What are the industrial applications of digital twins and IoT? – Intelligent CIO Middle East

As the Middle East continues to diversify its economy and invest in smart technologies, digital twins and IoT are combining to develop digital models for physical assets that drive efficiency and sustainability across key industries in the region, explains Talal Shaikh of Heriot-Watt University in Dubai.

Rapid technological advancements have transformed industries across the globe, and the Middle East is no exception. One of the most promising innovations the world is witnessing is the connection of digital twins with the Internet of Things, IoT devices; a connection that has the potential to transform the industrial ecosystem.

As the Middle East continues to diversify its economy and invest in smart technologies, the use of digital twins continues to gain ground in the region. Digital twins and IoT are combining to develop comprehensive digital models for physical assets that drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across key sectors in the Middle East.

Digital twins are virtual replicas of something physical, such as machinery or any other industrial structure. They use real-time data from IoT devices to create an accurate, dynamic model that reflects the state and behavior of the physical entity. This essentially means that organizations can monitor, evaluate, and optimize their assets without physically getting involved.

IoT devices, in turn, are physical objects equipped with sensors, software, and connectivity features that enable them to collect and exchange data.

In industrial settings, these objects are connected to machines or products for which they collect information on factors such as temperature, pressure, vibration, and more. These gadgets provide key real-time data needed by the digital twin, influencing decision-making processes and improving operational efficiency through feedback loops.

Predictive maintenance stands out as one of the key benefits of the synergy between digital twins and IoT. By continuously tracking the condition of equipment using IoT sensors embedded in digital twins, potential machine failures can be predicted, allowing maintenance to be scheduled before failures occur.

This not only reduces downtime, but also extends the life of your equipment, translating into significant cost savings.

In addition, digital twins enable process optimization by providing a holistic view of operations. Testing different strategies using simulations within the digital twin helps industry players identify the best strategies before executing them, thereby avoiding the risks associated with operational changes and ensuring data-driven decisions.

The integration of digital twins and the Internet of Things drives innovation through the development of new products and services.

For example, a manufacturer can conduct real-world quality tests of a product’s performance under a variety of conditions using virtual technology that shows how an identical component would perform, virtually warming it up for better design and improvement long before production begins. This speeds up time to market and improves the quality of the final product as well.

Digital twins and IoT are widely used in various sectors such as oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, utilities, healthcare, etc.

Digital transformation and sustainable development continue to attract investment from the region. The implementation of these technologies is expected to boost economic growth and increase competitiveness.

*Talal Shaikh, Associate Professor, School of Mathematics and Computer Science, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai*

Oil and gas

Digital twins are enabling increased efficiency and sustainability in the oil and gas industry. They provide real-time visibility into multiple process variables, including field equipment and personnel operating the machines.

Companies can monitor their operations in real time by developing digital twins of their rigs, refineries, or pipelines. For example, pressure anomalies in pipelines can be detected using IoT sensors, while the digital twin simulates how such anomalies affect the entire system. This allows for quick action to correct any faults, reducing the risk of leaks and other environmental hazards.

Production

The manufacturing sector in the Middle East is moving towards the Industry 4.0 revolution, transforming into smart factories enhanced by the integration of digital twins and IoT. Real-time monitoring combined with optimization enabled by digital twins of manufacturing processes, equipment facilitates higher efficiency on production lines.

Manufacturers are using analytics-driven insights to improve quality by monitoring step-by-step conditions, understanding equipment performance, and observing how customers use products. Similarly, IoT-connected products are helping manufacturers build loyalty by offering customers new value-added digital services, thereby improving the overall customer experience.

Construction

Digital twins monitor energy use, structural health, and occupancy in real time, thereby optimizing building management. They can identify inefficiencies, monitor building health, track energy use, predict maintenance needs, and prevent failures.

This approach increases sustainability, safety and efficiency in building operations. For example, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is a prime example of one of the smartest buildings in the city. It uses sensors to manage and optimise air quality, lighting and temperature.

Transport

Digital twins have transformed transportation systems by monitoring traffic, road conditions, and vehicle performance using real-time sensor data. They enable predictive maintenance by simulating traffic scenarios, optimizing traffic flow.

For example, the Roads and Transport Authority, RTA in Dubai is able to increase the efficiency of its public transport network, including the Dubai Metro system, by using digital twins. To do this, it has partnered with telecommunications provider du.

Health

The integration of digital twin technology into healthcare is gaining momentum, with key industry players such as American Hospital Dubai and Aster DM Healthcare leading the way.

Aster’s einstAIn platform, which aggregates different types of data into a high-performance hub that uses AI and machine learning to create accurate digital twins of patients. The technology is seen as essential to delivering personalized healthcare and addressing the global burden of chronic disease.

Utility

Digital twins use real-time monitoring and advanced analytics to improve the management of utilities such as water, electricity and waste. For example, the Abu Dhabi government worked with AECOM to improve the management of the Al-Raha Beach Development’s drinking water networks.

Digital twins were able to simulate several decay rates and measure water quality metrics, ensuring compliance with regional standards. This strategy helped reduce the need for extensive test runs and lower capital costs by 30%.

As the Middle East embraces digitalization, the integration of IoT and digital twins is key to the region’s industrial development. Digital twins can help industries in the region operate more efficiently, innovate, and improve sustainability.

The deployment of digital twins and the Internet of Things in the Middle East is not just a technological wave; it is a strategic necessity for a region seeking to diversify its economy and become a global leader in the digital world.

Click below to share this article