As the Middle East continues to diversify its economy and invests in smart technologies, digital twins and IoT are merging to develop digital models for physical assets that drive efficiency and sustainability across key industries in the region, explains Talal Shaikh at Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
Rapid technological advancements have transformed industries globally and the Middle East is no exception. One of the most promising innovations that the world is witnessing is the fusion of digital twins with Internet of Things, IoT devices; a combination that has potential to transform the industrial ecosystem.
As the Middle East continues to diversify its economy and invest in smart technologies, the use of digital twins continues to establish its foothold in the region. Digital twins and IoT are merging to develop comprehensive digital models for physical assets that drive efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across key sectors in the Middle East.
Digital twins are a virtual replica of something physical, such as machinery or any other industrial structure. They use real-time data from IoT devices to create an accurate, dynamic model that reflects the condition and behaviour of the physical entity. Essentially, what this means is that organisations can monitor, evaluate and optimise their assets without getting physically involved.
On the other hand, IoT devices are physical objects equipped with sensors, software as well as connectivity capabilities that enable them to collect and exchange data.
In industrial settings, these objects are connected to machinery or products for which they gather information on factors like temperature, pressure vibrations, and more. These gadgets provide crucial real-time data needed by a digital twin, influencing decision-making processes and enhancing operational efficiency through feedback loops.
Predictive maintenance stands out as one of the primary benefits brought by the synergy between digital twins and IoT. Through continuous tracking of equipment conditions by use of IoT sensors embedded in digital twins, potential machine failures can be predicted, allowing for maintenance to be scheduled before a breakdown occurs.
This not only reduces downtime but also extends the lifespan of the equipment, leading to significant cost savings.
Moreover, digital twins enable process optimisation by providing a holistic view of operations. Testing different strategies using simulations within a digital twin helps industry players identify the best strategies before execution, thereby avoiding the risks involved with operational changes and ensuring data-based decisions.
Integration of digital twins and IoT drives innovation through development of new products and services.
A manufacturer, for example, can perform real-life quality tests on the product’s performance under different conditions through a virtual technology that shows how an identical piece would work, virtually warming them up for better design and enhancement long before going into production. This expedites time-to-market and improves final product quality as well.
Digital twins and IoT are being readily used across various sectors, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, infrastructure, transportation, utility, health etc.
Digital transformation along with sustainability has continued to draw investments from this region, and is expected that the implementation of these technologies will play a role in fuelling economic growth and fostering competitiveness.
Oil and gas
Digital twins present an opportunity for enhancing efficiency and sustainability within the oil and gas industry. They offer a real-time view of many process variables, including equipment in the field and personnel operating machinery.
Companies can monitor their operations in real-time by developing digital twins for their oil rigs, refineries or pipelines. For instance, pipeline pressure anomalies can be detected using IOT sensors, while digital twin simulates how such anomalies affect the entire system. This allows for quick action to correct any faults, reducing chances of spills other environmental risks.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector across the Middle East is transitioning towards Industry 4.0 revolution, transforming it into smart factories enhanced by integration between digital twins and IoT. Real-time monitoring coupled with optimisation enabled by digital twins for manufacturing processes, equipment facilitates higher efficiency at production lines.
Manufacturers leverage analytics-driven insights to enhance quality by monitoring the conditions step-by-step, understanding equipment performance, and seeing how customers are using products. Similarly, IoT connected products help manufacturers create loyalty by offering customers new value-adding digital services, thus improving overall customer experience.
Construction
Digital twins monitor energy use, structural health, and occupancy in real time, thereby optimising building management. They can identify inefficiencies, monitor building conditions, track energy consumption, predict maintenance needs and prevent failures.
This approach enhances sustainability, safety, and efficiency in building operations. For example, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is a primary example of one of the smartest buildings in the city. It uses sensors to manage and optimise air quality, lighting, and temperature.
Transportation
Digital twins have transformed transportation systems by monitoring traffic, road conditions, and vehicle performance by using real-time sensor data. They enable predictive maintenance by simulating traffic scenarios, optimising the flow of traffic.
For example, the Roads and Transport Authority, RTA in Dubai is able to enhance the efficiency of its public transport network, including the Dubai Metro system by leveraging digital twins. For this purpose, it has partnered with telecom provider du.
Health
The integration of digital twin technology into healthcare is gaining momentum, with key industry players like American Hospital Dubai and Aster DM Healthcare leading the way.
Aster’s einstAIn platform, which aggregates diverse data types into a high-performance hub, using AI and machine learning to create accurate digital twins of patients. This technology is seen as essential for delivering personalised healthcare and addressing the global burden of chronic diseases.
Utility
Digital twins use real-time monitoring and advanced analytics to enhance the management of utilities like water, electricity, and waste. For instance, the government of Abu Dhabi collaborated with AECOM to improve the management of the Al-Raha Beach Development’s potable water networks.
Digital twins were able to simulate several decay factors and measure water quality metrics, thus ensuring compliance with regional norms. This strategy helped reduce the need for extensive trial runs and cut capital costs by 30%.
As the Middle East embraces digitalisation, the integration of IoT and digital twins is crucial for the region’s industrial growth. With the help of digital twins, the industries in the region are able to function more efficiently, innovate and improve sustainability.
The adoption of digital twins and IoT in the Middle East is not just a technology wave; it is a strategic necessity for this region as it endeavours to diversify its economy and become a global leader in the digital world.
