Digital twin

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical object, system or process. In industrial training, a digital twin is a detailed 3D model of an installation, a compressor station, an offshore platform or a chemical reactor, that can be used for training, simulation and instruction without access to the real thing.

Access to a working installation for training purposes is expensive, dangerous or logistically impossible. A digital twin offers an alternative that is realistic enough to learn from effectively, but safe enough to make mistakes in. As installations get more complex and demand more specialists, the digital twin becomes steadily more valuable as a training and knowledge retention tool.

STARK uses digital twins as the basis for VR simulations and 3D work instructions. The twin is built from the client’s technical drawings, P&ID schematics and as-built documentation. Operators recognise their own installation in the simulation, which raises transfer. On refurbishments or new installations, the digital twin makes it possible to train operators before the installation is operational.