In today's technological world, the Metaverse is a well-deserved industry focus. For the manufacturing industry, the industry hopes that the Metaverse can meet the market's rising business needs for smart parks, smart factories, digital production lines, etc., thus giving birth to the subdivision concept of "Industrial Metaverse".

 

Smart manufacturing is also expected to take advantage of this trend and accelerate the research and development of ICT technology to connect the manufacturing OT field. Therefore, the virtual-real mapping and real-time synchronization features driven by digital twin technology, and the data visualization, real-time interaction, and cross-platform features driven by real-time 3D technology together constitute the key technologies to create the prototype of the industrial metaverse.

 

The concept of digital twins can be traced back to 2002, when Dr. Michael Grievous of the University of Michigan proposed the concept of "information mirror model" at a forum held by the American Industrial Manufacturing Engineering Association, which was later called "digital twins." Digital twins use 3D modeling, sensors, Internet of Things and other technical means to replicate a "digital body" online that is almost consistent with reality. This digital body can record every move in reality through a large amount of data and "project" it into the system.

 

The application of digital twin technology can not only establish digital twin models for products that can achieve virtual and real integration, but also help enterprises build digital twin models of factories.

 

For example, before the construction of a new factory, companies can use digital factory simulation technology to build a digital twin model of the factory and conduct virtual debugging of the automation control system and production lines; during factory construction, the digital twin model can be used as a guide for on-site construction and also AR and other technologies can be used to guide construction at the construction site; during the formal operation after the factory is built, the operating status and performance of the physical factory's production equipment, logistics equipment, inspection and test equipment, production lines and instruments can be monitored through its digital twin model. And visualize key data such as production quality, output, energy consumption, and industrial safety, and conduct analysis and optimization on this basis to help factories increase production capacity, improve quality, reduce energy consumption, eliminate safety hazards, and avoid safety accidents.

 

Therefore, digital twins are the core technology for enterprises to improve product innovation capabilities and build smart factories, and have broad application prospects.