PRISM Video: An introduction to Digital Twins and Immersive Technology, from the Digital Twin Centre, Belfast.

Kevin Doherty is the User Experience & Immersive Technologist at the Digital Twin Centre, Belfast where the goal is to increase adoption of digital twins and explore their integration with immersive technology. The following is a summary of Kevin’s presentation at PRISM ‘25 and you can watch it in full below.

What is a Digital Twin?

• Definition: A synchronised, dynamic virtual representation of a physical asset, process, or system bridging physical and digital worlds.

• Stages:

  • Digital Model: Static 3D scan or CAD model, no live data.

  • Digital Shadow: Physical asset sends data to virtual model (one-way).

  • Digital Twin: Two-way data flow—monitoring and control.

Myth Busting

• Not just a 3D model: It’s dynamic and predictive.

• Not only for large companies: Cloud platforms, affordable sensors, and analytics make it accessible.

• Not just a dashboard: It’s an active model with AI/ML for insights.

• Not only for physical products: Now used for services, processes, and even people.

Why Use Digital Twins?

• Rapid prototyping and simulation.

• Real-world control and smarter decisions.

• Shorter time-to-market.

• Cost reduction and lower emissions.

Challenges

• Cost: High initial investment.

• Interoperability: Integrating systems over time.

• Security & Trustworthiness: Protecting digitised processes.

Immersive Tech Examples

• Design Phase: Rapid prototyping with real-world data (e.g., Siemens NX, World Builder).

• Training Scenarios: Flight simulators (Varjo XR), sustainable forestry training.

• Contextualised Data: In-situ dashboards and control interfaces.

• “What If” Analysis: Simulating scenarios for optimisation.

• Storytelling: Using immersive tech to communicate complex processes.

Future Trends

• System of Systems: Connecting multiple digital twins for complex environments.

• Immersive Analytics: Moving beyond dashboards to spatial data interaction.

• Developer-Friendly Tools: Quick start with consumer headsets and Unity/WebAR.

• Emerging Tech:

  • Android XR (Samsung).

  • Gaussian Splatting for fast asset capture.

  • AI + Immersive Tech for context-aware experiences (ambient computing).

Closing

• Digital Twin Centre is focused on making these technologies accessible and practical.

• Open invitation to connect for collaboration or demos.