You may be wondering, “What is a digital twin?” A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-life object. The concept of digital twin technology has existed for decades, but the recent rise of artificial intelligence is allowing researchers at the University of Florida to find new ways to superpower digital twin capabilities.
In 2023, UF President Ben Sasse awarded $1.75 million in strategic funding to develop “Florida’s Digital Twin." Using Jacksonville as a pilot, the statewide digital twin aims to collect data from Florida’s existing structures to assist researchers in a collaborative effort to solve some of Florida’s pressing environmental, infrastructural, and social issues.
“We live in a 3D environment, and the opportunity that we can have to have a greater understanding of what’s happening in our environment is what I think allows digital twins to be a powerful tool. It is making data accessible,” said Karla Saldaña Ochoa, Ph.D., assistant professor at UF’s School of Architecture. Learn more: news.ufl.edu/2...