R&D Hub for "Digital Twins" Established in Dresden

The goal is to systematically incorporate the specific requirements of the semiconductor industry into the further development and implementation of Asset Administration Shell (AAS) solutions, thereby strengthening interoperability across the value chain.

The hub was initiated by the Industrial Digital Twin Association (IDTA), the Chair of Information Management at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTWD), and the Process-to-Order Group at the Dresden University of Technology (TUD).

• Core objectives of the IDTA Research Hub

The focus is on the AAS as the technical backbone of the Industrial Digital Twin. The AAS is the standardized digital twin of a physical object that provides all relevant information in a structured manner, enabling data on machines, systems, and companies to be mapped in a standardized way and made available across manufacturer and system boundaries. While data was previously often distributed across different IT systems, the AAS consolidates this information into a unified structure. This allows systems from different manufacturers and companies to “communicate” with one another without having to program individual custom solutions. It is precisely this interoperability that is considered a prerequisite for scalable Industry 4.0 applications.

The hub aims to establish AAS across domains in both discrete and process-oriented manufacturing environments within the semiconductor industry and demonstrate its applicability in real-world production and supply chains. Research, teaching, and practical demonstrators are intended to make the digital twin tangible and scalable for companies.

A key objective is to open the Dresden Learning Factories as a research platform for applied AAS solutions. In addition, cross-domain supply chain scenarios based on the Digital Product Passport are to be implemented, and a long-term research network is to be established with industry partners along the value chains of the semiconductor industry as well as downstream industries, such as the chemical, automotive, and mechanical engineering sectors. The hub sees itself as a contributor to initiatives such as Manufacturing-X and aims in particular to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the introduction of AAS-based solutions.

• Concrete steps and initial demonstrators

As a first step, a physically accessible AAS showcase for semiconductor applications in the automotive sector is being created. The focus is on use cases involving fine and specialty chemicals, which play a key role in the industry. The demonstrator is complemented by modular “AAS Experience Labs,” which provide interactive insights ranging from modeling to integration into production and supply chain processes. Regular specialist events are also planned, as well as access to informational materials and learning factories.

The hub is therefore intended not only to consolidate research but also to serve as a platform for the exchange of experiences, transparency, and cross-industry learning. Particular emphasis is placed on embedding the AAS in research and education to familiarize future specialists and managers with the Industrial Digital Twin at an early stage.

• Call for Participation

At the same time, the hub issues a clear call for participation to industry, research institutions, and technology providers. Through joint projects, shared demonstrators, and open knowledge exchange, the practical implementation of AAS is to be accelerated, and interoperability and data sovereignty are to be translated into measurable added value for companies and European industry.