Transforming Transport: How the TransiT Hub Will Use Digital Twins to Decarbonise the Future of Mobility

A groundbreaking initiative in the UK is set to revolutionise the future of transport and its impact on the environment. The newly established TransiT Hub, led by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Glasgow, aims to use cutting-edge digital twin technology to decarbonise various transport systems, including road, rail, air, and maritime. Supported by a £46 million investment from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and 67 partners, this hub represents a significant step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions in the transport sector.

What Are Digital Twins?

Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical entities, created by collecting real-time data through sensors embedded in infrastructure like roads, railways, and shipping lanes. These digital models allow researchers and engineers to simulate, test, and refine different scenarios in a controlled environment before implementing solutions in the real world. This feedback loop enables the digital twin to provide insights and recommendations that can be applied almost instantaneously, improving efficiency and effectiveness.

In the context of the TransiT Hub, digital twins will play a pivotal role in evaluating how current transport systems can be transformed to reduce carbon emissions. By analysing data such as vehicle types, fuel consumption, and traffic patterns, these digital replicas can identify the most sustainable and cost-effective pathways to a low-carbon future.

Revolutionising Transport: The Benefits

The potential benefits of the TransiT Hub's research are vast and multifaceted. One of the most immediate applications could be in helping motorists reduce their carbon footprint. For example, digital twins could optimise traffic flow by updating road signs with real-time information about the quickest routes out of congestion, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Moreover, the hub will allow researchers to test the viability of future transport technologies that have not yet been widely implemented, such as electric road systems and alternative fuels. This proactive approach means that the transition to a decarbonised transport system can be accelerated, minimising the time and costs traditionally associated with trial and error in real-world settings.

For logistics companies, the ability to simulate various routes, vehicle types, and delivery schedules could lead to significant cost savings and more sustainable operations. By identifying the most efficient and environmentally friendly options, these companies can contribute to the broader goal of reducing transport-related carbon emissions.

Enhancing Passenger Experience

Beyond the environmental and operational benefits, the TransiT Hub's research will also enhance the experience of passengers and commuters. Digital twins could help individuals make more informed decisions about their travel options on a local, regional, and national level. For instance, personalised digital twin assistants could learn a user's travel preferences, much like how streaming services recommend shows based on viewing history. These assistants could then offer real-time journey options tailored to individual needs, budgets, and the reliability of transport services, taking into account factors such as weather conditions.

This personalised approach not only makes travel more convenient but also encourages more sustainable choices by highlighting the most eco-friendly options available.

Government Support and Industry Collaboration

The TransiT Hub has garnered strong support from both the government and industry partners. Feryal Clark, Minister for AI and Digital Government, emphasised the project's potential to enrich the lives of British citizens through technological innovation. She noted that the hub would save people time and money while also harnessing digital technologies to combat climate change.

Transport Minister Mike Kane highlighted the significance of digital twinning in integrating transport networks, improving efficiency, and delivering greener transport solutions. He praised the launch of the TransiT Hub as a crucial step in bringing together academia, industry, and government to unlock the full potential of this technology.

Data for building digital twins will be provided by TransiT's industry partners, who have pledged £26 million in support. These partners span the digital, energy, and transport sectors and include transport operators, regulators, vehicle manufacturers, technology companies, and energy suppliers. The collaboration is one of the largest of its kind, with the hub also working closely with passenger groups to model human travel behaviour and preferences.

A Blueprint for the Future

The impact of the TransiT Hub extends beyond the transport sector. As EPSRC Executive Chair Professor Charlotte Deane pointed out, the research conducted at the hub could serve as a blueprint for other industries looking to leverage digital twin technology for transformational change. By allowing policymakers to study the consequences of decisions across a wide range of scenarios, digital twins offer an invaluable tool for designing sustainable systems that meet the needs of both people and the planet.

Professor Phil Greening of Heriot-Watt University, one of the joint directors of the TransiT Hub, underscored the urgency of the project. With transport accounting for about a third of the UK's carbon emissions and global temperatures rising rapidly, there is no time to waste on traditional real-world trials. Instead, digital twins provide a way to experiment and innovate more quickly and cost-effectively.

As the TransiT Hub moves forward, it promises to not only decarbonise transport but also to redefine how we approach the design and implementation of sustainable systems across various sectors. The future of transport—and the planet—looks brighter with the innovations that will emerge from this pioneering research hub.