“Digital twin” is a term that is used frequently, broadly, and in varied situations. There are 3 related concepts: digital model, digital shadow, and digital twin. Their definitions can differ depending on context and source, especially since all three are so similar. For that purpose, we want to review their definitions and how we use the terms in Bioindustry 4.0.

A digital model is a virtual representation of a physical counterpart, be it an object, a system, or a process. Digital models are used in various forms – from 3D models to algorithms. Models are often used for simulations or prognosis purposes, and they are extremely useful e.g., in data analysis.

A digital shadow is a digital representation of a physical asset. However, the digital shadow does not just imitate or mirror the given asset, system, or process, it actually collects data from it automatically. This means the digital shadow is synched, or at least up-to-date, with the physical entity it shadows. A biotech company might create a digital shadow of its production line to monitor and analyse its processes – for backup purposes, optimisation, and data-driven decision making.

A digital twin is not merely a virtual representation of its counterpart but involves a real-time (or close to real-time) connection between both, and a two-way information flow – not merely between the asset and its twin, but also from the twin back to the physical asset it represents.

A digital model is a virtual representation of a physical counterpart, be it an object, a system, or a process. Digital models are used in various forms – from 3D models to algorithms. Models are often used for simulations or prognosis purposes, and they are extremely useful e.g., in data analysis.

A digital shadow is a digital representation of a physical asset. However, the digital shadow does not just imitate or mirror the given asset, system, or process, it actually collects data from it automatically. This means the digital shadow is synched, or at least up-to-date, with the physical entity it shadows. A biotech company might create a digital shadow of its production line to monitor and analyse its processes – for backup purposes, optimisation, and data-driven decision making.

A digital twin is not merely a virtual representation of its counterpart but involves a real-time (or close to real-time) connection between both, and a two-way information flow – not merely between the asset and its twin, but also from the twin back to the physical asset it represents.

In summary, a digital model does not include any automated data flows between the digital and physical worlds and, unless it’s manually updated, is undeviating. A digital shadow strongly mirrors the physical world and exhibits automated data flow from the physical asset to its virtual shadow. A digital twin has the strongest connection between the physical asset and its virtual counterpart, and it exhibits data flow in both directions.