A Conceptual Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to develop Digital Twins

A digital twin (DT) is an interactive, real-time digital representation of a system or a service utilizing onboard sensor data and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to gain a better insight into the physical world. With the increasing complexity of systems and products across many sectors, there is an increasing demand for complex systems optimization. Digital twins vary in complexity and are used for managing the performance, health, and status of a physical system by virtualizing it. The creation of digital twins enabled by Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has aided in increasing system interconnectivity and simplifying the system optimization process. More specifically, the combination of MBSE languages, tools, and methods has served as a starting point in developing digital twins. This article discusses how MBSE has previously facilitated the development of digital twins across various domains, emphasizing both the benefits and disadvantages of adopting an MBSE enabled digital twin creation. Further, the article expands on how various levels of digital twins were generated via the use of MBSE. An MBSE enabled conceptual framework for developing digital twins is identified that can be used as a research testbed for developing digital twins and optimizing systems and system of systems.