Characterising the Digital Twin: A systematic literature review

TLDR

Interest in Digital Twins has grown, yet industry and academia use varied definitions. The paper aims to consolidate Digital Twin research to establish a common understanding and solid foundations. A systematic literature review and thematic analysis of 92 publications over ten years produced a characterization, 13 core characteristics, and a comprehensive framework. The study identifies seven knowledge gaps—benefits, lifecycle, use‑cases, technical implementation, fidelity levels, data ownership, and virtual entity integration—that must be addressed to realize Digital Twins.

Abstract

While there has been a recent growth of interest in the Digital Twin, a variety of definitions employed across industry and academia remain. There is a need to consolidate research such to maintain a common understanding of the topic and ensure future research efforts are to be based on solid foundations. Through a systematic literature review and a thematic analysis of 92 Digital Twin publications from the last ten years, this paper provides a characterisation of the Digital Twin, identification of gaps in knowledge, and required areas of future research. In characterising the Digital Twin, the state of the concept, key terminology, and associated processes are identified, discussed, and consolidated to produce 13 characteristics (Physical Entity/Twin; Virtual Entity/Twin; Physical Environment; Virtual Environment; State; Realisation; Metrology; Twinning; Twinning Rate; Physical-to-Virtual Connection/Twinning; Virtual-to-Physical Connection/Twinning; Physical Processes; and Virtual Processes) and a complete framework of the Digital Twin and its process of operation. Following this characterisation, seven knowledge gaps and topics for future research focus are identified: Perceived Benefits; Digital Twin across the Product Life-Cycle; Use-Cases; Technical Implementations; Levels of Fidelity; Data Ownership; and Integration between Virtual Entities; each of which are required to realise the Digital Twin.