Digital Twins: Models Everywhere
Øystein Haugen, Department of Computer Science and Communication, Ostfold University College, Norway
The Lessons the Models Taught us
Erik Herzog, Saab Aeronautics, Sweden
Transparency of Tools: Beyond Usability in Modeling Tools
Alfonso Pierantonio, Department of Computer Science, University of L'Aquila, Italy
Digital Twins: Models Everywhere
Øystein Haugen
Department of Computer Science and Communication, Ostfold University College
Norway
https://www.hiof.no/iio/itk/english/people/aca/oysteiha/index.html
Brief Bio
Øystein Haugen is now a full professor at Østfold University College in Norway leading a research group on cyber-physical systems. He has earlier worked in research in large international enterprises ABB and Ericsson, and in research institutes Norwegian Computing Center and SINTEF and at the University of Oslo. He also worked for some years in a start-up company in the field of typography. Throughout his career he has had a passion for modeling languages and their standardization. He worked on languages SDL and MSC in the International Telecom Union, and on UML 2 and SysML v2 in the Object Management Group.
Abstract
Finally, everybody embraces models - in the form of "Digital Twins"! What a relief for someone who has worked with models for many years in several different domains. But we have not conquered all challenges concerning digital twins, and this talk will look at digital twins in the light of experiences from working with models and model-driven engineering for a professional lifetime.
What is a model in the era of digital twins and what should it be? Do we need specific languages for describing digital twins? How should digital twins evolve as their importance increases?
The Lessons the Models Taught us
Erik Herzog
Saab Aeronautics
Sweden
Brief Bio
Dr. Erik Herzog is a Technical Fellow at Saab Aeronautics specializing in Systems Engineering for complex aerospace systems. His expertise spans model-based systems engineering (MBSE), product lifecycle management (PLM), and digital integration methods in the development of advanced aerospace platforms. Dr. Herzog has a proven track record of leading research and development initiatives aimed at enhancing integration, flexibility, and predictability in complex system development.
Abstract
20 years ago, in 2005, Saab Aeronautics embarked on a journey to adopt a model-based ways of working. In the course of this journey three new aircraft were born:
- Gripen E -a radical rebuild of the light weight fighter that are in use in five, soon to be six airforces.
- GlobalEye -a high-capability/low-cost airborne early warning system first delivered to the UAE
- T-7A -US Airforce’s new trainer aircraft developed in collaboration with Boeing.
Each of these aircraft and the people who contributed to their development, their triumphs and troubles warrant a dedicated presentation. However, the focus of this presentation is on the experiences and lessons learned from the introduction and application of Model-Based Systems Engineering in the development processes and organisations. Essentially it is about the lessons the models taught us.
More specifically the following aspects will be covered:
- Background and objectives - the organisation that was and the organisation to be
- Identified modelling domains - and our success in introducing and maintaining them
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Lessons learned in terms of:
- Understanding and documenting model purpose
- What is a good model? The importance of understanding its credibility
- Time, Configuration management and Model Architecture - mix the tenses
- Islands of automation, islands of modelling -the consequence for the overall development organisation
- Evaluation - is there a future for Model-Based Systems Engineering?
- Looking forward - what are the necessary improvements for taking the next steps in Model- Based Systems Engineering? Prioritised research and development areas from Saab Aeronautics' perspective.
Transparency of Tools: Beyond Usability in Modeling Tools
Alfonso Pierantonio
Department of Computer Science, University of L'Aquila
Italy
Brief Bio
Alfonso Pierantonio is a Professor of Software Engineering at the University of L’Aquila, Italy. He specializes in model-driven and language engineering, with a strong interest in co-evolution techniques, consistency management, and tool design and implementation. Alfonso is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Object Technology and on the editorial and advisory board of Software and System Modeling and Science of Computer Programming. Alfonso is in the Steering Committee of ACM/IEEE MoDELS.
Abstract
This presentation explores how modeling tools can become extensions of the human mind and body, seamlessly enhancing user capabilities in Model-Driven Engineering (MDE). Drawing on Martin Heidegger’s concepts of “ready-to-hand” and “present-at-hand,” we examine how transparency goes beyond usability by enabling tools to function as natural, intuitive extensions that support the user’s thought processes without conscious effort.
Through practical examples in MDE, we demonstrate how transparent tools reduce cognitive friction, foster focus, and allow users to operate in a state of flow, making the tool itself almost “invisible.” Transparent tools embody Heidegger’s readiness-to-hand by blending with the user’s workflow and becoming a natural extension of the mind, enabling modeling tasks to be approached with greater creativity, productivity, and satisfaction. This presentation concludes by proposing design principles inspired by Heideggerian philosophy, guiding the development of future modeling tools that serve as cognitive and perceptual prosthetics, empowering users in ways that transcend traditional usability.