Digital twins in urban mobility: what they are and what they can do
In the era of smart cities, urban planners and engineers are increasingly turning to digital twins, virtual replicas of physical environments, to address complex challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, and inefficient infrastructure. A digital twin integrates real-time data, advanced analytics, and simulation tools to create a dynamic model of a city’s energetic or traffic system. This technology enables cities to test scenarios, optimise traffic flow, and improve sustainability without disrupting daily life.
A digital twin is a digital representation of a physical object, system, or process. It uses real-time data from sensors, IoT devices, and other sources to mirror the behaviour and performance of its physical counterpart. Originally developed for industrial applications such as manufacturing and aerospace, digital twins are now being adapted for urban environments. They allow city officials to visualise, analyse, and simulate changes before implementing them in the real world.
Digital twins for urban mobility aggregate data from various sources, including traffic cameras, GPS devices, and road sensors, to simulate traffic patterns. Unlike traditional traffic models, which rely on static data or historical trends, digital twins offer a dynamic and adaptive approach. For example, a digital twin can simulate the impact of a new road, a change in traffic light timing, or a sudden influx of vehicles due to an event. By running these simulations, cities can identify bottlenecks, optimise signal timings, and even predict traffic jams before they occur. Smoother traffic flow leads to fewer vehicles on the road, lowering CO2 emissions and improving air quality. Digital twins also help identify high-risk areas and simulate safety measures, such as pedestrian crossings or speed limits, to reduce accidents
Several cities have already embraced digital twins for traffic management. Singapore uses a digital twin to simulate traffic and optimise public transport routes, reducing congestion by up to 10 per cent in some areas. Amsterdam implemented a digital twin to manage traffic during major events, improving pedestrian and cyclist safety. Los Angeles leverages digital twins to predict traffic patterns and adjust signal timings dynamically, cutting travel times by 12 percent. These examples demonstrate the tangible benefits of digital twins in creating more efficient and livable urban spaces.
Despite their potential, digital twins face several challenges. Developing and maintaining a digital twin requires significant investment in technology and expertise. Collecting and analysing vast amounts of data raises questions about privacy and security. Successful implementation also requires cooperation between government agencies, private companies, and technology providers.
The future of digital twins lies in artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity, and edge computing. These technologies will enhance their accuracy and real-time capabilities. Additionally, digital twins could expand beyond traffic to include other urban systems, such as energy grids and waste management, creating truly integrated smart cities.
One notable example of digital twins in action is the ACUMEN project, funded by the European Union. ACUMEN focuses on developing advanced digital twin technologies to improve urban mobility and reduce environmental impact. By integrating data from multiple European cities, the project aims to create a unified platform for simulating traffic scenarios, optimizing public transport, and enhancing sustainability. ACUMEN demonstrates how collaboration across borders can accelerate the adoption of digital twins, making cities smarter and more resilient.
Digital twins represent a powerful tool for modernising urban traffic management. By providing real-time insights and predictive capabilities, they enable cities to become more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. While challenges remain, the potential benefits—including reduced congestion, lower emissions, and improved safety—make digital twins a vital component of the smart cities of tomorrow. As technology evolves, their role in shaping urban mobility will only grow, offering new opportunities for innovation and progress.
