lastly, a digital twin software tool is built to enable synchronous responses and interactions between the virtual scene and the physical scene, directly superposing particular virtual objects (data acquired by sensors, computer-aided design (CAD) virtual models, and deformation field cloud images) onto the physical scene in real time. The digital twin tool embodies a virtual reality visualization system framework integrating the physical data measurement, reconstruction, analysis, expression, storage, rendering, and interaction of deformation field data. Through practical application, the flexibility, effectiveness, and compatibility of the developed prototype tool are verified. According to the results, the system can enhance the efficiency of scientific communication, model validation, and interdisciplinary sharing during the analysis and evaluation of the mechanical properties of ship structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pandemic coincided with rapid advancements in virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) in healthcare. The idea of virtually replicating the real world and its associated experiences has garnered significant attention under the newly coined term "metaverse." The metaverse serves as a communication platform that integrates physical and virtual experiences. However, the lack of physical interaction between users and virtual environments remains an obstacle. This study introduces a hybrid upper‐arm‐geared exoskeleton system that combines an anatomical digital‐twin model with tangible VR torque feedback and an MR remote healthcare monitoring in a musculoskeletal interface device format. The device employs a dual epicyclic geared motor actuator capable of exerting torque feedback. It derived torque profiles that simulate physical interactions with hysteretic damping in the virtual environment. An anatomical digital twin model is also incorporated into the fabricated device in an MR format and assessed the device's performance using electromyogram and thermographic sensors. In addition, it evaluated haptic fidelity and versatility as an immersive metaverse wearable and performed support vector machine‐based analysis for motion feature classification. It believes this approach has the potential to be highly beneficial for providing tangible metaverse feedback and communication combined with a human‐informed digital‐twin model for remote healthcare monitoring in the postpandemic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital twins and virtual reality are pivotal technologies in the context of Industry 4.0, facilitating the design, simulation, optimization, and remote interaction with production systems. These technologies also present new prospects for developing immersive and hyper-realistic digital factories within the metaverse. This paper aims to enhance collaboration and communication in a 3D virtual world, focusing on shared reality and the metaverse's integration in digital factories. Our main contribution enables users to have full-body immersive interaction with virtual 3D assets and realistic locomotion in a 3D environment, fostering flexibility in collaboration and environment monitoring/control. To achieve this, we propose a systematic methodology for designing and implementing a digital twin-based factory with an IoT infrastructure. By replicating sensors and actuators in digital twins, real-time asset management synchronized with the physical factory is realized, empowering full-body interaction. To enable full-body interaction with virtual equipment, we employ a human motion tracking system. A proof-of-concept case study, developed using Unity3D game engine, Solace PubSub+ event streaming APIs, and Awinda Xsens wearable inertial sensors as the motion tracking system, validates our proposed methodology. The results of the case study demonstrate the successful integration of digital twins, virtual reality, and the metaverse, enabling real-time monitoring and control, full-body interaction, and immersive user experiences in the virtual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of new technologies and concepts such as Extended Reality (XR), Cloud Manufacturing, Digital Twin, Industrial Internet of Things is completely changing the manufacturing landscape. Innovative digital tools are available to increase the competitiveness and efficiency of companies. The XR can support the Smart Operator in production, maintenance and training activities. Similarly, Manufacturing as a Service, which is a variation of Cloud Manufacturing, can make corporate architectural systems more flexible and scalable. In this paper, some preliminary results relating to the European 5G-ERA project and the synergistic work that the companies CAL-TEK, TWI and HAL Robotics are conducting is shown. An XR-oriented architecture is proposed, whose usefulness is emphasized by the use of the MaaS concept, and the implementation of a Mixed Reality application is shown, to support an on-site operator. Future developments concern the implementation of a Virtual Reality application for the off-site operator, and the use of the 5G-ERA middleware to exploit the potential of the MaaS paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]