Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT)
Innovation meeting "Digital twins for urban sustainability" at H-BRS
In simple terms, a digital twin is the virtual image of a physical object or process. This technology makes it possible to simulate different scenarios and thus make data-based decisions. In several H-BRS research projects, scientists are using the concept to develop solutions for greater sustainability with and for municipalities.
The "Digital Twin-4-Multiphysics Lab" at the university brings together several research projects, that develop digital solutions for urban areas or industry. These include the OpenSKIZZE project, in which Dr Alexander Hagg is developing open source applications that urban planners can use as a basis for decision-making in various application scenarios.
The team led by Professor Martin Hamer and Tim Wessel is working on the EcoTwin project, existing and self-collected environmental data into a virtual image of all urban green spaces. In the future, the system could, for example, issue warnings if a green space is too dry and needs to be watered.
The project NAkSU (New analysis methods for complex safety and environmental data) is also focussing on environmental data. Here, researchers are developing new analysis methods to collect safety and environmental data and process it for various groups. One challenge here is to link measurement data from qualitatively and technically different sensors and process it in real time.
Dr Bettina Distel from the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development emphasised the versatile applicability of digital twins for municipalities in her keynote speech, for example in the transport sector, in preparing for extreme weather conditions or in the efficient planning of urban housing.
This transformation towards smart cities and increased sustainability in urban areas can only succeed if all relevant players network and share existing knowledge with each other, said Dr Simon Roth, Head of the Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT) at H-BRS, which organised the event.
This transformation towards smart cities and increased sustainability in urban areas can only succeed if all relevant players network and share existing knowledge with each other, said Dr Simon Roth, Head of the Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT) at H-BRS, which organised the event
In the panel discussion with representatives from science, politics, business and municipalities, it became clear that there is huge potential for the use of digital technologies in municipalities. However, there is a need for concrete issues that can be worked on together, said Professor Dirk Reith, Director of the Institute for Technology, Resource and Energy Efficiency (TREE).
The basis for this lies in constant dialogue between the players and knowledge about what is possible with the help of a digital twin. The panellists identified a lack of human or financial resources in the municipalities as possible hurdles. Katharina Kämmerer from ZWT provided information on funding opportunities for future cooperation projects.
Contact
Eva Kesternich
Transfer manager with a focus on innovation and network management ZWT
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
F 421
Address
Grantham-Allee 20
53757, Sankt Augustin
Anlaufstellen
Centre for Science and Technology Transfer (ZWT)
Campus
Sankt Augustin
Room
F 405