Digital twins based on augmented reality of measurement instruments for the implementation of a cyber-physical system

Abstract

The recent increase on the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0 fields has led the research topics to investigate on the innovative technologies that could support these emerging topics in different area of applications. In particular, the current trends are to close the gap between the physical and digital worlds, thus originating the so-called Cyber-Physical System (CPS). A relevant feature of the CPS is the digital twin, i.e., a digital replica of a process/product with which user can interact to operate on the real world. In this paper, the authors propose an innovative approach exploiting an Augmented Reality solution as Digital Twin for the measurement instrument to obtain a tight connection between the measurements as physical world and the Internet of Things as digital applications. In fact, by means of the adoption of the 3D scanning strategy, Augmented Reality software and with the development of a suitable connection between the instrument and the digital world, a Cyber-Physical System has been realized as an IoT platform that collect and control the real measurement instrument and makes its available in Augmented Reality. An application example involving a digital storage oscilloscope is finally presented to highlight the efficacy of the proposed approach.

IoT Control and Visualization System with Digital Twins and Augmented Reality in a Digital Transformation Space

“…They are virtual or digital representations of real-world objects, systems, or processes. These digital representations are an accurate, real-time copy of their physical counterpart and can be used for various purposes, from design and simulation to monitoring and data analysis [20] [1].…”

“…Currently, the adoption and application of advanced technologies such as digital twins (DT), the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented reality (AR) are applied in various fields, including the construction industry, education, solar energy, manufacturing, supply chain management, and gastronomy [1] [2] [3]. The importance of Industry 4.0, which encompasses a variety of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) integrated with IoT solutions [4] and collaborative robotics, is highlighted to transform and improve processes and services in these sectors [5] [6].…”

Introductory notes for the Acta IMEKO fourth issue 2022 General Track

“…A relevant feature of the CPS is the digital twin, i.e., a digital replica of a process/product with which the user can interact to operate in the real world. In the paper entitled "Digital twins based on augmented reality of measurement instruments for the implementation of a cyber-physical system" [6], A. Liccardo et al propose an innovative approach exploiting an Augmented Reality solution as Digital Twin for the electronic instrumentation to obtain a tight connection between the measurements as the physical world and the Internet of Things as digital applications. Actually, by means of the adoption of the 3D scanning strategy, Augmented Reality software and with the development of a suitable connection between the instrument and the digital world, a Cyber-Physical System has been realized as an IoT platform that collects and controls the real instrumentation and makes it available in Augmented Reality.…”