Digital twins of trees have been in use in Erlangen for several months. Together with Friedrich-Alexander University, the start-up Agvolution and Vodafone, the city has installed a total of 70 humidity and temperature sensors in a pilot project. They record real-time data at a depth of around 45 centimetres underground. In addition, 16 weather stations measure air temperature, humidity, air pressure and precipitation. This data is used to create digital twins of trees with the help of artificial intelligence.

The aim is to determine and adapt the optimum irrigation for each tree. The soil moisture system provides an overview of the required watering quantities and thus counteracts tree mortality. The use of sensors increases the speed of reaction and planning, and also provides the option of prioritization. More critical trees can be included in the immediate watering route, while trees with sufficient soil moisture are watered a little later. The data is transmitted via the city's local network (MIOTY) and via Vodafone's Narrowband IoT machine network.

First results of digital technology are available

The initial findings show: The sensor data is transmitted reliably so that the digital twins are updated at all times and provide important information on the current condition of the trees. In Erlangen, around 250 cubic meters of water and 600 kilometers of driving could be saved with the help of the sensors. In addition, by preserving existing trees, the planting of 20 new trees could be avoided. This corresponds to around 70 percent of the replacement planting required in previous years due to drought.

The digital technology is now being used in Pirmasens, Bamberg, Hanover, Berlin, Potsdam and Garbsen - where Agvolution and Vodafone have installed and networked a total of 300 sensors.

Michael Jungwirth, Member of the Management Board of Vodafone

© Vodafone

"This project is having an impact. Also because the machine network connects sensors in a particularly reliable and energy-saving way. It also transmits deep underground, so that all the sensor data we need to determine the water requirements of trees is transmitted. We need all this real-time data to create digital twins," says Michael Jungwirth, part of the management team at Vodafone Germany, explaining the interaction between sensors and the special mobile communications technology.

The digital project, which was originally due to end in March, will be extended beyond the summer until September.