WS.I - Digital Twins

ROOM 25
WS.I DIGITAL TWINS for INNOVATION: BRIDGING RESEARCH and INDUSTRY 17-18 September
*Session organized by:*

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE: Marzia QUAGLIO, Francesca RISPLENDI & Marco FONTANA, Polytechnic University of Turin
This two-day workshop will explore the revolutionary role of digital and physical replicas across multiple-technological domains, bridging academic research and industrial applications. Digital twins - virtual representations of specific physical systems - and physical replicas enable unprecedented opportunities for optimization, predictive analysis, and real-time monitoring. By enabling advanced simulations and in-depth analysis of complex systems, they empower organizations to optimize processes, reduce operational costs, and make data-driven decisions. A digital twin is a dynamic, continuously evolving virtual representation of a physical object, process, or system. Its development relies on two primary approaches: the model-based approach, which creates mathematical and physical models that are continuously updated with real-world data to simulate complex scenarios with high precision and the data-driven approach, which leverages real-time data acquisition through sensors and IoT devices to predict system behavior using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Regardless of the specific approach, the accuracy and reliability of digital twins depend on high-quality input data. Advanced characterization techniques, such as operando and in situ methods, play a crucial role in building precise models. These techniques allow for real-time monitoring of material properties and system behavior under relevant conditions, providing critical insights to refine models and enhance predictive capabilities. Moreover, in many cases, having a physical replica is crucial for validating theoretical models, testing real- world performance under controlled conditions, and ensuring that digital simulations accurately reflect the behavior of complex systems. This combination of virtual and physical replication is particularly relevant in fields such as biomedical applications, where biological twins represent a specific realization of this approach for modeling physiological systems to support medical diagnostics and treatment planning. Similarly, in the context of the energy transition, digital twins optimize renewable energy integration into distribution networks, improve the efficiency of energy systems, and support decarbonization and sustainability strategies. The successful implementation of digital twins with both approaches is inherently dependent on the quality and optimization of the sensors used to build and refine the model. Advanced sensing technologies are critical for real-time data collection, predictive analytics, and adaptive control systems. The key challenge lies in both the precision and reliability of these sensors, which must accurately capture environmental and operational conditions to ensure meaningful virtual representations. By refining sensor performance and enhancing their synergy with digital twin models, research and industry can achieve greater accuracy, responsiveness, and efficiency in their systems. Bringing together leading experts from academia and industry, this workshop will present cutting-edge methodologies, address emerging challenges, and discuss the future of digital twin technology. Through insightful presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of digital twins and their far-reaching impact across multiple sectors.

17 September
09:00 - 10:30 Real-World Applications of Digital Twin Technology WS.I.1 - TT.I.D
Chair: Marco FONTANA, Polytechnic University of Turin
The opening symposium will explore the transformative potential of digital twins (DTs), highlighting their role as a cornerstone of digitalization, sustainability, and innovation across multiple domains. Through selected case studies, the session will illustrate how DTs enable real-time monitoring, predictive control, and data-driven optimization, reshaping approaches to system design, quality assurance, and operational management. In the agritech sector, attention will be given to advanced fertigation systems that integrate IoT, artificial intelligence, and dynamic DTs of agricultural environments. By combining distributed sensor networks with AI-powered decision-making, these systems achieve precise, sector-level optimization of irrigation and fertilization, enhancing both sustainability and resource efficiency. In the industrial and manufacturing context, DTs are increasingly applied to factory planning, production line monitoring, and process optimization. AI-enabled models not only simulate future scenarios but also allow proactive detection of inefficiencies and faults, resulting in improvements in quality, safety, and productivity. In design and prototyping, DTs further support material optimization, virtual testing, and immersive CAD-integrated environments. A further focus will be on the challenge of uncertainty quantification, essential to ensuring the reliability and traceability of predictive models. Recent advances demonstrate how uncertainty-aware DTs can identify critical influence factors, propagate measurement uncertainty, and support informed decision-making in applications such as predictive maintenance and quality control. By connecting perspectives from agriculture, manufacturing, and metrology, the symposium will provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and challenges of digital twins, laying the groundwork for the discussions in the following sessions.
WS.I.1.1 TT.I.D.1	Lucio COLIZZI - CV Bari University METRONIS: From Lab to Field – A Digital Twin for Smart Fertigation
WS.I.1.2 TT.I.D.2	Alberto BALLESIO - CV CNR - IMEM Digital Twin for personalized therapies: from Organ-On-Chip through Biological Twin for a patient-specific treatment
WS.I.1.3 TT.I.D.3	Giacomo MACULOTTI - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Towards Metrological Digital Twin: traceable automated procedure for out-of-control measurements identification

11:30 - 13:00 From Data to Models: Methodological Foundations of Digital Twin Development WS.I.2 - TT.II.D
Chair: Francesca RISPLENDI, Polytechnic University of Turin
This symposium focuses on the key methodologies and technologies that support the development of digital twins. It will highlight how artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and advanced numerical simulations contribute to creating reliable, dynamic, and predictive virtual models of physical systems. Special attention will be given to data-driven approaches, where machine learning and AI techniques are used to extract insights, anticipate system behavior, and improve decision-making through the analysis of large and complex datasets. The importance of big data infrastructures and real-time data processing will be addressed as essential components to ensure continuous synchronization between the physical system and its digital counterpart. In parallel, the symposium will explore the role of physics-based numerical simulations, such as finite element and multi-physics modeling, which remain fundamental for building accurate and interpretable digital twins—especially in contexts where empirical data is limited or uncertain. The integration of model-based and data-driven approaches will be presented as a key strategy to enhance the flexibility and precision of digital representations. The session will include real-world case studies from both industrial applications and cultural heritage. In the industrial domain, examples will demonstrate how AI-supported digital twins are applied to predictive maintenance, process control, and system optimization. In the field of cultural heritage, projects will illustrate how digital replicas of artworks and historical structures are created through 3D scanning, data fusion, and simulation, enabling digital preservation, virtual exploration, and informed restoration strategies.
WS.I.2.1 TT.II.D.1	Sergio SAPONARA - CV University of Pisa Digital twin models and ML data analytics for predictive diagnostics and health management
WS.I.2.2 TT.II.D.2	Franco NICCOLUCCI - CV ARIADNE Research Infostructure The Heritage Digital Twin: a deep insight into cultural heritage and its preservation
WS.I.2.3 TT.II.D.3	Annachiara COLOMBI - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Exploring an Integro-Differential Cancer-on-Chip Model with a Two-Step Global Sensitivity Analysis

14:00 - 15:30 In Situ and Operando Characterization of Materials: Techniques and AI-Driven Data Interpretation WS.I.3 - TT.III.D
Chair: Marco FONTANA, Polytechnic University of Turin
In situ / operando characterization techniques are attracting considerable interest from the research community and industry, since they provide insight into the dynamical evolution of physical-chemical properties of functional materials under relevant, realistic conditions. During such advanced characterization experiments, an external stimulus is applied, while the properties of interest are monitored over time and space. Significant examples are: temperature control, variable pressure, electrochemical stimulation in conditions relevant for the applications. The data collected during in situ / operando experiments are essential for the development and validation of digital twins of the functional material, building a more accurate representation under working conditions. This predictive capability of the digital twin can guide new experiments, which then provide fresh in situ / operando data, forming a closed loop, resulting in accelerated design of advanced functional materials.
WS.I.3.1 TT.III.D.1	Silvia NAPPINI - CV CNR-IOM In-Situ and Operando Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy of Liquid/Solid Interfaces for Digital Twin Development in Energy and Environmental Applications
WS.I.3.2 TT.III.D.2	Katarzyna BEJTKA - CV Politecnico di Torino Real-time electrochemical characterization of catalysts using in situ / operando TEM and complementary Raman techniques
WS.I.3.3 TT.III.D.3	Rocco CALIANDRO - CV CNR-IC In situ/operando characterization of materials by X-ray diffraction: from theory to applications
WS.I.3.4 TT.III.D.4	Enzo ROTUNNO - CV CNR-NANO Towards Autonomous Electron Microscopy Characterisation: Automation, Data Management, and AI Analysis

16:00 - 17:30 The Key Role of Multi-Physics Simulations in the Energy Transition WS.I.4 - TT.IV.D - FE.II.7
Chair: Giulia MASSAGLIA, Polytechnic University of Turin
The increasing complexity of modern energy systems requires advanced tools to support their design, optimization, and real-time monitoring. Multiphysics simulations, which integrate various physical domains such as thermal, fluid dynamic, electrical, and structural behaviors, play a pivotal role in capturing the coupled phenomena that govern energy devices. These simulations form the foundation for the development of Digital Twins—virtual replicas of physical systems capable of mirroring their real-time state and predicting future behavior under different operational scenarios. By enabling high-fidelity modeling and dynamic updates through real-world data, Digital Twins can significantly enhance decision-making, predictive maintenance, and overall system efficiency. This work highlights the strategic role of multiphysics modeling in the development of reliable Digital Twins for energy applications, presenting key challenges and opportunities in this rapidly evolving field.
WS.I.4.1 TT.IV.D.1 FE.II.7.1	Introductive Keynote Nicolò VASILE - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Harnessing multiphysics modeling approach to enhance the understanding of energy transition technologies: from large-scale energy storage to bio-electrochemical energy systems
WS.I.4.2 TT.IV.D.2 FE.II.7.2	Giula MOSSOTTI - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Fluid Dynamic Co-Design of Sensors for Heavy Metal Detection in Water
WS.I.4.3 TT.IV.D.3 FE.II.7.3	Giacomo PIEROTTI - CV Gemmate Technologies Multiphysics Modeling of Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO₂ reduction: The Role of Back Pressure in Preventing Flooding
WS.I.4.4 TT.IV.D.4 FE.II.7.4	Michela FRACASSO - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Modelling Thermomagnetic Instabilities in MgB2 Bulks: A Multiphysics Approach
WS.I.4.5 TT.IV.D.5 FE.II.7.5	Tommaso SERRA - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Matlab Modeling of porous geometries: Application to graphene based fuel cell electrodes

18 September
09:00 - 10:30 A new prospective in Biological and Digital twins through Biosensing for frontier research 1/2 WS.I.5 - TT.V.D
Chair: Simone MARASSO, CNR-IMEM
Biological and digital twin technologies aim to develop new solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of high social impact diseases. Through a data mining approach combined with bioengineering techniques, researchers will develop digital and biological models, i.e. "digital twins" of patients and "biological twins" of organs/tissues, paving the way to the development of new tools, towards a more personalized healthcare. Moreover, the monitoring of in vitro models is becoming an issue especially when survival of Organoids from patients its crucial to proper test different therapies. In addition, assessing complex models as biological barriers models is quite complex and time consuming. In this view, integration of sensors and biosensors for continuous or spot monitoring without altering the cells’ life is a crucial aspect. The symposium topic is related to the project D3-4HEALTH (Digital Driven Diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics for sustainable Health care) in the frame of PNRR-PNC. The symposium will cover and discuss the most recent outcomes in this field, future perspective and limiting issues to overcome for practical applications.
WS.I.5.1 TT.V.D.1	Michele CAMPANINI - CV Polytechnic University of Turin In Vitro Biosensing in a Sensorized Multiwell Transwell System
WS.I.5.2 TT.V.D.2	Jordi BOLLON - CV aizoOn Technology Consulting A digital twin for predicting barrier integrity under inflammatory stimuli
WS.I.5.3 TT.V.D.3	Jovana BABIC - CV Polytechnic University of Turin An OECT Biosensing Microfluidic Platform: Fabrication and Technologies
WS.I.5.4 TT.V.D.4	Valentina PREZIOSI - CV University of Naples Integrating Microfluidics and Organic Electrochemical Transistors for detecting biomarkers in biological fluids

11:30 - 13:00 A new prospective in Biological and Digital twins through Biosensing for frontier research 2/2 WS.I.6 - TT.VI.D
Chair: Lucia NAPIONE, Polytechnic University of Turin
Biological and digital twin technologies aim to develop new solutions for the diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of high social impact diseases. Through a data mining approach combined with bioengineering techniques, researchers will develop digital and biological models, i.e. "digital twins" of patients and "biological twins" of organs/tissues, paving the way to the development of new tools, towards a more personalized healthcare. Moreover, the monitoring of in vitro models is becoming an issue especially when survival of Organoids from patients its crucial to proper test different therapies. In addition, assessing complex models as biological barriers models is quite complex and time consuming. In this view, integration of sensors and biosensors for continuous or spot monitoring without altering the cells’ life is a crucial aspect. The symposium topic is related to the project D³-4HEALTH (Digital Driven Diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics for sustainable Health care) in the frame of PNRR-PNC. The symposium will cover and discuss the most recent outcomes in this field, future perspective and limiting issues to overcome for practical applications.
WS.I.6.1 TT.VI.D.1	Claudia CORONNELLO - CV Fondazione Ri.MED Integrating Single-Cell and Multi-Omic Technologies for Complex Biological Analysis
WS.I.6.2 TT.VI.D.2	Andrea COSOLA - CV Polytechnic University of Turin Gelatin-Derivatives as Platform for the Design of Diabetic Skin Models
WS.I.6.3 TT.VI.D.3	Valeria PANZETTA - CV University of Napoles Engineering Complexity: A 3D Model of the PDAC Microenvironment for decoding spatiotemporal tumor evolution
WS.I.6.4 TT.VI.D.4	Jacopo TROISI - CV THEOREO SRL Metabolomics and Organoids: Bridging Functional Readouts with 3D Biology

14:00 - 15:30 Data Driven development of smart materials WS.I.7 - TT.VII.D
Chair: Ignazio ROPPOLO, Polytechnic University of Turin
The development of next-generation functional materials and devices can be greatly enhanced by the application of digital tools, which can be exploited to simulate, predict, and understand the materials’ behavior. In this workshop this aspect will be tackled, showing how the application of a digital twin can drive materials development and how, vice versa, materials testing can feed digital systems, to better describe reality. This will be shown in several application fields, such as chemical engineering, optics and biomedical engineering, with a specific focus on 4D printing, i.e. devices with controlled and evolving characteristics, obtained by 3D printing.
WS.I.7.2 TT.VII.D.2	Victor SANS - CV Universitat Jaume I, Castellon Reac Discovery: an Artificial Intelligence Driven Plaform for the Discovery and Optimization of Structured Catalytic Reactors
WS.I.7.2 TT.VII.D.2	Giancarlo RIZZA - CV Institut Polytechnique de Paris Multifunctional and multimodal 4D printing
WS.I.7.3 TT.VII.D.3	Nicoletta INVERARDI - CV University of Pavia Mechanics of reversible two-way shape memory polymers
WS.I.7.4 TT.VII.D.4	Daria PODSTAWCZYK - CV Wroclaw University of Science and Technology Multifunctional and multimodal 4D printing

16:00 - 17:30 From Reality to Representation: Digital Twins and their Role in Future Research WS.I.8 - TT.VIII.D - FE.II.16
Chair: Giulia MASSAGLIA, Polytechnic University of Turin
Digital Twins are emerging as a powerful paradigm to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Far beyond static models or offline simulations, Digital Twins are dynamic, continuously updated virtual counterparts of real systems - capable of supporting real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and prescriptive decision-making. Their relevance spans from manufacturing to healthcare, from infrastructure management to biological systems. This symposium will open with a plenary lecture by Professor Andrea Matta from Politecnico di Milano, who will provide a comprehensive overview of the Digital Twin concept. Drawing from both historical foundations and recent research, Professor Matta will discuss key features, architectures, and classifications of Digital Twins - illustrating their transformative potential with practical examples from ongoing projects in the field of production systems and industrial automation. Following the plenary, the symposium will feature a series of short presentations by early-career researchers, highlighting innovative applications, methodological challenges, and interdisciplinary perspectives on the use of Digital Twins in various domains. The goal is to foster dialogue between established expertise and emerging ideas, and to explore how Digital Twins are shaping the future of research across disciplines.
WS.I.8.1 TT.VIII.D.1 FE.II.16.1	Introductive Keynote Andrea MATTA - CV Polytechnic University of Milan Digital Twins: Features, Models, and Services
WS.I.8.2 TT.VIII.D.2 FE.II.16.2	Miriana SOMENZI - CV PIN Foundation Digital twins for cultural heritage: Enabling AI-Driven knowledge representation and preservation 1/2
WS.I.8.3 TT.VIII.D.3 FE.II.16.3	Aida HIMMICHE - CV PIN Foundation Digital twins for cultural heritage: Enabling AI-Driven knowledge representation and preservation 2/2
WS.I.8.4 TT.VIII.D.4 FE.II.16.4	Alessia MASTROLEMBO VENTURA - CV University of Messina Towards Intelligent Monitoring of Oceanic Systems: A Predictive Model for Hydrothermal CO₂ in the Panarea System
WS.I.8.5 TT.VIII.D.5 FE.II.16.5	Federica Viola DEL PANTANO - CV University of Bologna Transcriptomic Analysis in In Vitro Models of Mitochondrial Diseases