Helmus investigates how digital twins can be used to make industrial production smarter, more efficient and more sustainable. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a machine or production process, continuously updated with real-time data. This allows engineers to monitor, test and optimize systems without interrupting the physical process.
“A digital twin is not just a computer model,” Helmus explains. “Because it is constantly updated with data, you can predict and simulate what is likely to happen.”
The technology is especially relevant in sectors such as manufacturing, where reliability, efficiency and sustainability are key. For example, a digital twin of a production line can help predict failures, test new settings, or reduce waste by improving forecasts.
“With a digital twin, you can first test the effect of a new setting on a virtual machine,” says Helmus. “That way, you don’t need to shut down the actual machine or waste raw materials. Simulate first, act later.”
Addressing industrial challenges
Helmus bridges the gap between applied research and real-world industrial challenges.
“We work closely with companies, especially SMEs,” he says. “They often lack the capacity to experiment with this kind of technology on their own. We help them take that step.”
His research group is involved in a wide range of practical projects – from developing a digital twin of a sustainable brewery to improving energy efficiency in factories and supporting logistics processes.
Collaboration with CWI
The collaboration between AUAS and CWI strengthens the link between fundamental research and practical application.
“With technology evolving so rapidly, a mutual exchange has emerged between industrial and academic progress,” Helmus explains. “Whereas ten years ago academia primarily influenced the use of industrial technologies, today there is a two-way interaction in shaping the direction of technological development. The research group provides an opportunity to link CWI’s fundamental insights to the practical challenges faced by our partners. At the same time, those challenges help steer CWI’s research agenda.”
Lecture and seminar on 3 June
On 3 June, Jurjen Helmus will deliver his inaugural lecture, titled The Future of Industry – The Industry of the Future. Ahead of the lecture, the research group is organizing an interactive seminar showcasing applications of industrial digital twins and related technologies. The aim is also to work with all industry partners to define a research agenda that addresses the sector’s current challenges.
If you want to visit the seminar, you can register on the AUAS-website. (in Dutch)
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