Digital Twins: A glimpse into the future of engineering
Ever heard of a digital twin? It’s basically a super-smart virtual copy of something real; whether that’s a machine, a building or even an entire system. These digital replicas help engineers predict problems before they happen, improve efficiency and make better decisions.
On 10-11 January 2026, we held the first International Conference on Digital Twins and Applications (DTA APAC 2026) at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. We bought together experts from around the world to explore how this technology is changing the future of engineering.
Group picture of the DTA APAC 2026 opening ceremony.
What was it all about?
Prof. Man delivering the opening speech at the DTA Conference.
Digital twins are being used in industries like AI, energy, transport, construction and environmental monitoring. At the conference, we heard from our experts:
Prof. H.C. Man, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said: "It is particularly meaningful to see so many participants joining us from around the world, all converging here to explore the rapidly evolving field of digital twins and their applications. Digital twins are transforming the way we understand, design and manage complex systems, from manufacturing and smart cities to healthcare, transportation, energy and beyond. They exemplify the integration of the physical and digital worlds, and they embody the spirit of data-driven innovation that is reshaping our societies and economies."
Prof. Wenhai Wang, Conference co-chair and Qiushi Distinguished Professor at Zhejiang University, remarked: "In my group, we firmly believe that theory must serve practice. We founded UWNTEK to translate advanced research into deployable industrial solutions; We developed the multi-domain platform NGM to support modelling, simulation, control, and lifecycle management across domains; And we are committed to moving digital twins out of the lab and into factories, logistics networks, and smart infrastructures—where they deliver real value. We also launched the journal Digital Twins and Applications (DTA), which was indexed by EI Compendex within just 18 months—a strong testament to the global momentum in this field."
Prof. Wang delivering the opening speech at the DTA Conference.
This event was a chance to hear from these experts and see how these innovations are inspiring the future.
Why does it really matter?
Digital twins are becoming a key part of engineering and technology. Understanding how they work and where they’re heading could create new opportunities for collaboration and career growth.
Find out more about Digital Twins at digitaltwins.theiet.org