In previous articles, we’ve delved into the individual concepts of Mixed Reality, Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twins, exploring their applications and uses. We’ve also previously examined how Mixed Reality and Internet of Things can complement each other. Now, we’re poised to dive into the compelling synergy created by combining these technologies with the utilization of Digital Twins.

The convergence of Digital Twins, Mixed Reality, and Internet of Things ushers in a new realm of possibilities. Depending on the context and purpose, not everything needs to exist solely in the physical realm. Here, a digital twin can coexist with a physical product, serving as a point of comparison between the actual appearance of a product and its intended design. Similarly, a digital twin could be superimposed onto a physical object to provide guidance on part placement and orientation. This power extends even to the standalone use of a digital twin.

One remarkable transformation brought about by this triumvirate is the vivification of simulations. Previously, these simulations were primarily observable in 2D on computer screens. However, translating them into 3D through the combined prowess of Digital Twins, Mixed Reality, and IoT revolutionizes the experience. For instance, Microsoft offers an illustrative case: they employ real-time IoT data to showcase live activity on a wind farm. This amalgamation allows Digital Twins and Mixed Reality to manifest a holographic replica of the wind farm, offering users the ability to seamlessly scale the Digital Twin, zooming in and out to their heart’s content.

The journey doesn’t halt there. Factoring in future weather forecasts, users can input data to simulate the wind farm’s performance under varying conditions. This foresight proves invaluable in predicting the need for alternative power sources or strategizing energy conservation during low or absent wind periods. While spoken explanations can falter in fully conveying complex scenarios, visual models facilitated by these technologies provide a simplified, impactful, and lasting comprehension.

An equally inventive use case surfaces in the collaboration between Microsoft and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, redefining bridge inspection practices. Their ingenuity led to a reduction in in-person inspections, replaced by a far more efficient remote inspection model. Drones were employed to capture bridge imagery, with IoT and Mixed Reality harmonizing to animate the bridge’s essence. This synthesis enables the comparison of wear and tear over years, enabling predictions for timely reinspection, repair, or replacement.

As we emphasized earlier with Mixed Reality and IoT, the same sentiment echoes in the realm of Digital Twins: the possibilities are boundless and, in many instances, life-saving.