Next Steps for Digital Twin Apollo Protocol to Be Revealed

THE TEAM behind The Apollo Protocol white paper, which calls for a common language across digital twins, is to reveal details of a new Apollo Forum at a live streamed launch event on 25 October.

Since its launch last month, The Apollo Protocol is said to have attracted acclaim and enthusiasm from the digital twin community in manufacturing, construction and the built environment, and the technology sector.

The team reports downloads of the white paper proposing the cross-sector approach to digital twins have exceeded expectations, and a network for participants has been set up on the Digital Twin Hub.

At the live launch on 25 October, the team behind the initiative will reveal details of how the Apollo Forum will begin its work.

Languages and Models

Currently, the manufacturing and built environment sectors are developing digital twins separately using different language and business models, yet many of the industry’s challenges, such as net zero and economic sustainability, require sectors to work together.

The white paper is published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and supported by a range of organisations. It sets out a proposal to unlock the benefits of digital twins between the built environment and manufacturing sectors. It argues for the establishment of The Apollo Forum to explore four key themes:

1. A single value chain for information and data services and requirements
2. Circular supply chains between the sectors
3. Optimised performance through technology enabled information sharing
4. Managed human capital and resources between the sectors

Data Needs

The Forum will be established by practical cross-sector events where manufacturers and asset owners can express their data needs or technology offerings to map out the beginnings of a unified value chain, exploring solutions and unblocking practical barriers. The work is to be supported through Innovate UK to develop the UK’s capability in Cyber Physical Infrastructure. Events will commence as early as November 2022.

Neil Thompson, Digital Lead at the Construction Leadership Council said: “The data needs of manufacturers and asset owners across our sectors are hampered by a lack of collaboration and language barriers.

“The Apollo Forum events we have planned will enable us to map out those needs, identify technical and other support and ultimately develop valuable cross-sector solutions for the participants.

“Along the way we will begin to identify how to write The Apollo Protocol, but we will achieve it by taking practical steps to solving real life problems.”

Join the Event Live Stream

Asset owners, manufacturers and others interested in overcoming barriers to cross-sector collaboration are invited to learn more about how they can take part in The Apollo Forum by joining the live stream at 3.30pm on 25th October.

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