Digital Twins help manufacturers optimize processes, shorten product development and time-to-market, extend the life of physical assets and improve product quality. Incorporating Generative AI widens the spectrum of users and use cases.
Predictive AI technology has underpinned the development of the Digital Twins (DTs) that have boosted efficiency in manufacturing for much of the last decade. However, it’s mostly been a high-end spend for the infrastructure needed to make real-time maps of machines and processes.
The computer cartography that relies on sensors, silos and scientists to produce actionable insights and ROI has precluded SMEs unwilling to shell out for computational, storage, software systems, and on hiring or training technicians they don’t have in-house. Couple in the rising costs of cloud computing and storage and the business value of DTs is being realized only by the largest manufacturers.
However, Generative AI’s arrival less than 18 months ago opened a new paradigm for DTs. With its ability to both simulate outcomes and synthesize data, Generative AI overcomes the challenges of turning historical and current data generated from siloed process technologies into actionable insights. What is more, applying Generative AI in data-handling can cut the costs for compute and storage at a time when platform providers are riding the inflationary trend to higher pricing.
DTs and AI
DTs are virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems that enable real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization of manufacturing processes and products. They are enabled by the IIoT that gathers the data, the AI used to parse it, and, often as not, cloud platforms for storage and compute. DTs model product development cycles, supply chains, and plant processes, supplementing decisions made by designers, engineers and operators.
DTs function by continuously collecting data from sensors embedded in physical assets and processes, such as machinery, equipment, and production lines. This data is then fed into virtual models, which simulate the behavior and performance of their real-world counterparts.
Predictive AI algorithms use that data to anticipate future outcomes, such as equipment failures or production bottlenecks, for proactive decision-making and maintenance. Generative algorithms produce new content, such as images, text, or data, based on patterns learned from existing data, supplementing the datasets on which Predictive AI algorithms run. Using Deep Learning techniques, Generative AI simulates different scenarios to reveal opportunities for improvement and innovation.
DTs and the Cloud
Cloud computing platforms provide the infrastructure and resources necessary to host DTs and process and store the large volumes of data on which the AI that underpins them runs. However, the costs associated with Cloud computing can quickly add up, especially for manufacturers with complex and data-intensive operations.
And this even as Cloud leaders – namely Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform – offer a palette of pricing menus that are tailored to the particulars and usage patters on the manufacturing industry. According to industry forecasts, the annual rises north of 20% in demand for Cloud compute and storage realized since the introduction of Generative AI for mainstream use in 2022 are expected to continue pushing up prices.
That makes it incumbent of manufacturers to get the most out of their Cloud spend when implementing DTs. Fortunately, Generative AI are responsive, allocating computational resources based on real-time demand and workload, thus optimizing resource utilization and scaling infrastructure up or down as needed. Further, Generative AI can predict computational requirements to guard over-provisioning and under-utilization of resources.
Generative AI’s ability to create synthesic data that mimics the statistical properties and distribution of data generated from machines and processes enables manufacturers to augment their datasets without additional storage. Using it, they can extrapolate patterns for more efficient representations of manufacturing processes in their DTs while minimizing reliance on physical data storage.
Generative AI can identify redundant or irrelevant data within DT environments and remove it automatically. By encoding DT data, manufacturers can maintaining fidelity and accuracy during compression.
Challenges and Considerations
While Generative AI offer DT users promising opportunities for cost reduction in cloud computing and data storage, manufacturers must address several challenges and considerations. They must ensure that Generative AI algorithms do not compromise data privacy or security by generating sensitive or confidential information inadvertently. Implementing robust data governance policies and security measures is essential to protect against unauthorized access or data breaches.
Generative AI algorithms must produce accurate and reliable results to support critical manufacturing decisions and operations. Manufacturers should validate and test Generative AI models thoroughly to ensure their effectiveness and suitability for specific applications.
Integrating Generative AI capabilities into existing DTs and workflows takes pl planning and coordination. Manufacturers should assess compatibility issues and ensure seamless integration with existing systems and technologies to maximize the benefits of Generative AI in their DTs while minimizing disruption.
Adoption and Demographics
The use of DTs in manufacturing is increasing among the largest enterprises. However, small and medium-sized manufacturers are recognizing their usefulness for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Across sectors, industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics have been early adopters of digital twins due to their complex manufacturing processes and reliance on advanced technology.
To successfully implement AI tools for digital twins in manufacturing, especially for small and medium-sized manufacturers, companies should begin by identifying specific use cases and areas where digital twins can deliver the most value, such as predictive maintenance or process optimization. Start with a pilot project and gradually scale up based on the results and feedback.
Because data quality and integration are essential both to project success and to extension of DTs in the manufacturing ecosystem, manufactueres must ensure that data collected from sensors and other sources is accurate, reliable, and accessible. Data management and integration tools streamline the process of ingesting, processing, and analyzing DT data.
Collaborating with consultants and vendors can help when developing and deploying AI algorithms tailored to your specific manufacturing processes and objectives. Their expertise in building predictive and generative models that can extract actionable insights from DTs can be a lynchpin.
Compliance with industry regulations and standards demands robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data. Secure communication protocols, encryption techniques, and access controls can safeguard DTs from cyber threats.
Generative AI can provide manufactuers with unprecedented insights from their DTs, leading to predictive capabilities that affect machine life and product quality, and optimization opportunities that streamline processes and supply chains. While challenges to implementation exist, the benefits from increased efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness can outweigh their costs for manufacturers seeking to transform their operations and boost business value.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s43588-024-00603-w
https://www.pratititech.com/blog/generative-ai-and-digital-twins/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/Breaking-Down-the-Cost-of-Cloud-Computing
https://www.statista.com/statistics/203578/global-forecast-of-cloud-computing-services-growth/