Trimble Construction

Why BIM Needs Digital Twins 4 What is Internet of Things? To fully understand the utility of digital twins you have to understand the framework that makes them possible: Internet of Things (IoT). In order to promote a continuous stream of information between a component and its digital twin, the physical asset itself must be Internet-enabled. This might seem obvious, but the practical nature of digital twins is not always immediately apparent. IoT describes when a device is embedded with technology that allows it to communicate and interact over the Internet. This allows the asset to be remotely monitored and controlled, and, for the purposes of digital twins, enables real-time updates to corresponding digital models. Think of it this way: a digital twin is a representation of a physical asset; IoT is the network of interconnected devices that makes digital twins possible. When these initiatives are successfully aligned, you can benefit from on-the-spot data collection and ensure your digital models are accurately representative of their real-world counterparts. 3D models of physical objects can be considered digital twins when they are integrated into a data-gathering, IoT ecosystem. Sensors in the field collect data on the status of physical assets and update the digital simulation automatically. This allows digital twins to update on the fly as real-world conditions change. For example, when an IoT device delivers up-to-date information to a digital equivalent, the 3D model is then able to directly represent that physical asset on the spot. This helps monitor asset status and, better yet, visualize IoT connectivity. This has countless applications, and most construction project assets can benefit from a dynamic, digital counterpart. An adaptable digital model, which directly represents its real-world companion, helps increase analytical capabilities throughout all phases of a construction project.

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