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Digital Twin: Origin to Future
Open accessAbstract
Digital Twin (DT) refers to the virtual copy or model of any physical entity (physical twin) both of which are interconnected via exchange of data in real time. Conceptually, a DT mimics the state of its physical twin in real time and vice versa. Application of DT includes real-time monitoring, designing/planning, optimization, maintenance, remote access, etc. Its implementation is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decades. The advent of Industry 4.0 has brought complex industrial systems that are more autonomous, smart, and highly interconnected. These systems generate considerable amounts of data useful for several applications such as improving performance, predictive maintenance, training, etc. A sudden influx in the number of publications related to ‘Digital Twin’ has led to confusion between different terminologies related to the digitalization of industries. Another problem that has arisen due to the growing popularity of DT is a lack of consensus on the description of DT as well as so many different types of DT, which adds to the confusion. This paper intends to consolidate the different types of DT and different definitions of DT throughout the literature for easy identification of DT from the rest of the complimentary terms such as ‘product avatar’, ‘digital thread’, ‘digital model’, and ‘digital shadow’. The paper looks at the concept of DT since its inception to its predicted future to realize the value it can bring to certain sectors. Understanding the characteristics and types of DT while weighing its pros and cons is essential for any researcher, business, or sector before investing in the technology.
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“In accordance with DT characteristics, the DTP is able to simulate manufacturing scenarios and perform validation testing, evaluation and even quality control testing prior to the actual manufacturing process itself.This approach effectively reduces production costs and operational time by identifying flaws or possible risks of the physical twin before production.”
From Digital Twin Technology Challenges and Applications: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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In the citing paper
“It is important to note that the development and widespread implementation of DTs depend on the advances in research and enabling technologies such as AI, ML, big data, 5G communication and cloud/edge computing [10,83].”
From Digital Twin Technology Challenges and Applications: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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In the citing paper
“The proposed approach involved utilizing DT technology to replicate the aircraft's physical and mechanical characteristics, aiming to forecast potential fatigue or structural cracks.This strategy would effectively extend the operational lifespan of the aircraft [21].”
From Digital Twins in the IIoT: Current Practices and Future Directions Toward Industry 5.0 (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
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“Furthermore, the continuous transfer of information between DT and its physical counterpart enables ongoing validation and optimization of the system's processes [21].”
From Digital Twins in the IIoT: Current Practices and Future Directions Toward Industry 5.0 (2025) · cites this paper as [21]
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“However, the modern state of the art classifies and defines DTs based on the application domain [10] and their levels of integration.”
From Digital Twin Technology Challenges and Applications: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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“High costs of implementation due to the increased amount of sensors and computational resources needed [10,18].”
From Digital Twin Technology Challenges and Applications: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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“Issues related to data (trust, privacy, cybersecurity, convergence and governance, acquisition and large-scale analysis) [10].”
From Digital Twin Technology Challenges and Applications: A Comprehensive Review (2022) · cites this paper as [10]
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Citations
Cites
Digital Twin in Industry: State-of-the-Art
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“…literature have referred to DT as a virtual or digital model [21,23,27–35], layout [36], counterpart [7,9,35,37], doppelganger [38], clone [39], footprint [40], software analogue [41], representation [42–46], information constructs [2,47], or simulation [20,26,48–51] of its physical counterpart.”
BackgroundInfluentialReview of digital twin about concepts, technologies, and industrial applications
Liu, M., Fang, S., Dong, H., & Xu, C. (2020) · Journal of Manufacturing Systems · doi:10.1016/j.jmsy.2020.06.017 · Cited by 2,075
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Digital twin and big data towards smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0: 360 degree comparison
Qi, Q., & Tao, F. (2018) · IEEE Access · doi:10.1109/access.2018.2793265 · Cited by 1,716
A Review of the Roles of Digital Twin in CPS-based Production Systems
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Items 301–400 of 1,000
Digital Twin and Extended Reality in Industrial Contexts: A Bibliometric Review
Vecchio, V. D., Lazoi, M., & Lezzi, M. (2023) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-43401-3_18 · Cited by 12
Timperi, M., Kokkonen, K., & Hannola, L. (2023) · International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing · doi:10.1080/0951192x.2023.2264814 · Cited by 14
“…for the engagement of multiple actors, promoting collaboration (Kaewunruen and Lian 2019), reducing errors, inefficiency, uncertainty, and expenses (Singh et al. 2021), and adapting products into different configurations (Minerva, Lee, and Crespi 2020) have motivated many manufacturing companies…”
InfluentialNguyen, Q.-D., Huang, Y., Keith, F., Leroy, C., Thi, M.-T., & Dhouib, S. (2024) · Machines · doi:10.3390/machines12020095 · Cited by 12
Jaoua, A., Masmoudi, S., & Negri, E. (2024) · International Journal of Computer Integrated Manufacturing · doi:10.1080/0951192x.2024.2314787 · Cited by 12
“Also in (Singh et al. 2021) authors classified these architectures according to four levels of maturity: (i) Pre-Digital Twin, (ii) Digital Twin, (iii) Adaptive Digital Twin and (iv) Intelligent Digital Twin.”
An agent-based framework to study forced migration: A case study of Ukraine
Mehrab, Z., Stundal, L., Venkatramanan, S., Swarup, S., Lewis, B. L., Mortveit, H., Barrett, C. L., Pandey, A., Wells, C. R., Galvani, A. P., et al. (2024) · PNAS Nexus · doi:10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae080 · Cited by 13
“We take a step towards filling this gap by combining real-world conflict information with digital twins (17, 18) in the form of a synthetic population.”
BackgroundDigital twin approach with minimal sensors for Riser's fatigue-damage estimation
Lee, Y. S., Jin, C., Kim, M., & Xu, W. X. (2024) · International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering · doi:10.1016/j.ijnaoe.2024.100603 · Cited by 12
Large-Scale Solar Potential Analysis in a 3D CAD Framework as a Use Case of Urban Digital Twins
Shirinyan, E., & Petrova‐Antonova, D. (2024) · Remote Sensing · doi:10.3390/rs16152700 · Cited by 12
Aydoğan, B., Özçelik, G., & Ünver, M. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · doi:10.1007/s13762-024-05977-y · Cited by 12
Considerations for Big Data management in pharmaceutical manufacturing
Das, J., Fisher, A. C., Hughey, L., O’Connor, T. F., Pai, V., Soto, C. S., & Wan, J. (2024) · Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering · doi:10.1016/j.coche.2024.101051 · Cited by 12
Unlocking the potentials of digital twins for optimal healthcare delivery in Africa
Qoseem, I. O., Ahmed, M., Abdulraheem, H., Muhammed, H. O., Ahmed, M. M., Ukoaka, B. M., Okesanya, O. J., Ogaya, J. B., Adigun, O. A., Ekpenyong, A. M., et al. (2024) · Oxford Open Digital Health · doi:10.1093/oodh/oqae039 · Cited by 12
“This sheer amount of investment is challenging in an often-cash-strapped healthcare sector, thereby necessitating thorough cost–benefit analyses before undertaking DT projects [41].”
Digital twins for electric propulsion technologies
Reza, M., Faraji, F., & Knoll, A. (2024) · Journal of Electric Propulsion · doi:10.1007/s44205-024-00087-w · Cited by 13
“Digital twinning is a concept that has been around under different names and terminologies since the 1990s [16–20] (see Fig.”
Zifarelli, A., Cantatore, A. F. P., Sampaolo, A., Mueller, M., Rueck, T., Hoelzl, C., Rossmadl, H., Patimisco, P., & Spagnolo, V. (2023) · Photoacoustics · doi:10.1016/j.pacs.2023.100564 · Cited by 13
“In 2003, Michael Grieves proposed the concept of a digital twin (DT) to address this challenge, promising many advantages, like better and more realistic predictions resulting in appropriate actions to be taken [44,45].”
BackgroundService for Deploying Digital Twins of QKD Networks
Martin, R., López, B., Vidal, I., Valera, F., & Nogales, B. (2024) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app14031018 · Cited by 12
“…as allowing the simulation of several scenarios without having to physically build them, providing major flexibility and cost-effectiveness, or assisting in the prediction of problems of its physical twin, which allows for staying one step ahead in resolving errors in the physical entity [15, 16].”
BackgroundSigawi, T., & Ilan, Y. (2023) · doi:10.2196/preprints.46304 · Cited by 12
KDDT: Knowledge Distillation-Empowered Digital Twin for Anomaly Detection
Xu, Q., Ali, S., Yue, T., Nedim, Z., & Singh, I. (2023) · Proceedings of the 31st ACM Joint European Software Engineering Conference and Symposium on the Foundations of Software Engineering · doi:10.1145/3611643.3613879 · Cited by 11
A digital twin-enhanced cybersecurity framework for IoT in healthcare: Applications in industry 4.0
Wakili, A., Bakkali, S., & Ibrahim, I. A. (2025) · Telematics and Informatics Reports · doi:10.1016/j.teler.2025.100254 · Cited by 12
Digital Twins and Healthcare: Quick Overview and Human-Centric Perspectives
Barresi, G., Gaggioli, A., Sternini, F., Ravizza, A., Pacchierotti, C., & Michieli, L. D. (2023) · Studies in big data · doi:10.1007/978-981-99-3989-3_4 · Cited by 11
Verification and Validation of Rotating Machinery Using Digital Twin
Yanik, Y., Ekwaro-Osire, S., Dias, J. P., Porto, E. H., Alves, D. S., Machado, T., Daniel, G. B., de Castro, H. F., & Cavalca, K. L. (2023) · ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems Part B Mechanical Engineering · doi:10.1115/1.4063892 · Cited by 12
Redefining Interaction in a Digital Twin Laboratory with Mixed Reality
Barra, P., Giammetti, M., Tortora, A., & Greca, A. D. (2024) · Lecture notes in computer science · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-60611-3_21 · Cited by 12
Hong, L., Gong, H., Ji, H.-J., Lu, J., Li, H. L., & Li, Q. (2024) · Nuclear Science and Techniques · doi:10.1007/s41365-024-01494-2 · Cited by 12
“DTs have been recognized as the fundamental premise of product life-cycle management, encompassing the entire lifecycle of the physical entity they represent, including creation, construction, operation/support, and disposal [2–6].”
A Framework for Effective Virtual Commissioning: Guiding Principles for Seamless System Integration
Korpai, R., Szántó, N., & Csapó, Á. (2024) · Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing · doi:10.3390/jmmp8040165 · Cited by 14
Jean-Quartier, C., Stryeck, S., Thien, A., Vrella, B., Kleinschuster, J., Spreitzer, E., Wali, M., Mueller, H., Holzinger, A., & Jeanquartier, F. (2024) · Digital Health · doi:10.1177/20552076241271769 · Cited by 12
“…rami fi cations of a business decision or the training of operators and maintenance personnel for critical systems under controlled circum-stances 68,69 Currently, digital twins are often used for simulation purposes and especially in the engineering and heavy industry the term and its application…”
BackgroundAmetefe, D. S., Hussin, N., John, D., Ametefe, G. D., Aliu, A. A., & Ali, Z. A. (2024) · CABI Reviews · doi:10.1079/cabireviews.2024.0036 · Cited by 12
Walther, K. K., Molinari, M., & Voss, K. (2025) · Journal of Building Performance Simulation · doi:10.1080/19401493.2024.2446517 · Cited by 11
“…sectors have been extensively reviewed in the literature (Jones et al. 2020; Kritzinger et al.2018; Perno, Hvam, and Haug 2022; Rasheed, San, and Kvams-dal 2020; Roy et al. 2020; Semeraro et al. 2021; Singh et al. 2021; Tao et al. 2019; Wright and Davidson 2020; Zhou, Zhang, and Gu 2022).”
Louge, T., Araghi, S. N., Karray, M. H., & Sarkar, A. (2025) · Expert Systems with Applications · doi:10.1016/j.eswa.2025.126641 · Cited by 11
Digital twin driven factory and production planning (FPP)
Raheem, A., Marchi, M. D., & Dallasega, P. (2025) · Production & Manufacturing Research · doi:10.1080/21693277.2025.2507954 · Cited by 12
“…systems. x x x (Leng et al., 2021) Study focusing on consolidating definition, advantages, characteristics, types, future and challenges of DT. x (Singh et al., 2021) Literature review study highlighting the current picture of DT system features, implementation features and services in…”
InfluentialFederated learning for digital twin applications: a privacy-preserving and low-latency approach
Li, J., & Wang, D. (2025) · PeerJ Computer Science · doi:10.7717/peerj-cs.2877 · Cited by 11
“DT is utilized to create real-time mappings and models of physical entities in heterogeneous environments, thereby enabling real-time analysis, learning, prediction, and interaction with perception-driven data from the physical world ( Singh et al., 2021 ).”
DIGITAL TWIN CREATION FOR SLUMS IN BRAZIL BASED ON UAV DATA
Khawte, S. S., Koeva, M., Gevaert, C. M., Elberink, S. O., & Pedro, A. A. (2022) · The international archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences/International archives of the photogrammetry, remote sensing and spatial information sciences · doi:10.5194/isprs-archives-xlviii-4-w4-2022-75-2022 · Cited by 11
“An implementation that allows the dynamic update of the semantic information in the model is beneficial in real-time monitoring, obtaining remote access, and planning activities (Singh et al., 2021).”
BackgroundMoCLORA—An Architecture for Legged-and-Climbing Modular Bio-Inspired Robotic Organism
Prados, C., Hernando, M., Gambao, E., & Brunete, A. (2022) · Biomimetics · doi:10.3390/biomimetics8010011 · Cited by 11
Fadnes, F. S., Olsen, E., & Assadi, M. (2023) · Frontiers in Energy Research · doi:10.3389/fenrg.2023.1078603 · Cited by 11
“It should capture the state of its physical twin in real time and vice versa (Singh et al., 2021).”
BackgroundLöppenberg, M., & Schwung, A. (2023) · IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN) · doi:10.1109/indin51400.2023.10218168 · Cited by 11
Continuous agile cyber–physical systems architectures based on digital twins
Vodyaho, A. I., Zhukova, N. A., Delhibabu, R., & Subbotin, A. (2023) · Future Generation Computer Systems · doi:10.1016/j.future.2023.11.024 · Cited by 11
A Framework for Communicating and Building a Digital Twin Model of the Electric Car
Bednarz, T. P., Baier, A., & Paprocka, I. (2024) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app14051776 · Cited by 11
“Previously, a similar concept was introduced by Dr. Grieves in 2002 and was called the “Conceptual Ideal for PLM” [13].”
MethodNew Identification Approach and Methods for Plasma Equilibrium Reconstruction in D-Shaped Tokamaks
Mitrishkin, Y. V., Korenev, P. S., Konkov, A. E., Kruzhkov, V. I., & Ovsiannikov, N. E. (2021) · Mathematics · doi:10.3390/math10010040 · Cited by 12
Angelova, R. A. (2025) · Textiles · doi:10.3390/textiles5040049 · Cited by 10
“DTs, by their nature, create a constant link between physical and virtual realities [97].”
Yang, Y., Guo, C., Xu, M., & Hu, F. (2026) · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · doi:10.1016/j.trac.2026.118761 · Cited by 10
Dijital İkiz Şehir Fenomeni: Dünyadan Örnekler ve Türkiye’deki Yönelimler
Yıkıcı, A. (2022) · Kent Akademisi · doi:10.35674/kent.1195553 · Cited by 12
Nicoletti, B., & Appolloni, A. (2023) · Advances in web technologies and engineering book series · doi:10.4018/978-1-6684-5747-4.ch012 · Cited by 10
Иванович, Т. В., Petrov, S. М., Podgornova, N. M., & Lukin, N. D. (2023) · Journal of Food Engineering · doi:10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2023.111816 · Cited by 10
An Internet of Things Approach to Support a High-Tech House
Casillo, M., Cecere, L., Colace, F., Lorusso, A., Marongiu, F., & Santaniello, D. (2023) · IEEE Congress on Information Science and Technology (CiSt) · doi:10.1109/cist56084.2023.10409932 · Cited by 10
Martinetti, A., Nizamis, K., Chemweno, P. K., Goulas, C., van Dongen, L. A. M., Gibson, I., Thiede, S., Lutters, E., Vaneker, T., & Bonnema, G. M. (2024) · International Journal of Sustainable Engineering · doi:10.1080/19397038.2024.2327380 · Cited by 10
“The innovative tools extend to innovative ‘digital twinning’ focusing on developing simulation-based modelling approaches for improving overhaul and repair (O&R) processes within a rolling stock repair hub (Qi et al. 2021; Singh et al. 2021; Tao et al. 2022).”
Overview of Digital Twins in Renewable Energy
Sharma, P., Bora, B. J., Deepanraj, B., & Jarin, T. (2024) · International Conference on Trends in Engineering Systems and Technologies (ICTEST) · doi:10.1109/ictest60614.2024.10576156 · Cited by 12
“Furthermore, Digital Twins are revolutionizing design and testing in the aviation and automotive industries, quickening innovation and enhancing safety [7].”
BackgroundAniba, Y., Bouhedda, M., Bachene, M., Rahim, M., Benyezza, H., & Tobbal, A. (2024) · International Journal of Modelling and Simulation · doi:10.1080/02286203.2024.2395899 · Cited by 10
Enhancing 5G energy efficiency through digital twin networks: A comprehensive review
Maiwada, U. D., Danyaro, K. U., & Sarlan, A. B. (2024) · Digital twins and applications. · doi:10.1049/dgt2.12008 · Cited by 10
Construction Method of CNC Machine Tool Digital Twin Model Based on the Four-Layer Framework
Pei, F.-Y., Chen, S., Li, Q., Guo, S., Xi, Y., & Huang, P. (2025) · IEEE Access · doi:10.1109/access.2025.3560647 · Cited by 10
“The concept of DT was first introduced by Professor Grieves of the University of Michigan in 2002 in a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) course [5], and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) applied digital twin to spacecraft design optimization and fault detection in 2012 [6].”
Approach to implant monitoring and data processing with digital implant lifecycle management
Denkena, B., Wichmann, M., Eggers, M.-E., Emonde, C. K., & Hurschler, C. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-99975-w · Cited by 10
Suhardono, S., Fitria, L., Prayogo, W., Lee, C., & Suryawan, I. W. K. (2025) · Journal of Urban Management · doi:10.1016/j.jum.2025.04.008 · Cited by 10
Blockchain in the Digital Twin Context: A Comprehensive Survey
Li, D., Han, D., Crespi, N., Minerva, R., Raza, S. M., Farahbakhsh, R., Liang, W., & Zheng, Z. (2025) · ACM Computing Surveys · doi:10.1145/3772366 · Cited by 11
“NASA later popularized the term ‘DT’ in its 2010 roadmap, defining it as a multiphysics, multiscale simulation model continuously synchronized with real-time operational data [160].”
Design & Development of Virtual Reality Empowered Cyber-Security Training Testbed for IoT Systems
Chandrashekar, N. D., King, K., Gračanin, D., & Azab, M. (2023) · Intelligent Cybersecurity Conference (ICSC) · doi:10.1109/icsc60084.2023.10349976 · Cited by 10
“Engineers and operators can use digital twins to test different scenarios, conduct predictive maintenance, and optimize processes without affecting the real-world object [44].”
BackgroundCastelló-Pedrero, P., García-Gascón, C., Bas-Bolufer, J., & García-Manrique, J. A. (2024) · Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part L Journal of Materials Design and Applications · doi:10.1177/14644207231219856 · Cited by 10
“11,12 The difference between a DT and a simulation lies in scale.”
BackgroundDigital Twin - A Key Technology driver in Industry 4.0
Athavale, V. A. (2021) · Engineering Technology Open Access Journal · doi:10.19080/etoaj.2021.04.555628 · Cited by 10
“In his presentation to the industry at the University of Michigan for its creation was used by Michael Grieves [2] and its conceptual model was presented in 2006 [3].”
MethodDigital twin of patient in clinical workflow
Wickramasinghe, N. S., Ulapane, N. N. B., Andargoli, A., Shuakat, M. N., Nguyen, T. A., Zelcer, J., & Vaughan, S. (2023) · Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria · doi:10.1071/rs23013 · Cited by 9
Fatigue Crack and Residual Life Prediction Based on an Adaptive Dynamic Bayesian Network
Chen, S., Ma, Y., Wang, Z., Liu, M., & Wu, Z. (2024) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app14093808 · Cited by 9
Park, S. C., Maliphol, S., Woo, J., & Liu, F. (2024) · Electronics · doi:10.3390/electronics13122258 · Cited by 9
Kim, J.-W., & Lee, H.-S. (2024) · IEEE Internet of Things Journal · doi:10.1109/jiot.2024.3439852 · Cited by 9
“DigitalObjectIdentifier 10.1109/JIOT.2024.3439852 DTs [2].”
MethodInfluentialAcies-OS: A Content-Centric Platform for Edge AI Twinning and Orchestration
Li, J., Chen, Y., Kimura, T., Wang, T., Wang, R., Kara, D., Hu, Y. C., Li, W., Hanafy, W. A., Souza, A., et al. (2024) · International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks (ICCCN) · doi:10.1109/icccn61486.2024.10637580 · Cited by 9
“The concept of the digital twin originated from NASA’s early simulations of spacecraft systems, where mirroring physical systems in a digital framework allowed for effective management of complex operations [1].”
BackgroundWater Management Optimization in Agriculture: a Digital Model Development
Preite, L., Solari, F., & Vignali, G. (2024) · Water Resources Management · doi:10.1007/s11269-024-04030-4 · Cited by 10
“A digital twin is an accurate replica of a real process able to bidirectionally communicate with the physical layer (Singh et al. 2021 ).”
A Conceptual Framework for Planning Road Digital Twins
Buuveibaatar, M., Brilakis, I., Peck, M., Economides, G., & Lee, W. (2025) · Buildings · doi:10.3390/buildings15030316 · Cited by 10
“Improved quality (e.g., overall quality); • Improved services (e.g., customer experience); • Operations cost (e.g., improved product design and engineering change);”
Agile Construction Digital Twin Engineering
Zech, P., Jäger, A., Schneiderbauer, L., Exenberger, H., Fröch, G., & Flora, M. (2025) · Buildings · doi:10.3390/buildings15030386 · Cited by 10
Augmented reality mobile digital twin for unmanned aerial vehicle wildfire prevention
Costa, C. S., Gomes, E., Rodrigues, N., Gonçalves, A., Ribeiro, R., Costa, P., & Pereira, A. M. D. J. (2025) · Virtual Reality · doi:10.1007/s10055-025-01145-w · Cited by 11
“A DT is a virtual representation of a physical entity, linked by a real-time data exchange that captures all the essential char - acteristics of a product or system (Singh et al. 2021 ; Zheng et al. 2021 ; Jones et al. 2020 ; Errandonea et al. 2020 ).”
Mohammed, S. A., Murad, S. S., Albeyboni, H. J., Soltani, M. D., Ahmed, R. A., Badeel, R., & Chen, P. (2025) · Telecom · doi:10.3390/telecom6020035 · Cited by 11
An Ontology Proposal for Implementing Digital Twins in Hospitality: The Case of Front-End Services
Segura-Cedres, M., Manzano-Farray, D., Aguiar-Castillo, L., Pérez‐Jiménez, R., & Guerra, V. (2025) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s25144504 · Cited by 9
“Despite their potential, DTs have been underutilized in these contexts due to high implementation costs, integration complexity with legacy systems, and limited awareness of their applicability beyond industrial domains [4,5].”
Zhu, J., Yang, Y., Xi, M., Ji, S., Jia, L., & Hu, T. (2025) · Journal of Industrial Information Integration · doi:10.1016/j.jii.2025.100942 · Cited by 10
Ontology-Driven Digital Twin Framework for Aviation Maintenance and Operations
Kabashkin, I. (2025) · Mathematics · doi:10.3390/math13172817 · Cited by 9
“Recent advancements in digital technologies have introduced the concept of the digital twin (DT) as a dynamic, data-driven virtual replica of a physical asset that synchronizes with the real system throughout its lifecycle [4].”
Pilakkat, D., Balasubramanian, K., & Rajendran, S. R. (2025) · IEEE Access · doi:10.1109/access.2025.3644889 · Cited by 9
Digital twin applications in healthcare for people living with disability
Olawade, D. B., Almarzook, S., Ogunbona, M. A., Makanjuola, B. D., Olawuyi, O. F., & Wada, O. Z. (2026) · International Journal of Medical Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2026.106359 · Cited by 9
An Overview on Smart Scheduling in MES: In the Context of Industry 4.0
Shakeri, Z., & Benfriha, K. (2022) · International Conference on Automation and Computing (ICAC) · doi:10.1109/icac55051.2022.9911166 · Cited by 9
“However, the entire system can’t be disrupted to schedule regularly [21].”
BackgroundDesign of Manufacturing Systems Based on Digital Shadow and Robust Engineering
Mourtzis, D., & Balkamos, N. (2023) · Applied Sciences · doi:10.3390/app13085184 · Cited by 9
A categorical approach for defining digital twins in the AECO industry
Ghorbani, Z., & Messner, J. I. (2024) · Journal of Information Technology in Construction · doi:10.36680/j.itcon.2024.010 · Cited by 11
“Similarly, Singh et al. (2021) classified DTs based on the creation time, level of integration, hierarchical perspective, level of maturity, and sophistication level.”
BackgroundTowards a Digital Twin Modelling Notation
Corradini, F., Fedeli, A., Polini, A., & Re, B. (2022) · IEEE Intl Conf on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure Computing, Intl Conf on Pervasive Intelligence and Computing, Intl Conf on Cloud and Big Data Computing, Intl Conf on Cyber Science and Technology Congress (DASC/PiCom/CBDCom/CyberSciTech) · doi:10.1109/dasc/picom/cbdcom/cy55231.2022.9927827 · Cited by 9
“DTs are recognised as the pioneer of the fourth industrial revolution [1].”
BackgroundComputational fluid dynamics modeling of a wafer etch temperature control system
Oyama, H., Nieman, K., Tran, T. A., Keville, B., Wu, Y., & Durand, H. (2023) · Digital Chemical Engineering · doi:10.1016/j.dche.2023.100102 · Cited by 9
Introduction, History, and Concept of Digital Twin
Rajamurugu, N., & Karthik, M. K. (2022) · Wiley eBooks · doi:10.1002/9781119842316.ch2 · Cited by 10
Digital Twin Framework for Smart Campus to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emission
Kim, J. B., Wang, F., Khanna, S. K., Balakrishnan, B., Uddin, M., Aman, J., & Thipparthi, V. V. R. (2023) · IEEE Smart World Congress (SWC) · doi:10.1109/swc57546.2023.10448799 · Cited by 8
“Shigh et al. explained that digital twins are not just models that mimic their physical attributes [9].”
Background5‐2: Unveiling Privacy Challenges: Big Data‐Driven Digital Twins in Smart City Applications
Zheng, Y., Li, T., Ma, W., Zheng, J., Li, Z., & Wang, L. (2024) · SID Symposium Digest of Technical Papers · doi:10.1002/sdtp.16992 · Cited by 8
“However, contemporary advancements in DTs classify and define them based on application domains [9] and integration levels.”
BackgroundMaree, J.-M., Kruger, K., & Basson, A. H. (2024) · ACM/IEEE International Conference on Model Driven Engineering Languages and Systems (MODELS) · doi:10.1145/3652620.3688258 · Cited by 8
“…review of the characteristics and capabilities of a DT is beyond the scope of this paper, but researchers have outlined the following core characteristics of DTs [21, 24, 32, 36]: • Dynamic : The DT and PT over time experience a bi-directional change in state and reported measurements.”
Korsoveczki, G., Vasváry, T., Szarka, A. V., & Sarvajcz, K. (2024) · Measurement Sensors · doi:10.1016/j.measen.2024.101323 · Cited by 8
MAS4DT: A novel proposal for developing Digital Twins following a Multi-Agent system approach
Pretel, E., Zhinín-Vera, L., Navarro, E., López‐Jaquero, V., & González, P. (2025) · Journal of Systems and Software · doi:10.1016/j.jss.2025.112344 · Cited by 9
Digital twin: a driver of sustainable smart cities? Evidence from a bibliometric analysis
Mongo, M., & Daidj, N. (2025) · Environmental Economics and Policy Studies · doi:10.1007/s10018-025-00437-4 · Cited by 10
Digital Twins in Medicine, AI-Driven Personalized Healthcare, and Predictive Analytics
Sen, S., & Kılıç, K. D. (2025) · Advances in computational intelligence and robotics book series · doi:10.4018/979-8-3373-0538-7.ch011 · Cited by 9
Lopes, W. A. C., Rusteiko, A. C., Mendes, C. R., Honório, N. V. C., & Okano, M. T. (2025) · Eng—Advances in Engineering · doi:10.3390/eng6050090 · Cited by 8
“…sensor networks (WSNs) and LoRa technology enables decentralized automation architectures that distribute the communication and control load, reducing bottlenecks and increasing operational flexibility in environments with infrastructure constraints and the need for dynamic adaptation [20].”
Cloud-based Digital Twin Framework and IoT for Smart Emergency Departments in Hospitals
Mutashar, H. Q., Mahmoud, S. M., & Abu-Alsaad, H. A. (2025) · Engineering Technology & Applied Science Research · doi:10.48084/etasr.10290 · Cited by 8
“The application of digital twin technology in emergency healthcare offers significant advantages, as it can minimize errors, inefficiencies, and costs within healthcare systems [8, 11].”
Research on the Digital Twin System of Welding Robots Driven by Data
Wang, S., Jiao, Y., Wang, L., Wang, W., Ma, X., Xu, Q., & Lu, J. (2025) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s25133889 · Cited by 8
“At this time, NASA’s Prof. John Vickers successfully constructed digital twin models of space capsules and vehicles using digital twin technology, and conducted a series of tests and simulation experiments through these models [7].”
Zeng, S., Chen, X., Su, D., & Gong, H. (2025) · Automation in Construction · doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106367 · Cited by 8
Maintenance planning using a digital twin: principles and case studies
Dwight, R. A., Li, W., van Rooij, F., & Scarf, P. (2025) · Reliability Engineering & System Safety · doi:10.1016/j.ress.2025.111496 · Cited by 9
Digital twin integration in metalworking: enhancing efficiency and predictive maintenance
Villegas-Ch, W. E., Gutierrez, R., & Govea, J. (2025) · Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering · doi:10.3389/fmech.2025.1655565 · Cited by 10
“Furthermore, the integration of multisource data into a uni fi ed virtual model enhances the system ’ s capacity to react dynamically to production shifts and external disruptions, enabling sustained optimization of metallurgical processes (Singh et al., 2021).”
Ali, Z. A., Hasan, R., Alsanad, A., Alhogail, A. A., & Gumaei, A. (2025) · Journal of Engineering Research · doi:10.1016/j.jer.2025.08.018 · Cited by 13
Digital twin in railway industry: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review
Zhang, Z.-Y., Shang, D., & Su, S. (2025) · Digital Twin · doi:10.1080/27525783.2025.2533858 · Cited by 14
On digital twins in defense: overview and applications
Giberna, M., Voos, H., Tavares, P. J., Nunes, J., Sorg, T., Masini, A., & Sánchez-López, J. L. (2026) · The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology · doi:10.1177/15485129261441817 · Cited by 19
“The military sector stands to benefit immensely from Digital Twin technologies.”
Loia, F., Perillo, C., & Gravili, G. (2025) · Big Data Research · doi:10.1016/j.bdr.2025.100576 · Cited by 11
Improving the Engineering Process of Control Systems Based on Digital Twin Specifications
Lober, A., Lehmann, J., Häußermann, T. M., Reichwald, J., & Baumgärtel, H. (2022) · International Conference on Emerging Trends in Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering (ELECOM) · doi:10.1109/elecom54934.2022.9965259 · Cited by 8
“[6]”
BackgroundInfluentialShchehlov, V., & Morozova, O. (2022) · Системи управління навігації та зв’язку Збірник наукових праць · doi:10.26906/sunz.2022.4.127 · Cited by 14
Robotic digital twin as a training platform for rehabilitation health personnel
Méndez, D. S., & García, C. (2023) · Enfoque UTE · doi:10.29019/enfoqueute.971 · Cited by 8
“Singh et al in [1] define DT as: “A Digital Twin is a dynamic and self-evolving digital/virtual model or simulation of a reallife subject or object (part, machine, process, human, etc.”
BackgroundTwinSync: A Digital Twin Synchronization Protocol for Bandwidth-Limited IoT Applications
Kalasapura, D., Li, J.-Y., Liu, S.-Z., Chen, Y., Wang, R., Abdelzaher, T., Caesar, M., Bhattacharyya, J., Kim, J. H., Wang, G., et al. (2023) · International Conference on Computer Communications and Networks · doi:10.1109/icccn58024.2023.10230154 · Cited by 15
“NASA is commonly credited for advancing early digital twin technology [13], as they introduced one of the earliest applications of digital twins during the Apollo 13 mission, where NASA leveraged high-fidelity representations of the aircraft to simulate the real-time situation and mitigate a problem with the oxygen ta…”
MethodByrne, T., Murray, N., McDonnell‐Naughton, M., & Rowan, N. J. (2023) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1203937 · Cited by 10
“Applications of DT include real-time monitoring, designing/planning, optimization, maintenance, remote access, and so forth” (50).”
BackgroundSelf-citationBuilding a Digital Twin of a CNC Machine Tool
Kibira, D., Shao, G., Venketesh, R., & Triebe, M. J. (2024) · Winter Simulation Conference · doi:10.1109/wsc63780.2024.10838819 · Cited by 9
“Realizing a digital twin for a manufacturing system has been described as challenging from both technological and commercial points of view (Singh et al. 2021).”
Digital Twins in the Industry: Maturity, Functions, Effects
Korovin, G. B. (2022) · Lecture notes in information systems and organisation · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-94617-3_1 · Cited by 8
Service Oriented, Holonic and Multi-Agent Manufacturing Systems for Industry of the Future
Borangiu, T., Trentesaux, D., & Leitão, P. (2023) · Studies in computational intelligence · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-24291-5 · Cited by 8
Su, S., Hicks, B. J., & Nassehi, A. (2023) · Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing · doi:10.1007/s10845-023-02144-x · Cited by 8
“As these research activities have matured, attention has been given to the high cost associated with implementation (Singh et al., 2021).”
A Fault Detection Framework Based on Data-Driven Digital Shadows
Michalski, M. A. D. C., Melani, A. H. D. A., da Silva, R. F., & de Souza, G. F. M. (2023) · ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems Part B Mechanical Engineering · doi:10.1115/1.4063795 · Cited by 7
Gidiagba, J. O., Daraojimba, C., Ogunjobi, O. A., Ofonagoro, K. A., & Fawole, A. A. (2023) · Economic Growth and Environment Sustainability · doi:10.26480/egnes.02.2023.84.95 · Cited by 7
Metadata
- Authors
- Singh, M., Fuenmayor, E., Hinchy, E., Qiao, Y., Murray, N., & Devine, D.
- Affiliations
- Athlone Institute of Technology (IE)
- University of Limerick (IE)
- Corresponding author
- Devine, Declan
- Venue
- Applied System Innovation
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2021-05-24
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 36
- ISSN
- 2571-5577 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W3164800436
- Cited by
- 1,038
- References
- 72
- Citations by year
- 2026: 189 · 2025: 275 · 2024: 260 · 2023: 198 · 2022: 102 · 2021: 14
- FWCI
- 74.25
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Applied System Innovation (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- University of Limerick Institutional Repository (University of Limerick) (acceptedVersion, other-oa)
- Arrow@dit (Dublin Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- Research@THEA (submittedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- Funders
- Science Foundation Ireland (16/RC/3918)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering › Digital Transformation in Industry
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering › Applied Advanced Technologies
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management of Technology and Innovation › Digital Innovation in Industries
- Keywords
- digital twin, physical twin, Industry 4.0, real-time data exchange, predictive maintenance, digital thread, digital models, digital shadow, terminology confusion, industrial digitalization
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