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3 Edge Computing: New Support for Digital Twins // / Edge Computing: Some Real-World Applications In what instances would edge computing make sound business sense? Consider the example of an oil rig in the middle of the ocean with a pump that is about to fail. Eliminating any degree of latency by collecting and processing the pump's sensor outputs locally, on edge devices, might make a critical difference in averting this failure via preventive maintenance. In instances like this, where high-speed internet connectivity is not available and sending large amounts of data is simply not feasible, edge computing provides the answer. Even if the growth of edge means increasing adoption of decentralized computing, it's important to note that this does not mean that edge will replace the cloud. Rather, edge and cloud computing can exist in a symbiotic relationship. For example, many manufacturers currently rely on a cloud inf rastructure to gather and process operating data. But adding edge computing in a hybrid approach helps ensure that real-time operating data is stored in an accessible, scalable location. Manufacturers can easily capitalize on sufficient computing power and fast processing speeds without expensive outlays for on-premise IT investments. By leveraging edge computing and Ansys digital twin technology in tandem, manufacturers can identify and respond quickly to rising temperatures, dust or emissions, fatigue, vibration, high levels of energy consumption and other signs that equipment is not operating optimally. Operations management can make critical decisions and respond very quickly ― or, by leveraging artificial intelligence, companies can automate these responses with absolutely no human intervention and zero latency. / Setting the Stage for Broad Adoption of Digital Twins When the concept of digital twins was introduced several years ago, it seemed like science fiction ― or a specialized simulation application that was relevant to only a handful of industries. However, today the use of digital twins is growing exponentially. From medical devices to wind turbines, railways and industrial equipment, digital twins are helping companies optimize the lifetime performance of their products, minimize downtime, decrease warranty and maintenance costs, and support new value-added product designs. With a family of specialized digital twin solutions ― as well as the industry's broadest platform of physics-based engineering simulation technology ― Ansys is at the foref ront of the digital twin revolution. User-f riendly, intuitive tools f rom Ansys have already helped many companies get digital twins up and running quickly, for fast results and a maximum return on investment. As edge computing and other emerging technologies continue to increase the global adoption of digital twins, Ansys can help customers make the right choices as they embark on the digital twin journey. Whether a cloud computing model, an edge computing approach or a hybrid model makes the most sense, Ansys can create a customized digital twin plan that considers each organization's objectives, information needs, IT resources, timef rame and competitive situation. As developments like edge computing place digital twins within the reach of virtually every business, there's no reason to overlook this advanced simulation capability that can deliver enormous financial returns ― and a meaningful competitive edge. 1 "The Edge Completes the Cloud: A Gartner Trend Insight Report," September 2018.