PT Journal AU Lachvajderova, L Trebuna, M Kadarova, J TI Unlocking Industry Potential: The Evolution and Impact of Digital Twins SO Acta Mechanica Slovaca PY 2024 BP 46 EP 51 VL 28 IS 1 DI 10.21496/ams.2024.009 DE digital twins; industry 4.0; predictive maintenance; IoT; AB Digital twins have emerged as integral components of modern industrial operations, owing to their ability to create virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, or systems. This article thoroughly explores the manifold applications of digital twins within the industry, emphasizing their role in enabling data-driven decision-making. These virtual counterparts facilitate real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization, thereby enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, they play a crucial role in predictive maintenance by minimizing downtime and prolonging the lifespan of machinery. By expediting testing and simulation procedures, digital twins promote innovation and efficiency gains even before real-world implementation. Moreover, they foster interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual understanding, particularly through collaborative digital twin platforms. These platforms act as catalysts for Industry 4.0, integrating various technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). As the influence of digital twins continues to grow within industrial processes, they serve as conduits for innovation, driving the trajectory of industrial advancement forward. ER