Digital Twins Make Sense—and Cents

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As a maturing technology, the direct return on investment (ROI) of digital twins is often intangible. They’re used to increase operational efficiency, improve safety, and better manage and operate energy assets. 

From Pocket Sized Hands

From Pocket Sized Hands

Digital twins are also being used to train employees on assets without travel, downtime, or safety risks. 

Major players in oil and gas are using VR like digital twins for training—with stellar results. This was discussed in a panel at a recent immersive technology event. Members of the panel included:

  • Anthony Del Barto, learning technology manager for BP

  • Marcelo Fernandez, product owner for digital twin and rich media for Chevron

  • Brent Kedzierski, head of learning strategy and innovation for Shell

Gavin Taylor, vice president of global sales and strategy with 3t Energy Group, moderated the discussion.

BP is happy with the role digital twins play in training. Del Barto said, "In my mind, this is one of the most critical and important spaces, because VR simulation gives us, our trainers, and operators a safe place to practice, fail, and get better at the skills they learned. They can see the consequences when things go wrong." 

Sometimes the ROI can be measured directly. Shell’s Kedzierski said, "Out on the rigs, you would typically have to fly people to the rig, then back to the training center to get tested and certified. Instead of flying them back and forth, we are able to do immersive VR that [provides] the training and meets the need without the travel." There’s a clear cost and time savings there.

But sometimes you have to look beyond the balance sheet. Fernandez, of Chevron, said he believes operational excellence is more important than ROI. He added that using VR and digital twin technology helps reduce an organization’s carbon footprint, a tangible measurement important to energy companies. 

The panelists also agreed that collaboration will benefit the entire industry. Kedzierski said, "Partnerships of the future will be a much larger and more sustainable route for our industry."

Sounds like these companies should pair up.