What are Digital Twins and What are Their Applications?

Imagine for a moment that you are an engineer standing in front of a real-world steam turbine. We wish to simulate certain parameters or test a new design but are unsure of the outcome. The real-world performance and data will also need to be mapped and we cannot risk creating a new prototype due to the cost and the uncertainty of the result involved. In this kind of challenge, what do we do and how do we solve this challenge?

This is where the concept of a digital twin comes in.

Suppose we had a digital version of the same turbine and are able to feed the data in real time from a normally operating turbine and do our experiments on the digital version, then our learning curve is greatly reduced, and cost and time is saved. Further, risk of damage to infrastructure or anything else is totally eliminated.

What are digital twins?

Digital twins are virtual representations of physical objects, systems, or processes. They are created by combining real-time data from sensors, IoT devices, and other sources with computer-aided design (CAD) models, simulation software, and analytics algorithms. The digital twin can be visualized through user interfaces or augmented reality (AR) applications. This allows users to interact with the virtual representation, monitor real-time data, and perform simulations.

It requires a systematic approach to create a digital twin and the steps involved are:

  1. Acquiring the data to create a digital twin.
  2. Deciding on the parameters and values.
  3. Integrating the data to create a comprehensive view of the physical object.
  4. Create a model and make it as close as possible to the real-world object.
  5. Interacting and studying the virtual twin model.
  6. Updating the model based on real-world data seamlessly and continuously.

Applications of digital twins include in the below areas:

1. Manufacturing

Digital twins are used to optimize manufacturing processes and innovation. By running simulations on virtual twins, product quality can be improved, and downtime reduced. One can also use such models for training purposes and for remote monitoring.

2. Aerospace

Digital twins are used in the aerospace industry for aircraft design and maintenance. Further, based on simulated flight conditions, wear and tear can be studied. By monitoring real-time sensor data from physical assets, digital twins can detect anomalies and predict failures, helping schedule maintenance proactively. This improves uptime and reduces maintenance costs. Engineers and pilots can also be trained using virtual twins.

3. Healthcare

Digital twins are used in healthcare for personalized medicine, patient monitoring, and surgical planning. They help simulate and analyze patient data to improve diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. A key aspect of a digital twin in healthcare is effective training. One can perform surgeries virtually and have a comprehensive idea of how things will proceed in real life based on a virtual simulation. New procedures can be safely tested and tried.

4. Energy and Utilities

With the use of digital twins, one can optimize the grid and improve overall reliability and transmission performance. Energy distribution can be controlled and checked in simulated scenarios as well.

5. Construction

Digital twins are used in construction for design optimization and project management. They help simulate building performance, monitor construction progress, and plan maintenance activities.

6. Retail

One can enable virtual try-on and personalized recommendations based on virtual twins.

About Grohombus Technologies

GRhombus Technologies is among the leading EdTech companies in UK and cyber security companies in UK. Our insightful work and key implementation expertise have delivered powerful transformations to clients and created enduring value. We also offer test automation services in India and custom software development in USA. We are also well-versed in the Force.com development platform and can undertake key customization and advanced automation functions based on the business needs. For more details, contact us.

What are the Latest Development in the Field of Edge Computing?

Edge computing is a distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, to improve response times and save bandwidth. It’s designed to help solve the problems that arise from the centralization of data processing and storage in cloud computing. Some of the latest applications of edge computing include the following.

1. IOT

Internet of Things (IoT) can use edge computing extensively. Edge computing can process data from IoT devices in real-time, allowing for faster response times. This is particularly useful in industrial IoT settings where immediate data analysis can improve operational efficiency. Some examples include setting the pressure for steam generation in a boiler. As the quality of the fuel keeps on changing, the calorific value will be affected and thus the heat output will vary. By controlling this variable closely and at a very micro level, not only can peak efficiency in steam production be achieved, but also the fuel throughput can be made optimum.

2. Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars generate a massive amount of data that needs to be processed quickly for the vehicle to operate safely. Imagine driving on a highway autonomously at high speed and stray cattle comes in the way out of a corner. Such challenges can be solved easily as edge computing allows for this data to be processed in the vehicle itself, reducing latency.

3. Smart Cities

In smart cities, edge computing can help process data from various sensors and devices in real-time, improving the efficiency of city services and reducing data transmission costs. For example, edge computing can help in traffic monitoring and real-time analysis of video. It can help optimize traffic, reduce the amount of data that travels to the cloud. It is more fault tolerant than a centralized system.

4. Content Delivery and Streaming:

Edge computing can be used to cache content closer to the user, improving the speed and reliability of content delivery and streaming services. This means that even if the user is having bandwidth issues, high quality video can be played on the user’s device. This can also be extended to applications in telecom.

5. Healthcare

In mission critical healthcare applications like remote surgery and real-time health monitoring, edge computing can be a boon since there is no latency involved. Privacy and data security is ensured since the data is more localized and this helps in complying with strict data regulation guidelines that arise when handling the data. Further, many IoT devises can be connected in real time and used simultaneously since data bandwidth consumption is very less.

6. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR applications require low latency to provide a smooth user experience. Edge computing can process data closer to the user, reducing latency and improving the user experience. AR and VR in turn can be applied to a large spectrum of areas right from medical and education to retail and banking.

Why Grhombustech?

GRhombustech is a leader in offering Edtech solutions and is among the leading software development companies in UK. We take pride in delivering custom and best-fit solutions. Perceptive and collaborative, we offer an exceptional experience at every engagement touchpoint.

Apart from Edtech, we are also among the leading cyber security companies in UK. Established in 2014, GRhombustech has delivery centres in India at Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru along with partner offices located in the USA and the Netherlands. For additional details, please contact us.

What are Contactless Technologies Like NFC and RFID?

The term contactless technology refers to a group of special technologies that allow for communication or transactions without the need for physical contact between two objects or devices. Some of the examples of contactless technologies are:

  1. Near Field Communication (NFC)
  2. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
  3. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a short-range wireless communication technology that enables data exchange between two devices in close proximity. It is commonly used for data transfer between devices and for contactless payment. Any data transfer can be encrypted, thereby adding a higher layer of security.

The key advantages of NFC are:

  1. It is a very simple technology to use and requires minimal setup time.
  2. Data transfer can be encrypted.
  3. It is supported by a wide range of devices and thus, there is higher versatility.
  4. Data transfer speeds are quite good.
  5. The power consumption is minimal or negligible.

RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a contactless technology that allows data to be transmitted wirelessly between a tag or label and a reader. This technology uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify, and track tags attached to objects.

An RFID system typically consists of a tag or label, which contains a unique identifier and an antenna, and a reader, which emits a radio frequency signal that is picked up by the tag’s antenna. The tag then responds with its unique identifier, which is read by the reader and transmitted to a computer system.

The key advantages of RFID are:

  1. RFID tags are durable unlike barcodes and can withstand harsh conditions.
  2. They are an excellent choice for inventory tracking, especially when large volumes are involved.
  3. RFID tags can store more information.
  4. High levels of automation can be achieved using RFID and this reduces chances of human error.

Some of the common applications of contactless technologies are:

1. Access Control

Access control was one of the earliest adopters of contactless technologies. Such controls and control systems are commonly used in offices, hospitals, and other facilities to control access to specific areas or rooms. These systems usually involve an access card or fob that is waved over a reader to unlock a door.

2. Payment Systems

With QR codes revolutionizing payment systems, contactless payment systems have now become common place. It is also the same technology that finds applications in areas like making a payment by tapping a card, smartphone, or other device on a payment terminal.

3. Transportation

FastTag for toll payment is a classic example of application of contactless technology. Many public transportation systems like Metro Trains in major cities allow for contactless payment by allowing passengers to pay for their fare by tapping their card.

4. Healthcare

Contactless technologies are increasingly being used in the healthcare sector for applications such as patient identification, tracking medical supplies, and monitoring patient vital signs.

Overall, contactless technologies are powerful and versatile. They have revolutionized many industries like warehousing, payments and e-commerce and they continue to be adopted in new and innovative ways.

About GRhombus Technologies

GRhombus Technologies is among the leading EdTech companies in UK and cyber security companies in UK. Our insightful work and key implementation expertise have delivered powerful transformations to clients and created enduring value. We also offer test automation services in India and custom software development in UK. We are also well-versed in the Force.com development platform and can undertake key customisation and advanced automation functions based on the business needs. For more details, contact us.