Scalable and efficient digital twins for model-based design of cyber-physical systems

The optimised design, operation and management of complex, large-size Cyber Physical Systems (CPSs) - like modern manufacturing and logistic assets - calls for Digital Twins (DTs) in which dynamic modelling and simulation play a relevant role. In such simulation-based DTs computational efficiency is crucial. According to the present state of the art, the said efficiency is hindered by the way the Cyber part of a CPS is represented, which in the manufacturing case practically corresponds to representing digital controls. This paper proposes a modelling framework for an efficient and scalable representation of the Cyber part in a DT of a CPS. The presented solution is based on Object-Oriented Modelling (OOM) and IEC industrial standards. Motivating and explanatory examples are provided, and a proof-of-concept case study is discussed to support the framework potential and industrial viability.