With the rise of urbanization and Industry 4.0 (the fourth industrial revolution), there is less and less room for trial and error in city and urban planning and an increased demand for a smarter and interconnected world. So, what if you could do that? And what if you could do it before even implementing these developments?
Well, with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with 3D digital twins, you can do it!
These two devices represent one of the biggest digital transformation advancements in the last couple of years, as they allow us to connect the physical world with digital systems in a virtual environment. So, let’s see what a 3D digital twin is, what the IoT integration looks like, and how you can connect them to create smart facilities.
What is a 3D Digital Twin?
A 3D digital twin is a virtual simulation of a physical asset – whether it’s an object, a building, a process, or even a person. Although it’s a representation of physical characteristics, it’s more than just about appearance. Instead, a 3D digital twin mirrors its real-time status and working conditions to improve facility management. In other words, it simulates the behaviour of an object based on real-time data to understand how it operates in real life.
The IoT Integration with 3D Digital Twins
You already know that the Internet of Things (IoT) devices represent technical paradigms connecting physical objects to the Internet – anything from industrial IoT devices to home automation systems. For example, you can control HVAC systems and household appliances, adjust your lights, and maybe even lock or unlock doors – all from your personal devices (smartphones).
When combined with 3D Digital twins, it can create a powerful synergy between these two technologies. So, here’s how 3D digital twin software leverages 3D modelling and IoT devices:
- Data Collection and Integration: The nature of 3D digital twins is based on real-time data – and IoT applications are embedded with sensors that can provide exactly that. This way, you can create an interconnected data system that continuously feeds 3D digital twin technologies. With the IoT integration, you can make a more detailed virtual representation that can help in various process stages – asset management, predictive maintenance, and the entire facility.
- Real-time Analysis and 24/7 Monitoring: Since IoT devices are necessary to power 3D Digital Twins, the synergy of these two ensures that the digital model is always perfectly synchronized with its physical counterpart. This integration is also necessary for scenario simulation to understand the performance under different conditions – which, again, is based on previous data.
- Feedback Loop: Let’s say that your IoT application enables the HVAC system in the 3D Digital Twin. By connecting these two, you can trigger an alert that notifies us about possible inefficiencies during different times of the day and suggests possible operational processes to reduce your consumption. By implementing a predictive maintenance strategy, you can develop a smart and connected facility that allows us to address these problems proactively before they become costly issues.
- Remote Control and Monitoring: The digital nature of 3D digital twins allows us to do everything, well, virtually – anywhere, anytime. This means that everyone involved – developers, tenants, or realtors – can remotely monitor and control asset conditions. You won’t believe how useful it is when something needs immediate attention or action, and you’re not around to deal with it. Plus, you don’t want to get home and see that something is ruined. This is where the integration of IoT sensors with 3D digital twins comes in extremely handy.
- Better User Experience: In a smart facility and a connected environment, IoT applications are all about consumer-centric experiences. This way, with the IoT integration with 3D Digital Twins, you can understand user behavior and preferences, creating a tailor-made interaction for all users.
At Bright Spaces, we take the power of 3D Digital Twins to the next level by offering an integrated platform for commercial real estate that leverages IoT technology. By combining real-time data from IoT sensors with our interactive 3D models, we provide property owners, managers, and tenants with a comprehensive and immersive view of their spaces. This integration enables predictive maintenance, optimized energy management, and enhanced decision-making, all in a digital, user-friendly environment. Our platform not only improves operational efficiency but also elevates the tenant experience, ensuring smarter, more connected spaces for everyone involved.