Chapter 1
What Is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is an up-to-date representation of an actual physical asset in operation.
As a representation of an asset in operation, a digital twin reflects the current asset condition and includes relevant historical data about the asset.
Digital twins can be used to evaluate the current condition of the asset and, more importantly, predict future behavior, refine the control, or optimize operation.
A digital twin can model:
- A component
- A system of components
- A system of systems
Examples include pumps, engines, power plants, manufacturing lines, and a fleet of vehicles.
![Triplex Pump](https://es.mathworks.com/campaigns/offers/next/digital-twins-for-predictive-maintenance/_jcr_content/mainParsys/band_2102914970_copy/mainParsys/columns_1548381765/3336e1ff-fca7-4b59-a4de-b7143ca7b0b4/image.adapt.full.medium.jpg/1721749750358.jpg)
Triplex pump
![Vehicle fleet](https://es.mathworks.com/campaigns/offers/next/digital-twins-for-predictive-maintenance/_jcr_content/mainParsys/band_2102914970_copy/mainParsys/columns_1548381765/3336e1ff-fca7-4b59-a4de-b7143ca7b0b4/image_577118518.adapt.full.medium.jpg/1721749750366.jpg)
Vehicle fleet
![Power plant](https://es.mathworks.com/campaigns/offers/next/digital-twins-for-predictive-maintenance/_jcr_content/mainParsys/band_2102914970_copy/mainParsys/columns_1548381765/3336e1ff-fca7-4b59-a4de-b7143ca7b0b4/image_1730406346.adapt.full.medium.jpg/1721749750374.jpg)
Power plant