The rise of cloud-based capabilities has breathed new life into the world of operational technology (OT), ushering in a transformative era for digital twin and simulation solutions. As companies increasingly look to harness the power of digital twins, the role of cloud computing has taken center stage. This pivotal shift in the landscape will drive digital twins to unprecedented levels of sophistication, as they seamlessly integrate AI algorithms and machine learning models delivered via cloud platforms. In the grand scheme of things, this is not just a passing trend, but a tangible evolution that promises to shape the future of OT solutions.
ABI Research, has cast its predictions to the horizon and sees a steady increase in the adoption of cloud-based digital twin solutions. This momentum will be driven by a convergence of factors, including advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), the emergence of edge computing, the proliferation of multi- and hybrid-cloud deployments, the advent of 5G networks, and the growing web of intelligent connectivity.
Yih-Khai Wong, senior analyst for distributed and edge computing at ABI Research, discusses the growing influence of cloud computing in OT. The convergence of cloud solutions with OT applications, such as asset performance monitoring and product lifecycle management, has unlocked a wealth of compelling benefits. These benefits include performance reliability, an increase in compute power, and seamless AI/ML processing.
Cloud hyperscalers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are at the forefront, providing an arsenal of tools and packaged solutions that enable enterprises to build digital twin environments. In addition, customers can tap into contextual data from public datasets and channel this valuable information to fine-tune and optimize their digital twin platforms.
Let's take a closer look at the benefits of deploying cloud-based digital twin solutions:
Scalability: Flexibility reigns supreme, allowing organizations to effortlessly scale up or down their operations according to their dynamic needs. This adaptability ensures that the digital twin solution consistently performs at its best, regardless of the size of the operation.
Computing power: The cloud is an inexhaustible source of computing power. Complex simulations find a home here, seamlessly processed using tools such as virtual machines (VMs) and containers. The variety of cloud computing components available ensures that organizations can tailor their resources to the specific needs of their digital twin platforms.
AI/ML processing: More than just storage, cloud computing platforms come equipped with a suite of data analytics tools designed to efficiently process AI and ML workloads. From robust hardware components such as central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs) to industry-specific application software, the cloud provides a holistic ecosystem for analyzing, predicting, and making recommendations based on data processed by a digital twin.
The convergence of IT and OT is gaining momentum, and digital twin technology is a testament to the power of this marriage. By bringing IT and OT closer together, we are ushering in a new era of improved scenarios, greater capabilities, and an enhanced value proposition. This is not just a technical shift; it is a transformation that promises to increase the productivity and competitive advantage of organizations. On the journey to the future, the cloud is undeniably the vehicle that will take us to new heights.
Source: ABI Research's Cloud-Driven Digital Twins
