Cited by 80Smart Cities and TechnologiesDigital Transformation in IndustryApplied Advanced Technologies

A comprehensive review of Digital Twin technologies in smart cities

Open access
Huzzat, Annysha, Anpalagan, Alagan, Khwaja, Ahmed S., Woungang, Isaac, Alnoman, Ali A., Pillai, Anju S.·2025·Digital Engineering

Abstract

As urbanization accelerates globally, the need for smarter, more sustainable cities has become imperative. This review article delves into the realm of Digital Twin (DT) technologies and their role in shaping the future of urban development. By exploring the convergence of DT technologies and smart cities, this article offers a comprehensive analysis of how these technologies are driving the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) revolution. Through an extensive literature review, we examine the pivotal role of DT technologies in diverse domains such as healthcare, wellness, security, safety, transportation, energy, mobility, and communications. Furthermore, the review explores the enabling technologies behind DTs, including Internet of Things (IoT)-based, Machine Learning (ML)-based, Cyber–physical Systems (CPSs)-based, and blockchain technology-based, to name a few. Practical applications of DT technologies are also examined through reviews of case studies across transport, water management and automotive technology, highlighting their transformative impact on smart city development. Lastly, this article addresses key DT research challenges and outlines future directions to unlock the full potential of DT technologies in building safe and sustainable cities. • Role of Digital Twins in smart city development is reviewed. • Enabling Digital Twin technologies in smart cities are presented. • Technologies include Machine Learning, IoT, Cyber–physical Systems, blockchain. • Digital Twin applicatio…

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.dte.2025.100040

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102 of 102 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Authors
Huzzat, A., Anpalagan, A., Khwaja, A. S., Woungang, I., Alnoman, A. A., & Pillai, A. S.
Affiliations
  • Toronto Metropolitan University (CA)
  • American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AE)
  • Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (IN)
Corresponding author
Anpalagan, Alagan
Venue
Digital Engineering
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2025-03
Volume
4
Pages
100040
ISSN
2950-550X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4408519911
Cited by
65
References
105
Citations by year
2026: 49 · 2025: 16
FWCI
26.60
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Digital engineering. (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Funders
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Media Technology › Smart Cities and Technologies
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering › Digital Transformation in Industry
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering › Applied Advanced Technologies
Keywords
digital twin, smart cities, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things, machine learning, cyber-physical systems, blockchain, urban transport, water management, automotive technology, urban safety, sustainable cities, enabling technologies

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