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Electronics
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Digital Twins in Industry 4.0
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Digital Twins in Industry 4.0

A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Computer Science & Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 23963

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sangchan Park

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Technology and Society, State University of New York Korea, Incheon 119-2, Republic of Korea
Interests: Industry 4.0; digital twins; IoT; healthcare management; digital hospital; health–safety–environment; big data analytics; clinical decision support systems; total quality management; e-learning; educational technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sira Maliphol

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Technology and Society, State University of New York Korea, Incheon 119-2, Republic of Korea
Interests: innovation and development; ICT4D
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jiyoung Woo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
AI and Big Data department, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si 31400, Republic of Korea
Interests: AI; big data
Dr. Liu Fan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Management College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266005, China
Interests: micro-blog service; information continuance intention; elaboration likelihood model (ELM); post-acceptance model (PAM)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to identify the potential for digital twins in Industry 4.0, not only in the manufacturing industry but also in smart communities, in smart education, and in smart development.

Digital twin technology is used in product design and virtual prototyping, predictive maintenance to maintain equipment and facilities, process planning and optimization, enhancing product traceability processes, increasing the level of integration between unconnected systems, the remote troubleshooting of equipment, and in obtaining a better understanding of products by monitoring them in real-time as they are used by real customers or end-users.

The potential gains digital twins offer, however, are still to be uncovered across industries and across the product lifecycle. Potential digital twin applications might include smart communities (smart cities, smart regions, urban and regional planning, energy infrastructures, waste infrastructures), smart education (digital teaching and learning skills, pedagogy design for online-platform-based learning), and smart development (information and communication technologies for sustainable development, also known as ICT4D).

This Special Issue will include, but is not limited to, the application of digital twin technologies to address the following areas:

  • Industry 4.0 and the Metaverse;
  • CPS systems across multiple industries;
  • ICT4D and sustainable development;
  • Monitoring disaster management;
  • Improving safety and reducing risks;
  • Improving smart communities and intelligent infrastructure;
  • Industry 4.0 and smart education.

Prof. Dr. Sangchan Park
Dr. Sira Maliphol
Prof. Dr. Jiyoung Woo 
Dr. Liu Fan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Electronics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digital twins
  • Industry 4.0
  • smart communities
  • smart education
  • smart development (ICT4D)
  • metaverse

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
Digital Twins in Industry 4.0
by Sangchan Park, Sira Maliphol, Jiyoung Woo and Liu Fan
Electronics 2024, 13(12), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13122258 - 8 Jun 2024
Viewed by 869
Abstract
Since Grieves [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)

Research

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12 pages, 5044 KiB  
Article
Engineering, Emulators, Digital Twins, and Performance Engineering
by Ron S. Kenett
Electronics 2024, 13(10), 1829; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13101829 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 1669
Abstract
Developments in digital twins are driven by the availability of sensor technologies, big data, first principles knowledge, and advanced analytics. In this paper, we discuss these changes at a conceptual level, presenting a shift from nominal engineering, aiming at design optimisation, to performance [...] Read more.
Developments in digital twins are driven by the availability of sensor technologies, big data, first principles knowledge, and advanced analytics. In this paper, we discuss these changes at a conceptual level, presenting a shift from nominal engineering, aiming at design optimisation, to performance engineering, aiming at adaptable monitoring diagnostic, prognostic, and prescriptive capabilities. A key element introduced here is the role of emulators in this transformation. Emulators, also called surrogate models or metamodels, provide monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. In particular, we focus on an optimisation goal combining optimised and robust performance derived from stochastic emulators. We demonstrate the methodology using two open-source examples and show how emulators can be used to complement finite element and computational fluid dynamic models in digital twin frameworks. The case studies consist of a mechanical system and a biological production process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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21 pages, 6255 KiB  
Article
Digital Twin-Enabled Modelling of a Multivariable Temperature Uniformity Control System
by Juan Gabriel Araque, Luis Angel, Jairo Viola and Yangquan Chen
Electronics 2024, 13(8), 1419; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081419 - 9 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1083
Abstract
The use of a digital twin as an enabling technology for industry 4.0 provides control systems engineers with novel tools for modelling, designing, and controlling complex systems, providing a deep understanding of the physical asset based not only on its physics but also [...] Read more.
The use of a digital twin as an enabling technology for industry 4.0 provides control systems engineers with novel tools for modelling, designing, and controlling complex systems, providing a deep understanding of the physical asset based not only on its physics but also the real system’s response. It is particularly critical for uniformity temperature control applications, where providing a reasonable model of the system’s diffusion is always affected by the physical behavior of the system’s components required for heating, cooling, or power distribution. In this paper, a digital twin is used to represent a multivariable thermoelectric system employed for temperature uniformity distribution control with potential applications in semiconductor manufacturing. The modelling employs a five-step methodological framework consisting of the stages: target system definition, system description, multiphysics and data-driven simulation, behavioral matching, and implementation to represent the system’s temperature distribution accurately. The temperature distribution is measured using an infrared thermal camera to perform model behavioral matching on heating and cooling temperature uniformity applications. The obtained results indicated that using digital twins not only increases the accuracy of the system’s representation but can also provide the system with novel information that can be leveraged for the design and implementation of smart control systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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23 pages, 4148 KiB  
Article
Medium-Level Architectures for Digital Twins: Bridging Conceptual Reference Architectures to Practical Implementation in Cloud, Edge and Cloud–Edge Deployments
by Michel Fett, Marcel Kraft, Fabian Wilking, Stefan Goetz, Sandro Wartzack and Eckhard Kirchner
Electronics 2024, 13(7), 1373; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13071373 - 5 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1246
Abstract
The integration of Digital Twins (DTs) is becoming increasingly important in various industries. This entails the need for a comprehensive and practical IT infrastructure framework. This paper presents a modifiable medium-level architecture that serves as a link between established reference architectures such as [...] Read more.
The integration of Digital Twins (DTs) is becoming increasingly important in various industries. This entails the need for a comprehensive and practical IT infrastructure framework. This paper presents a modifiable medium-level architecture that serves as a link between established reference architectures such as RAMI 4.0 and the pragmatic implementation of Digital Twins. The functionalities of an IT infrastructure are considered, and functional hardware and software components for fulfilling these are described. The proposed architecture is suitable for various deployment scenarios, including local, cloud and hybrid cloud–edge configurations. In order to improve the applicability of the medium-level architecture, a step-by-step procedure is also proposed, which helps to transfer the overarching requirements for a Digital Twin into a suitable IT infrastructure. Finally, the results are demonstrated by an exemplary application to a two-stage industrial gearbox. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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22 pages, 14714 KiB  
Article
Development of Mobile App to Enable Local Update on Mapping API: Construction Sites Monitoring through Digital Twin
by Alfredo Valenzuela, Jongseong Brad Choi, Ricardo Ortiz, Byungkon Kang, Michael Kim and Taewook Kang
Electronics 2023, 12(23), 4738; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12234738 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1110
Abstract
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have emerged as a promising solution for reconnaissance missions, overcoming labor cost, frequency, and subjectivity issues associated with manual procedures. However, for dynamic environments such as construction sites, the constantly changing conditions hinder a manager from planning the UGV’s [...] Read more.
Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) have emerged as a promising solution for reconnaissance missions, overcoming labor cost, frequency, and subjectivity issues associated with manual procedures. However, for dynamic environments such as construction sites, the constantly changing conditions hinder a manager from planning the UGV’s paths. For an autonomous monitoring mission, the path planning should be dealt with by having a map with the site’s most recent scene. In this study, we develop a mobile app capable of local map updates by overlaying an image on a mapping API (e.g., Google Maps) hence working as a digital twin capable of creating a dynamic representation of the updated terrain over the mapping API. UGV operators can draw a path on such an updated construction scene using a tablet PC or smartphone. Discrete GPS information (e.g., latitudinal, and longitudinal) is executed for the UGV’s controller. In the overlaying procedure, the homographic relation between the image and map is automatically computed and then projected. We successfully demonstrated the capabilities of the technique with two construction sites and a soccer field using images from the ground and satellite, respectively. The error generation is quantitatively measured and analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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19 pages, 1444 KiB  
Article
Digital Twin for Math Education: A Study on the Utilization of Games and Gamification for University Mathematics Education
by Jung Yeop Lee, Chong Un Pyon and Jiyoung Woo
Electronics 2023, 12(15), 3207; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12153207 - 25 Jul 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5548
Abstract
Gamification has emerged as a promising strategy for engaging students and enhancing learning outcomes across various disciplines, including education. It involves incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts to motivate and engage users. Extensive research has demonstrated the positive impact of gamification on student [...] Read more.
Gamification has emerged as a promising strategy for engaging students and enhancing learning outcomes across various disciplines, including education. It involves incorporating game-like elements into non-game contexts to motivate and engage users. Extensive research has demonstrated the positive impact of gamification on student engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes in diverse subjects, including mathematics. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research on the effectiveness of gamification in mathematics education. To bridge this gap, we investigated the effects of gamification in college mathematics education, with a specific emphasis on students from liberal arts backgrounds who may lack foundational mathematical knowledge. In this work, we designed and implemented a gamified mathematics course tailored for liberal arts students in a Korean university. Leveraging digital twin technology for game and gamification, we created an immersive learning environment that allows students to visualize mathematical concepts through games, pair gamification factors on physical and virtual worlds, and engage in interactive problem-solving activities. The effectiveness of this gamified course in improving students’ engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes was thoroughly evaluated. Digital twin technology, in conjunction with gamification, holds immense potential to revolutionize the way mathematics is taught and learned, making it more accessible, interactive, and engaging for students from diverse educational backgrounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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23 pages, 3646 KiB  
Article
A Hybrid Ensemble Model for Solar Irradiance Forecasting: Advancing Digital Models for Smart Island Realization
by Dayeong So, Jinyeong Oh, Subeen Leem, Hwimyeong Ha and Jihoon Moon
Electronics 2023, 12(12), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12122607 - 9 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1634
Abstract
This study introduces HYTREM, a hybrid tree-based ensemble learning model conceived with the sustainable development of eco-friendly transportation and renewable energy in mind. Designed as a digital model, HYTREM primarily aims to enhance solar power generation systems’ efficiency via accurate solar irradiance forecasting. [...] Read more.
This study introduces HYTREM, a hybrid tree-based ensemble learning model conceived with the sustainable development of eco-friendly transportation and renewable energy in mind. Designed as a digital model, HYTREM primarily aims to enhance solar power generation systems’ efficiency via accurate solar irradiance forecasting. Its potential application extends to regions such as Jeju Island, which is committed to advancing renewable energy. The model’s development process involved collecting hourly solar irradiance and weather-related data from two distinct regions. After data preprocessing, input variables configuration, and dataset partitioning into training and testing sets, several tree-based ensemble learning models—including extreme gradient boosting, light gradient boosting machine, categorical boosting, and random forest (RF)—were employed to generate prediction values in HYTREM. To improve forecasting accuracy, separate RF models were constructed for each hour. Experimental results validated the superior performance of HYTREM over state-of-the-art models, demonstrating the lowest mean absolute error, root mean square error (RMSE), and normalized RMSE values across both regions. Due to its transparency and efficiency, this approach suits energy providers with limited computational resources. Ultimately, HYTREM is a stepping stone towards developing advanced digital twin systems, highlighting the importance of precise forecasting in managing renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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26 pages, 7846 KiB  
Article
Digital Twins in the Marine Industry
by Zhihan Lv, Haibin Lv and Mikael Fridenfalk
Electronics 2023, 12(9), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12092025 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6345
Abstract
The ocean holds abundant resources, but the utilization of those resources for the marine economy presents a complex and dynamic industrial situation. Exploring sustainable development in this industry is of practical value, as it involves the rational use of marine resources while protecting [...] Read more.
The ocean holds abundant resources, but the utilization of those resources for the marine economy presents a complex and dynamic industrial situation. Exploring sustainable development in this industry is of practical value, as it involves the rational use of marine resources while protecting the environment. This study provides an innovative review of the current application status of Digital Twins Technology (DTT) in various sectors of the marine industry, including the ship-building industry (SBI), Offshore Oil and Gas Industry, marine fishery, and marine energy industry. The findings reveal that DTT offers robust support for full life cycle management (LCM) in SBI, including digital design, intelligent processing, operation, and error management. Furthermore, this work delves into the challenges and prospects of DTT application in the marine industry, aiming to provide reference and direction for intelligent systems in the industry and guide the rational development and utilization of marine resources in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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Review

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26 pages, 1958 KiB  
Review
Digital Twins in Agriculture: A Review of Recent Progress and Open Issues
by Li Wang
Electronics 2024, 13(11), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13112209 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2754
Abstract
Digital twin technology is expected to transform agriculture. By creating the virtual representation of a physical entity, it assists food producers in monitoring, predicting, and optimizing the production process remotely and even autonomously. However, the progress in this area is relatively slower than [...] Read more.
Digital twin technology is expected to transform agriculture. By creating the virtual representation of a physical entity, it assists food producers in monitoring, predicting, and optimizing the production process remotely and even autonomously. However, the progress in this area is relatively slower than in industries like manufacturing. A systematic investigation of agricultural digital twins’ current status and progress is imperative. With seventy published papers, this work elaborated on the studies targeting agricultural digital twins from overall trends, focused areas (including domains, processes, and topics), reference architectures, and open questions, which could help scholars examine their research agenda and support the further development of digital twins in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Twins in Industry 4.0)
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