TeDZ - Technical infrastructure for digital twins

Industry 4.0 is based on the exchange of information that is interoperable and automatically interpretable. There is great potential for increasing efficiency and flexibility in stronger networking of the individual life cycle phases: from product development and production planning to operation and service to disposal.

Data and models, for example CAD and simulation models, configurations for machines or optimization of resource consumption, are already being created over the life cycle. However, these are available in different data formats with different data structures and in different tools. In the future, a digital twin should enable a holistic view of products along their life cycle.

The aim of the project is to develop and test a technical infrastructure for digital twins. This interoperable, end-to-end infrastructure is designed to enable access to the digital descriptions and sub-models of machines, products, and resources as well as their interaction across the entire life cycle. As a result, potential savings of over 50 percent can be realized. The technical infrastructure is based on information models, interfaces and suitable communication protocols. Requirements from the areas of energy and manufacturing technology as well as existing Industry 4.0 standards and IT systems, such as PLM, ERP, MES or PIM and simulation systems, are taken into account.