UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL FOR DIGITAL TWINS IN THE FEDERAL ENTERPRISE - For decades, the automotive, aviation, and other advanced manufacturing industries have invested in digital modeling technologies to help reduce time to market, lower the cost of physical prototyping, and improve manufacturing productivity. With exponential advances in technologies, such as artificial intelligence based on machine learning (AI/ML), advanced wireless communications (5G), virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) or extended reality (XR), the Internet of Things (IoT), and others, the possibilities are rapidly increasing for digital models to extend beyond product and process development into other parts of the enterprise life cycle with direct connection to physical assets. The comprehensive integration of a digital model with a physical asset such as a manufacturing environment is one example of a digital twin.

Where might the government find use for such a digital twin technology? In short, everywhere. Just as enterprises see value in creating and deploying digital twins throughout all operations—from sourcing to sales to service—the same is true for government. Government activities are broad: from construction to public safety, through supply chains and logistics, to healthcare, and including national defense. Digital twins can potentially play a role in improving all these government functions.

This report explores digital twin use cases, both in the private sector and in the federal government. The report highlights some challenges, benefits, and risks associated with deploying digital twins to help inform government officials and policymakers. As other technologies such as XR and generative AI mature, they will further enrich the value of digital twins, leading to what we call “immersive digital twins”.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 7/27/23