# Digital twin

Operations · `digital twin` · verification: source checked

A digital twin is the virtual (digital) representation of a physical or perceived real-world entity, concept, or notion, as defined in NIST IR 8356. In manufacturing, digital twins are synchronized virtual models that let manufacturers represent, diagnose, predict, and optimize operations. The NIST project develops standards and testbeds so these models can be validated with quantified uncertainty and used interoperably across machines, processes, and lifecycle stages.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kind | system |
| Origin | NIST IR 8356 |

## Study notes

- Definition source for the term is NIST IR 8356.
- Manufacturing uses listed: represent, diagnose, predict and optimize operations.
- ISO 23247 ("Digital Twin Framework for Manufacturing") was published in 2021.
- A work item covers Part 7 of ISO 23247: a Verification, Validation and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ) framework for digital twins in manufacturing.
- ISO 23247 Part 5 covers the digital thread for digital twins, addressing data flow, traceability and lifecycle integration across multiple systems.
- A system-of-systems framework is used to integrate multiple subsystems into one coherent digital twin.
- A lifecycle integration approach links digital twins across design, production and maintenance stages using digital threads.
- MTConnect interface development for digital twins is implemented and tested in the NIST lab.
- The project builds on smart sensors, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), artificial intelligence, and modeling and simulation.
- Stated barrier to adoption: lack of standards for vocabulary, design, interoperability, trustworthiness, and methods for verifying and validating digital twins.

## Sources

1. [digital twin - Glossary | CSRC](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/digital_twin) (accessed 2026-10-25)
2. [Digital Twins for Advanced Manufacturing](https://www.nist.gov/programs-projects/digital-twins-advanced-manufacturing) (accessed 2026-10-25)

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