Digital twin applications in the Industry 4.0 context

In this thesis, the dynamic progression and substantial influence of Digital Twins in the context of smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0 are presented. By exploring the historical context and development of Digital Twin technology, a strong foundation for understanding the emergence of Hybrid Digital Twin (HDT) is established. Through a conceptual overview, the key distinctions between HDTs and traditional DTs are highlighted, emphasizing their significance in today's industrial landscape. A comprehensive literature review employing a systematic methodology is conducted to analyze and synthesize the existing research on HDTs. The criteria for paper selection are outlined, and a detailed overview of relevant studies across various industries is provided, focusing on applications in manufacturing, healthcare, energy, aerospace, and other sectors. The analysis of HDT applications reveals insights, key findings, and emerging trends. The implications and future directions of HDTs are discussed, offering valuable insights gleaned from the analysis of the literature. Unexplored territories and potential research avenues are identified, providing a roadmap for future investigations. In the concluding sections, a summary of the findings is presented, emphasizing the contributions to knowledge in the field. The practical implications are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided. This thesis contributes to the ongoing discourse on HDTs, offering a nuanced understanding of their applications and paving the way for further exploration in this dynamic and evolving field.