A digital twin is a digital representation that provides the elements and dynamics of how a device or ecosystem operates and lives throughout its life cycle. Digital twins are useful for simulating the capabilities of machine tools in a safe and cost-effective way, as well as identifying the root causes of problems occurring in physical tools or infrastructure. If a physical machine tool breaks down or malfunctions, engineers can evaluate the digital traces of the digital twins’ virtual machines for diagnosis and prognosis. The digitization of nearly every industry type is helping to fuel the demand for twinning platforms, as is the desire to monitor, control, and model the future behavior of real-world equipment, systems, and environments. However, like any technology, digital twins must be understood and accepted by several different stakeholders, from the operations workers up to the C-suite. Meanwhile, vendors are highlighting their expertise in analytics and demonstrating domain expertise with specific industry verticals. Some are also spotlighting their experience with incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies, which can provide the ability to model future behavior via digital twins. These technologies are anticipated to drive the functionality of digital twins beyond simply being enhanced analytics tools. Global revenue for digital twins is expected to increase to $9.4 billion in 2025, up from $2.4 billion in 2018. This Tractica report examines 28 use cases for digital twins across industry groups, including manufacturing, aerospace, connected vehicles, smart cities, retail, healthcare, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), and other industries. The report discusses the drivers and barriers related to digital twins, with insight into the growing use of IIoT networks, machine learning technology, and 3D visualization technology. Market forecasts, segmented by world region, use case, and industry, extend through 2025. The study also analyzes the technologies and applications for digital twins and provides profiles of key industry players.
The Analyst Team

Keith Kirkpatrick
Principal Analyst , AI Vertical Applications
Keith covers artificial intelligence and advanced computing technologies, with a focus on the use of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and machine reasoning within the enterprise market. He also covers emerging and advanced technology, including high-performance computing technology and quantum computing.
Keith joined Omdia (formerly Tractica) in 2016, having previously contributed research and analysis for ABI Research, Navigant Research, and Freedonia Group, as well as his own firm, 4K Research & Consulting, LLC. Based in New York, Keith began his career as a financial and technology journalist in 1995 and has written for a wide variety of national and trade publications, including Investment Dealers’ Digest, Red Herring, BusinessWeek, Communications of the ACM, and Mobile Computing & Communications. Kirkpatrick is a member of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP). He holds a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism and sociology from Syracuse University.
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