makeTwin: A reference architecture for digital twin software platform

Abstract

Digital twin is currently undergoing a significant transformation from the conceptual and theoretical research phase to the implementation and application phase. However, a universally adaptable research and development platform for digital twin is critically needed to meet the development requirements. Specifically, a publicly accessible simulation, testing, and validation platform which can support digital twin model building, data processing, algorithm design, configuration, etc., is urgently required for researchers. Furthermore, for developers from the industry, a low-code development platform that can offer a customizable suite of functions such as model creation, data management, protocol configuration, and visualization is urgently needed. Meanwhile, for enterprise users, there is a lack of an application management platform that can be configured and migrated for various application scenarios, functions, and modes. Therefore, based on the system research of digital twin theories and key technologies by the authors (such as the five-dimension digital twin model, digital twin modeling and digital twin data theory, digital twin standards, and so on), a digital twin software platform reference architecture, namely makeTwin, is proposed and designed, as well as its ten core functions. The workflow of the makeTwin and the interaction mechanisms among its core functions are described. Finally, a digital twin application system for a chemical fiber textile shop floor (CFTS) which was developed according to makeTwin, is introduced, which validates the proposed reference architecture.