The virtual twin TECH FOCUS: SOFTWARE TECH FOCUS: SOFTWARE example, aerodynamic simulations customarily generate billions of data points while engineers quite often use only a single value coming from such simulations - vehicle drag coefficient. Artificial intelligence and machine learning allow much deeper analysis of such data, learn from it in a way our minds simply cannot, and come to conclusions that will allow an aerodynamicist to operate on an entirely different level of understanding. This can and will lead to entirely new solutions and processes in product design. MONOLITH is on the leading edge of what can be achieved using machine learning today. Another revolution in the advancement of virtual twins is Metaverse. It enables the creation of entire new set of interactive virtual universes where products are designed through collaborative teams that can cooperate from anywhere. Imagine interactions with virtual twins that will be perceived by our senses as real while also feeling a direct personal interaction with our colleague that might be physically on the other side of the globe. This will open creative possibilities that are literarily mind boggling. ShapesXR is pointing to such opportunities. They are already enabling such collaborations in creative design of car passenger spaces. It is exciting to observe the current state and the ongoing development work of virtual twins. It is amazing how far we have come and what we can do today. Every day the products reach us that are a direct result of using virtual twins in action. At the same time, even the near future will bring us improvements that will lead to significant and impressive new possibilities. Our efforts in creating sustainable future and clean environment will benefit the most. n UPDATE We hope this TECH FOCUS section was helpful to you. If you would like to comment on any of the articles in it, email us at update@sae.org. Use the same email address if you would like to submit an article for an upcoming Update FOCUS section; please refer to the editorial calendar below. Future FOCUS Index MAY 2022 Cybersecurity JUNE 2022 Testing JULY 2022 Additive manufacturing AUGUST 2022 Quantum computing April 2022 41