The Thematic Table on Key Enabling Technologies and Digitalisation encourages applied research. This is illustrated by the following example at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences (HU), which is researching how to apply digital twin technology in local development, with a focus on responsible use of that technology.
Challenge
Digital twin technology can play a key role in local development, by helping to create virtual models of urban areas, to simulate and optimise urban planning and management. Digital twins can help urban planners to simulate infrastructure projects, identify bottlenecks and optimise roads, buildings and public spaces. The results are more efficient designs, lower costs and less disruption from construction work. Using this key enabling technology might also help to find a faster solution to housing shortages.
Digital twins promote sustainable urban development by simulating what impact projects have on the environment. This helps to minimise the project’s ecological footprint, for example through a visual exploration of possibilities for circular transport or for preserving biodiversity. The technology could become a tool for climate adaptation and our efforts to reduce emissions.
Virtual models offer the potential to improve public engagement with the development, by showing locals how a new project will influence their area. This leads to greater transparency and better decision-making, and could also improve trust in ‘the authorities’.
Results
At HU’s Digital Twins lab, multiple projects are being carried out at the same time where digital twin technology plays a large part, by connecting research, education and professional application. Students of HU programmes can participate in these projects in a variety of ways, for example by mapping out preferences and requirements, gathering and connecting the underlying data, building the technological infrastructure or designing visualisations. This is limited mostly to the region around Utrecht, for example by helping to further develop digital twins for the municipalities of Utrecht and Nieuwegein and the Utrecht Science Park.
Click here to download the full project description (in Dutch only)