The Department for Transport, alongside a consortium led by Arup, has published a report on the benefits of digital twins in an integrated transport network
The DfT digital twins research paper, titled Integrated network management digital twin: economic benefits analysis, shows that digital twins can benefit the economy, environment, and public.
In the study, digital twins were used to model systems such as road networks, vehicles, or tunnels.
Digital twins can benefit network management systems
The digital twins research paper dives into the benefits to be had in several facets:
- Linking different modes of network management systems together, for example, air and road traffic management. Connected digital twins can enable seamless integration of various transport modes, optimising journeys across sea, road networks, active travel, bus, tram and rail systems, and air traffic, and between geographical boundaries. This integration can lead to improved situational awareness, reduced journey times, congestion and emissions, and enhanced overall transport efficiency.
- Promoting better efficiencies with these systems. Digital twins offer the potential for a comprehensive, real-time view of the transport network, allowing for rapid identification of incidents and swift, coordinated responses. This capability enhances safety, minimises disruptions and enables more effective collaboration between government agencies and emergency services during crises.
- Supporting better responses to incidents or emergencies. To enable data sharing and co-operation with adjacent sectors such as energy, and supporting the growth of innovations including AI.
The digital twins research paper may help to streamline the future
Aviation, maritime and security minister, Mike Kane, said: “As we move towards an era of integrated sustainable transport, digital twinning is a powerful technology that can help us transform our networks, improve efficiency and make greener travel a reality.
“This report is an excellent example of how Government and industry can come together to deliver innovation and shows how valuable this technology could be to both the UK economy and the millions of people who rely on our transport networks every day.”
Ryan Hood, digital highways leader at Arup, said: “This research underscores the potential of digital twins to optimise the performance of our transport networks. By harnessing data and technology to support a collaborative, multi-modal approach, we can create a safer, more efficient, integrated, and sustainable transport system. This technology not only promises significant economic benefits but also paves the way for a more resilient, predictive, and responsive system that can adapt to the evolving needs of our society.”
