Development of Digital Twins with Blockchain Technology

A digital twin is the replica of a physical asset. A digital twin can be used for various different purposes and is most closely associated with IoT (Internet of Things.) Digital twins are used for processes, products, and services. One example might be a simulated airplane engine that can be digitally tested. Another example might be a security system that uses sensors to monitor movement in a building. The digital twin is directly related to the physical asset.

Why do we need digital twins?

Digital twins provide many benefits. When used for testing or development they provide us with safety and a cost-effectiveness. It is much cheaper to test a simulated engine than to wreck a real one. It also allows us to test products without ruining them and providing maximum feedback. Using sensors and IoT we can instantaneously measure data as tests are being made. In manufacturing digital twins provide system management, data tracking, and other benefits.

The problem.

There is a lot of data. Moving data takes a lot of power and security measures. It is costly and if this data isn’t secure it can be even more costly. Storing data is also a big obstacle, it can be very costly. A lot of data is still subject to hacking or human error which is a big problem. Also with the majority of companies having offices internationally or across states, there is the problem of where to store all of this data.

Obstacles

• • Storage
  • Security
  • Data Transfer
  • Data Collection
  • Data Organization

The solution

Blockchain may have brought us bitcoin, but where it really belongs is with IoT. Blockchain nearly solves all of these problems. Let’s take a look at how blockchain works. Blockchain is the name of a new process that moves data using cryptology by creating blocks that are all connected. Take a look at the process below.

The benefit of using blockchain is that each block is encrypted and attached to the block before and after it. This means that in order to hack a block you would have to somehow change all of the blocks. It also means that once a block is made it cannot be changed unless an authorization is made. As you can see in the diagram above each authorized party will have access to the same block. This eliminates human error problems. This also saves on storage. Blockchain is fully decentralized which is another benefit.

So how does blockchain connect to digital twins?

IBM has invested heavily in blockchain and has created a department especially for digital twins. IBM Watson IoT is creating digital twins by using blockchain and also implementing blockchain into existing digital twins. Blockchain with the solutions listed above, has the power to make digital twins more effective and possibly take it to the next level.

Being that digital twins were so expensive, the industries that were able to take advantage of this technology were limited.

With blockchain every aspect of the digital twin will be drastically cheaper and allow digital twins to be created for more industries. It is estimated that the digital twins market will reach 15.66 Billion USD by the year 2023. It is expected to affect around 80% of large companies. China, Japan, and India are expected to see the largest investment in the digital twins industry. This fact is do to the large manufacturing industry in these countries. The USA is expected to see a large investment in blockchain/digital twins for consumers IoT products.

Digital twins are also expected to rise as they are directly tied to the 3d printing industry. Which is already a 20 billion USD industry and rising.

No matter what industry you are in creating a digital twin is relative to you. Whether you have a digital twin or are creating one, blockchain is the solution for you. If you are unsure or still don’t understand, call today and get a free consultation.

Download a FREE whitepaper to understand how to innovate with Blockchain.