With real-time data against disasters

Digital twins combine precise (3D) models with real-time data. They enable a virtual exploration of objects or cities like in a video game and provide relevant analyses and forecasts. Digital twins use positioning data from GEO information systems (GIS) and image and survey data from drones to create a virtual replica of a physical object, process or system that is updated in near real time. This digital representation makes it possible to analyze and simulate data to gain insights into the performance and condition of the physical counterpart.

Virtual twins revolutionize industry and smart cities

Visualization of a digital twin system with real-time simulation on the factory floor - for process automation and maintenance work. © Image: stock.adobe.com/ Charoen

Digital twins can be used in various areas, including manufacturing, where they are used to optimize production processes and predict maintenance requirements. In healthcare, they enable personalized medicine by simulating treatment plans. In urban planning, they help to develop smart cities by modeling infrastructures. In the energy sector, they are used to monitor and optimize power plants and power grids, and in agriculture, they help to maximize crop yields and optimize the use of resources. The potential applications of digital twins are therefore almost limitless. 40 Eviden employees were responsible for creating one of the largest digital city twins in Europe: Cottbus. The model is intended to support urban planning, flood simulations and construction projects, among other things.

Simulation of water mass movements

Eviden is increasingly in demand in the area of internal security, and the company also supports the creation of situation reports for disaster control. Digital topographical maps can be used to simulate where masses of water will spread when rivers burst their banks. Where do emergency services then have to evacuate people? During the night, this will usually be from their homes; during the day, they will be taken from schools, offices and workplaces.
Where do you position the emergency services' ladder trucks in order to reach every house in the area as quickly as possible? This question is not answered with sufficient accuracy by conventional GPS systems because emergency services with blue lights enjoy the special right of way to a "clear path" in accordance with Section 38 of the German Road Traffic Act (StVO). For example, they are allowed to use forest and field paths as well as one-way streets in both directions. Forecast models for such a disaster can be calculated very well using GIS, current water levels, weather reports and digital maps.

Autonomous threat service

Objects can be measured from the inside for millimeter-precise image resolution and reconstructed as interactive models. Here is a screenshot of the digital twin of Paderborn Cathedral with relevant information. The digital copy not only makes it possible to detect hidden damage such as cracks or moisture, but also to precisely plan future restorations. © Picture: Eviden

A project is currently being developed in the Paderborn district that could serve as a model for the whole of Germany: 'Drone as a Service' (DaaS) for authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS). This enables fire department incident commanders to send a drone to a fire or search for people in the field, for example. It provides three-dimensional real-time information on the fire department's control center map, similar to a digital twin, so that the emergency services can be coordinated in a targeted and efficient manner. The special feature: The system is highly automated. The drones take off, land and load automatically. Flight planning is integrated directly into the control system.
One of the main advantages of DaaS is its cost efficiency, as companies do not have to invest in expensive drones and the associated technology. Instead, they hire drone services on demand. One advantage is scalability, as companies can adjust the use of drone services as needed. This is particularly useful in seasonal industries such as agriculture to monitor fields, analyze crop yields and detect pest infestations. Drones can be equipped with special sensors to capture multispectral images. Drones can provide high-resolution images for 3D models that facilitate the planning and monitoring of projects.

However, one of the biggest hurdles for the project does not lie in the technology, but in the stringent air traffic regulations, which have so far heavily regulated drone flights beyond visual range. However, the legal hurdles were overcome through cooperation with German air traffic control and the use of transponders that make the drones identifiable as aircraft. In addition, special rights were granted for BOS services and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is providing support with liability issues for the pilot phase.

Ulrich Wilmsmann is Practice Head Data Analytics & Automation at Eviden. © Picture: Eviden

Paderborn - known for its IT tradition and close links between science and business - is currently still a test region. However, the Paderborn-based company Eviden expects to be able to launch the service there in the summer.