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When looking to understand exactly what a digital twin is, the name can be misleading. Think of regular twins: two people who look alike, right? That, however, is where the similarities end. Real-life twins may share genetic material and a few common experiences but throughout life they will be molded by diverse events and lifestyles. If one twin shaves their head. for instance, while the other looks to set a record for longest hair, then that is one of many differences that will set these two twins apart.

By contrast, a digital twin cannot be different from its physical counterpart – by definition. If you have a digital twin that does not 100% accurately mirror and measure what is going on in physical reality, then unfortunately you have nothing more than a simulation. It may be a very impressive simulation, but it not a digital twin.