DarTwin is the first project to model DTSs as evolving systems, supporting various forms of evolution throughout the DTS lifecycle, including purpose changes, addition of DTs and environment shifts. Current research on DTSs studies individual lifecycle phases (e.g., design, operation) but not the underlying causes and aspects of DTS evolution. DarTwin positions the continual evolution of DTSs as a fundamental guiding principle.
Digital twins (DTs) are virtual counterparts to cyber-physical systems (CPSs) enabling advanced DT services such as real-time simulation of what if -scenarios, predictive maintenance, and complex behavioural reasoning. Typically, when a digital twin system (DTS) is established, a single DT is created for an actual system (AS) to fulfil certain high-level goals, known as DT purposes. Throughout the DTS’s lifecycle, various aspects (DT purposes, AS configuration or environment) evolve, and thus require the addition of new DTs, or the changing/removing of existing ones. For example, an energy-saving DT might be added to a DTS that controls heat and air quality, potentially adding opposing goals and conflicts (e.g., heating vs. saving energy). Currently, no methodology exists for the systematic evolution of DTSs, and discovering and managing conflicts.
Goal
This project will develop MetaTwins as a concept that embraces the constant evolution of DTSs as core principle. MetaTwins are dedicated DTS representations, similar to DTs that represent an AS. They orchestrate evolution in the DTS by adding, removing, and modifying its DTs, while sustaining the DTS’s purposes and validity. They provide essential services such as change discovery, Impact analyses, and simulation of the interplay among DTs, and with the AS.
Duration
05/2026 – 04/2030
Funding
Austrian Science Fund (FWF)
Partner
Prof. Joachim Denil, University of Antwerp
Contact
Manuel Wimmer
Stefan Klikovits