In a production context, “digital twin” refers to all applications where digital tools are used to virtually replicate and/or connect to the physical reality in order to design, control, and optimize production and logistics environments. The potential of digital twins is immense. However, many companies, particularly SMEs, fail to take the first step. Two typical application areas to initiate this are (1) "virtual engineering," where a 3D model is used to dimension and virtually commission a production process, and (2) "virtual user experience," where employees can easily interact with a generated 3D environment that simulates realistic production situations related to their job content for user research and training purposes.

The collective project TETRA VE∞X is a cooperation subsidized by Vlaio between Ghent University, Howest, Flanders Make, Agoria and a group of industrial partners. The overall objective is to support system integrators, machine builders, and manufacturing companies in the cost-efficient creation and maintenance of digital twins for production and logistics environments in order to carry out "virtual engineering" and "virtual experience" projects. Beyond the potential of each individually, the added value lies primarily in the continuous synergy between both domains, namely virtual engineering ∞ experience, or simply VE∞X. By fostering this synergy, this project will bridge the gap between tools and users, increase the accessibility of these technologies, and encourage their use in the Flemish manufacturing landscape.

This project enables companies to make informed decisions on the right technology to deploy, allow them to start using available tools, guide them in formulating their needs, and help them find and communicate with the appropriate partners when necessary.

The project team can offer companies a number of days of support and guidance for free. Interested to know more, please get in touch with us!