Digital twins for the designs of systems: a perspective

The design and operation of systems are conventionally viewed as a sequential decision-making process that is informed by data from physical experiments and simulations. However, the integration of these high-dimensional and heterogeneous data sources requires the consideration of the impact of a decision on a system’s remaining life cycle. Consequently, this introduces a degree of complexity that in most cases can only be solved through a simplified decision-making approach. In this perspective paper, we use the digital twin concept to formulate an integrated perspective for the design of systems. Specifically, we show how the digital twin concept enables the integration of system design decisions and operational decisions during each stage of a system’s life cycle. This perspective has two advantages: (i) improved system performance as more effective decisions can be made, and (ii) improved data efficiency as it provides a framework to utilize data from multiple sources and design instances. The novelty in the presented perspective is that it necessitates an approach that enables fleet-level (i.e., decisions that influence a plurality of systems) and system-level decisions. From a formal definition, we identify a set of eight capabilities that are vital constructs to bring about the potential, as defined in this paper, that the digital twin concept holds for the design of systems. Subsequently, by comparing these capabilities with the available literature on digital twins, we identify research questions and forecast their broader impact. By conceptualizing the potential that the digital twin concept holds for the design of systems, we hope to contribute to the convergence of definitions, problem formulations, research gaps, and value propositions in this burgeoning field. Addressing the research questions, associated with the digital twin-inspired formulation for the design of systems, will bring about more advanced systems that can meet some of the societies’ grand challenges.