Advancing Digital Twin Development in Systems Engineering Education through Model-Based Systems Engineering

This study investigates the use of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles in digital twin (DT) development to enhance systems engineering education programs. The increasing prominence of digital twins across industries necessitates academic initiatives to train undergraduate students in DT creation. By leveraging MBSE principles and tools, this work fills a gap in undergraduate curricula, providing a structured framework for implementing small-scale DT systems. The focus of this study is the development of a virtual twin (VT) for a remotely operated rover (Physical Twin or PT). Using System Modeling Language (SysML), the work emphasizes designing and implementing a VT that mimics the PT’s behavior, specifically predicting battery usage during operations. The VT integrates both structural and behavioral views and incorporates real-time data exchange with the PT. The methodology involves creating SysML diagrams for the VT, modeling the PT’s structure and functionality, and establishing a bi-directional data link between the VT and PT using Magic Systems of Systems Architect. The PT, equipped with sensors and a microcontroller, generates real-time data for the VT to simulate battery performance and validate operational feasibility. Initial results demonstrate that the VT predicts the rover’s capacity to complete specific trips based on its current battery state. This work contributes to DT education by presenting a scalable, hands-on case study, bridging academic learning with industry demands.