Twenty Companies Join New Industrial Digital Twin Association
September 28, 2020 | ZVEI PCB and Electronic SystemsEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
VDMA and ZVEI have founded the "Industrial Digital Twin Association" (IDTA) as a user organization for Industrie 4.0 together with Bitkom and 20 companies from the mechanical and electrical engineering industries. The aim of the association is to bring together the parallel development strands towards the industrial digital twin and to develop it as an open source solution together with the member companies. Users benefit from the early insights into the digitization of industrial products. This reduces effort, integration time and costs in the own value creation.
Core Technology for Industrie 4.0: The Digital Twin
In Industrie 4.0 applications, the digital twin serves as an interface between the physical industrial products and the digital world. This enables the continuous data availability to be mapped along the entire life cycle from product planning and development, production and commissioning to use and recycling. This is associated with potential for new business models for small and medium-sized factory equipment manufacturers as well as for large end users, for example in the automotive and process industries.
Added value through joint user organisation
The new user organisation IDTA operates active technology management and coordinates and strengthens the interests and investments of the participating actors. Dr. Matthias Bölke from Schneider Electric was elected chairman. Deputy chairman is Dr. Horst Heinol-Heikkinen, owner of Asentics. "The excellence of German and European industry in the development of industrial products is recognized worldwide. Now is the time to design the digital ecosystem around these products worldwide with the same high quality standards", says Hartmut Rauen, Deputy Executive Director of the VDMA.
"We are faced with the unique opportunity to shape the digital value creation in industry for the next decades through the shoulder-to-shoulder cooperation between the mechanical and electrical engineering industries. And this will benefit almost all sectors of the economy, from producers to end users," adds Gunther Koschnick, Managing Director of the ZVEI Automation Association. "We are pleased that through the VDMA and ZVEI we have been given a neutral, yet industry-oriented, global platform that will carry the core technology of the Digital Twin for Industry 4.0 as an open source solution into the world," emphasizes Frank Melzer, who as head of the steering committee of the National Platform Industrie 4.0 was one of the initiators of the association's founding.
Well-known companies among the founding members
This challenge requires joint international action. Besides the VDMA and ZVEI, the founding members are ABB, Asentics, Bitkom, Bosch, Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, Endress Hauser, Festo, Homag, KUKA, Lenze, Pepperl Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, SAP, Schneider Electric, Schunk, Siemens, Trumpf, Turck, Volkswagen and Wittenstein.
Suggested Items
Innovative Technology Advancements in Test: HATS² Technology and Its Impact on Reliability Testing
05/13/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Ensuring the reliability of printed circuit boards (PCBs) has become increasingly difficult and critical, yet the development of advanced testing methodologies is essential to meeting industry demands and addressing persistent challenges. One significant innovation is the High Acceleration Thermal Shock (HATS²) test system, which transforms how reliability testing is conducted. After 40 years in the testing business at Microtek, Bob Neves is beginning a new journey with his company, Reliability Assessment Solutions Inc. (RAS).
EWPTE 2025: Wire Processing Innovation Driving Technical Dialogue
05/13/2025 | Brittany Martin, I-Connect007From cutting-edge automation to advanced testing and harness assembly solutions, the 2025 Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) delivered a packed exhibit floor, robust technical programming, and valuable peer-to-peer connections.
Beyond the Board: Empowering the Next Generation of Tech Innovators in Electronics
05/13/2025 | Jesse Vaughan -- Column: Beyond the BoardThe electronics industry is at the heart of technological progress, driving innovative advancements that shape our world. Yet, despite the sector's rapid evolution, it faces a looming challenge: attracting and retaining young talent. With an aging workforce and an increasing demand for skilled professionals, the industry must find ways to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Facing the Future: The Role of 5G and Beyond in Shaping PCB Demand
05/13/2025 | Prashant Patel -- Column: Facing the FutureInnovations that push the boundaries of connectivity shape the future of technology, processing power, and miniaturization. 5G and emerging 6G technologies are critical in transforming industries from telecommunications and healthcare to autonomous systems. This affects the printed circuit board (PCB) industry, where demand for high-performance, miniaturized, and advanced PCBs is surging. This column explores the key applications of 5G and beyond, the challenges in designing high-frequency PCBs, the effects of miniaturization, industry collaborations, and opportunities for North American companies in this space.
Barnes Aerospace Appoints George Whittier as CEO
05/12/2025 | BUSINESS WIREBarnes Aerospace, a global provider of component repair services and manufacturer of highly-engineered parts primarily for aeroengines and an operating division of Barnes Group Inc., announced the appointment of George Whittier to the newly created role of CEO, effective May 12, 2025.