Digital Twin Synchronization: towards a data-centric architecture

2026-01-30

AI Summary

Efficient, secure, and interoperable synchronization between digital twins and their physical counterparts remains a significant challenge. This work proposes a standardized, data-centric synchronization architecture tailored for industrial applications, which, for the first time, systematically integrates existing synchronization techniques, middleware, and low-latency communication mechanisms into a unified framework. By harmonizing these components, the architecture not only ensures robust security and cross-platform interoperability but also substantially enhances synchronization accuracy and resilience. The proposed approach offers a scalable and practical pathway toward realizing dependable digital twin systems, effectively addressing a critical gap in current technological capabilities.

Technology Category

• Planning, Routing, and Scheduling: Optimization of Spatio-temporal Systems
• Constraint Satisfaction and Optimization: Distributed CSP/Optimization
• Application Domains: Internet of Things, Sensor Networks & Smart Cities

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Web applications in cross-disciplinary domains and verticals such as mixed reality, smart cities, and digital health
• Security and Privacy: Data transparency and provenance
• Social Networks and Social Media: Socio-technical web-based systems

Abstract

Digital Twin (DT) technology revolutionizes industrial processes by enabling the representation of physical entities and their dynamics to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. It has emerged as a vital enabling technology in the Industry 4.0 context. The present article examines the particular issue of synchronizing a digital twin while ensuring an accurate reflection of its physical counterpart. Despite the reported recent advances in the design of middleware and low delay communication technologies, effective synchronization between both worlds remains challenging. This paper reviews currently adopted synchronization technologies and architectures, identifies vital outstanding technical challenges, and proposes a unified synchronization architecture for use by various industrial applications while addressing security and interoperability requirements. As such, this study aims to bridges gaps and advance robust synchronization in DT environments, emphasizing the need for a standardized architecture to ensure seamless operation and continuous improvement of industrial systems.

Problem

• Digital Twin
• Synchronization
• Data-centric Architecture
• Interoperability
• Industrial Systems

Innovation

• Digital Twin Synchronization
• Data-Centric Architecture
• Interoperability
• Standardized Architecture
• Industrial Systems