# A new perspective on Digital Twins: Imparting intelligence and agency to entities

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2210.05350 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2210.05350/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 2 of its 24 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 11 Oct 2022.

## Builds on (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Digital Twin: From Concept to Practice](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.06912/) (2022)
- [Digital Twin in Practice: Emergent Insights from an ethnographic-action research study](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.07030/) (2022)

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Digital Twin: Where do humans fit in?](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.03040/) (2023)
- [Relativistic Digital Twin: Bringing the IoT to the Future](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.07390/) (2023)
- [LeanAI: A method for AEC practitioners to effectively plan AI implementations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2306.16799/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Despite the Digital Twin (DT) concept being in the industry for a long time, it remains ambiguous, unable to differentiate itself from information models, general computing, and simulation technologies. Part of this confusion stems from previous studies overlooking the DT's bidirectional nature, that enables the shift of agency (delegating control) from humans to physical elements, something that was not possible with earlier technologies. Thus, we present DTs in a new light by viewing them as a means of imparting intelligence and agency to entities, emphasizing that DTs are not just expert-centric tools but are active systems that extend the capabilities of the entities being twinned. This new perspective on DTs can help reduce confusion and humanize the concept by starting discussions about how intelligent a DT should be, and its roles and responsibilities, as well as setting a long-term direction for DTs.