Digital Twin or Digital Model: An Analysis of Definitions along the Product Lifecycle

Digital twins are a prominent topic in data-driven design thanks to advances in the Internet of Things. Due to the high number of publications and the resulting definitions, the differentiation between digital models and digital twins is not always clear. Therefore, this paper aims to refine the boundaries between digital model and digital twin through an analysis of various definitions according to common digital twin characteristics. A classification of case studies along the product lifecycle further highlights the differences between the definitions. The overall goal of this paper is to enhance communication and efficiency in the use of digital technologies by providing the difference between digital model and digital twin.