Abstract:

Digital twins—dynamic, data-driven virtual representations of physical systems—are revolutionizing how the uncrewed aviation industry monitors the flights from taking off to landing. By integrating real-time data, advanced analytics, and domain expertise, digital twins enabling decision-making, and operational efficiency. This tutorial will introduce the digital twin concept, with a focus on its application to uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), supporting infrastructure, and airspace management. It explores the potential of digital twin technology in the rapidly evolving domain of uncrewed air transportation. The tutorial will begin with an overview of digital twin technology, highlighting its core principles and technological foundations. Participants will learn how digital twins are being leveraged in uncrewed air transportation.

1. Digital Twin for the UAS Platform

The session will delve into the creation and deployment of digital twins for the UAS platform. Attendees will explore modeling techniques, real-time sensor integration, and the use of tools (MATLAB and Unreal Engine) for development and experimentation. The discussion will focus on how digital twins enable real-time vehicle health monitoring, and adaptive flight control.

2. Digital Twin for Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS)

This session will cover the extension of digital twin technology to the CNS infrastructure essential for UAS operations. The tutorial will address how digital twins can simulate and monitor CNS network performance using real-time data from satellites, ground stations, and airborne assets.

3. Digital Twin for Airspace Management

The final session will focus on the application of digital twins for airspace management. The discussion includes urban and national airspaces, incorporating live traffic, demonstrating how digital twins support conflict detection, capacity optimization, and the safe, scalable integration of UAS into complex airspace environments.