Competence center digital twin.NRW
Research, innovation, and continuing education infrastructure for the digital twin in manufacturing
The competence center aims to establish an integrated infrastructure for the digital twin, encompassing a “Digital Twin Factory” that can be experienced in both physical and virtual environments. This integrates IIoT technologies deployed within a real-world manufacturing and research setting as well as in a networked virtual data space (comprising software and platforms connected via cloud infrastructures).
A key component is the delivery of skills related to digital twins, tailored to specific target groups. Interactive learning stations enable users to work with digital twins of real components and manufacturing processes, and to explore the interrelationships between production and the digital twin through scenarios and simulations.
Visit us at our showrooms at the Melaten Campus in Aachen.
Target groups
Educational institutions
„As a student, I would like to be able to follow the step-by-step production of a component using a digital twin in order to better understand the processes involved in modern manufacturing technologies.“
Research institutions
„As a scientist, I would like to access process and quality data and analyze them using my own models in order to develop and validate new methods for process optimization.“
Industrial customers
„I would like to quickly grasp the economic and technological advantages of FIS in order to decide on its integration into our digitalization strategy.
Professional and Specialist Associations
„As a network manager, I would like to receive information on best practices and application scenarios for digital twins in an accessible format, so that I can share them effectively with our members and collaborate on shaping future topics.“
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is an exact virtual representation of a real physical object throughout its entire lifecycle.
Such an object can be a single component, a system, or an entire system of systems. The representation encompasses all properties and behavioral aspects relevant to the specific application.
As a key component of Industry 4.0, the digital twin links real operational data with virtual models.
Application areas of a digital twin
The fields of application for the digital twin are diverse and span the entire value chain of a smart factory.
Business data management
Digital product passpart
Circular manufacturing
Tracebility
Product carbon footprint
Quality management
Digital twin – Basic Production Technology 230
Manufacturing is the engine of innovation. Only when an idea makes the journey from research and development to manufacturing—and does so at the right moment—can it succeed in the marketplace. In an era of global upheaval and dynamic markets, this is precisely what determines the competitiveness and future viability of our companies.
“We bring together people who not only talk about the future but shape it.”
RWTH Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Bergs
Digitale Manufacturing process chain and infrastructure
Industry and research place different demands on the handling of data, processes, and models.
Using two demonstrator components (a single blade from the aerospace sector and a drive shaft from the automotive sector), the graphic illustrates how the digital twin helps make complex interrelationships transparent and actionable.
