From health-tracking wearables to smartphones and beyond, data collection and computer modeling have become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. Advancements in these areas have given birth to "digital twins," or virtual models that evolve alongside real-world data. Aerospace engineer Karen Willcox explores the incredible possibilities these systems offer across engineering, climate studies and medicine, sharing how they could lead to personalized medicine, better decision-making and more.

Aerospace engineer, computational scientist

Digital twins are dynamic virtual models that evolve alongside real-world objects, fueled by streams of data from sensors and inspections. The concept, rooted in space missions like Apollo 13, now underpins innovations in fields from infrastructure to personalized medicine. While creating a true digital twin of a plane, patient, or planet remains a massive challenge, these models are already transforming decision-making and maintenance. As technology advances, digital twins promise more personalized, efficient, and resilient systems.

Digital Twins Turn Data Into Living, Predictive Models

How "digital twins" could help us predict the future

engineering

computers