Digital Twins

Definition ∞ Digital twins are virtual representations of physical objects, systems, or processes. These virtual models are continuously updated with real-time data from their physical counterparts, enabling precise monitoring, analysis, and simulation. They provide a dynamic link between the physical and digital worlds, allowing for predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and scenario testing without affecting actual operations. This technology offers a comprehensive digital proxy for complex real-world entities.
Context ∞ The application of digital twins is gaining traction in industrial sectors, smart cities, and supply chain management, with potential integrations into blockchain for secure data sharing and verification. Debates often address the data privacy and security challenges associated with collecting and transmitting extensive real-time operational data. Future advancements will likely involve more sophisticated AI integration and broader interoperability across diverse physical systems.