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For full details about the Simulation and Modelling 2022 conference, please visit the event website.
Please briefly explain your current role and involvement in simulation and modelling technologies
Stephen McNabb (SM): I now lead our digital training solutions division and also have extensive experience in maintenance of both rolling stock and signalling & infrastructure activities with Alstom since 2006. I have held several senior roles in Europe and the Middle East including Quality Director, Project Manager, Service Infrastructure Project Director and have led several maintenance projects in all project phases.
I am currently based in Paris and work in the Alstom Services Product Line, and support all our local teams and customers worldwide in particular on our VR driving simulator product.
What is the number one challenge holding back the integration of simulation and modelling?
SM: Availability of digitised data in a consumable and standardised format capable of being used for simulation, modelling and to build the simulations and digital twin models. A railway transport system is often a huge network of many complex assets that interact also with dynamic complex behaviours that change over time – some of those assets maybe new and others could be even 100 years old (yes really 1 hundred years). How to digitise all the assets cost effectively…that’s another problem!
What are the most common gripes you hear from engineers in the deployment of digital twins?
SM: Typically the first response is ‘What is it (the digital twin)’? as a definition and scope of Digital Twin is not yet understood therefore the ability to determine what and how to do something is currently limited. If we can clarify this the road to create and use digital twins effectively will accelerate and the benefits will grow (it may also help to clarify when a digital twin is really needed).
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
SM: Learning about the current status of digital twin Understanding and that different types of approaches and models for different purposes are actually all forms of Digital Twins, there is not a single answer and not a single solution. Learning from other industries and academics will help form a better approach and support adoption of the digital twin(s).
What can engineers expect from your presentation at the event?
SM: A Railway transport system is comprised of many different dynamic (eg. Trains) and fixed (eg. Infrastructure) assets often spanning hundreds or thousands of kilometers with many stakeholders. Learning what and how could a Digital Twin applied to the operator and maintainers of these complex systems, and how driving simulator technologies with IOT could be adapted to the Digital Twin journey.
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
SM: All of the agenda is very interesting and I am very excited to attend the 2 day event and if I had to choose only 1 (which is difficult) the focus on data fidelity is a key part of understanding what is a digital twin (or not) by Steven Child of IPG Automotive.
What key development/s in simulation and modelling are you most interested in for the future and why?
SM: The increasing speed and related cost reduction to digitisation of data to build interactive models to form new digital Twins that and become accessible to non expert users to bring value to their businesses.
There are so many new evolutions of technology in every domain that will support the creation of the data and the models to be capable of being used to develop the Digital Twin, it is an exciting time.
Why is it important for engineers to join this event?
SM: Digital Twin is not just a trend but an increasingly important approach to bring and complex relationships between many different assets and many stakeholders, learn that it is more than a single solution or software and how you start your Digital Twin journey.
The Simulation and Modelling 2022 conference will take place on 20-21 September 2022 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry
Join us in 2022 to hear how thought-leaders and senior engineers are using new technologies and techniques for digital twinning, design, validation, fault detection and process optimisation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with colleagues and peers across multiple industries and take back fresh perspectives of how these technologies are being used to optimise design, development, testing, manufacturing and operational engineering: for full details about the Simulation and Modelling 2022 conference, please visit the event website.