The manufacturing sectors are the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK. Achieving Net Zero objectives necessitates a fundamental reimagining and restructuring of manufacturing industries, e.g., paper, cement, glass, and plastic toward circular economy. The linchpin in driving this transformation is the groundbreaking and disruptive potential of digital twin technologies. A workshop is scheduled to take place at the University of Surrey, bringing together experts from interdisciplinary fields, to explore the creative possibilities of implementing digital twin technology to promote a circular economy within the manufacturing sectors.
Digital twins have the capacity to fundamentally transform how we perceive, oversee, and enhance industrial processes. They serve as a conduit between the physical and digital realms, allowing us to simulate real-life scenarios, identify problems, and attain optimal results through ‘optioneering’ – exploring various alternatives and assessing their sustainability and circularity. By harnessing the capabilities of digital twins, we can pave the way toward a future that is more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
To foster a closer connection between the realms of digital twins and the circular economy, we are convening a workshop at the University of Surrey. This workshop combines the disciplines of computer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, social sciences, and business and economics, aiming to facilitate the exchange of ideas, unlock untapped potential, and forge new pathways for the implementation of digital twin technologies and business innovation within the manufacturing industry to realise circular economy goals.
SPEAKERS
Professor Benoit Chachuat, Imperial College London
Professor John Ahmet Erkoyncu, Cranfield University
Dr Sang Phil Han, Siemens
Bob Purchase, Yokogawa
Professor Antouela Takou, Nottingham Trent University
Professor David Wagg, Alan Turing Institute
Professor Nik Watson, University of Leeds
Professor Bing Xu, Heriot-Watt University
ORGANISERS
Dr Lei Xing, University of Surrey
Dr Regina Frei, University of Surrey
Professor David Wagg, University of Sheffield
Dr Tiancun Xiao, OXCCU, University of Oxford
Photo by Robs on Unsplash
