ISO/TS 25271:2026

Technical
Specification
ISO/TS 25271
First edition
Automation systems and
2026-08
integration — Industrial digital
twin interface architecture
Systèmes d'automatisation et intégration — Architecture de
l'interface du jumeau numérique industriel
Reference number
© ISO 2026
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Abbreviated terms . 4
5 Interface architecture of industrial digital twin system . 4
5.1 Overview .4
5.2 Three elements of the industrial digital twin interface architecture .5
5.2.1 General .5
5.2.2 Industrial digital twin (iDTw) .6
5.2.3 Physical twin (PTw).6
5.2.4 Twinning interface .6
6 Comparison with existing architectures . 7
6.1 General .7
[11]
6.2 Digital twin framework for manufacturing of ISO 23247 (all parts) .7
[17]
6.3 Digital twin reference architecture of ISO/IEC 30173 and ISO/IEC 30188 .8
6.4 Cyber-physical system (CPS) .10
6.5 Asset administration shell (AAS).11
7 Features of the industrial digital twin system .12
7.1 Twinning interface of iDTw system: mutual augmentation . 12
7.1.1 General . 12
7.1.2 Feedback control loop . 13
7.1.3 Augmented simulation for prediction .14
7.2 Lifecycle of iDTw system . 15
Annex A (informative) Use cases of the industrial digital twin interface architecture .16
Annex B (informative) Inclusion of iDTw inside PTw .20
Annex C (informative) Implementation of the industrial digital twin interface architecture .23
Annex D (informative) Comparison of similar terminologies.26
Bibliography .27

iii
Foreword
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iv
Introduction
With the continuous improvement in the fidelity of digital models for physical products, there is an increasing
preference for using digital models over their physical counterparts. This trend is particularly prominent in
cases where physical products operate in remote environments, such as offshore wind power systems or
Mars exploration vehicles, as well as operations regulated by thorough standards in terms of safety.
As the concept of digital twins evolves, various frameworks and architectures have emerged. This
document aims to analyse the fundamental components of digital twin systems to establish a standardized
architecture for industrial applications. It also evaluates the positioning of digital twins in the context of
augmented reality (AR), the Metaverse and cyber-physical systems (CPS), while providing comparisons with
other existing frameworks and architectures.
Among the points of differentiation from existing standards, physical twin is a concept that contrasts with
[1]
the definition of target entity (according to ISO/IEC 30173:2023 , 3.1.3) which is described in Clause B.2.
This differentiation leads to the adoption of industrial digital twin.

v
Technical Specification ISO/TS 25271:2026(en)
Automation systems and integration — Industrial digital twin
interface architecture
1 Scope
This document specifies the interface architecture of industrial digital twin systems, which is structured
around three key elements: the digital twin, the physical twin and the interface that links them. Together,
these elements form the essential framework of an industrial digital twin.
The following are within the scope of this document:
a) Defining the elements of industrial digital twin systems that embody a distinct architecture.
b) Analysing the interactions among the three core elements of industrial digital twin systems
c) Identifying the characteristics that distinguish industrial digital twin systems from related concepts or
technologies
d) Examining typical use cases that implement the three-element interface architecture
The following is outside the scope of this document:
e) Detailed applications of industrial digital twin systems
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
asset
any item, thing (3.15) or entity (3.7) that has potential or actual value to an organization
[2]
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 15926-11:2023 , 3.1.1]
3.2
augmented reality
AR
virtual objects superimposed upon or composited with the real world
[1]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 30173:2023 , 3.5.6]

3.3
cyber-physical system
CPS
smart system that includes engineered interacting networks of physical and computational components
[3]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC TR 15067-3-8:2020 , 3.8]
3.4
digital mock-up
DMU
digital specification given to a product (3.13) or sub-system with an independent function, not only of the
geometric properties but also of its function, performance or both in a particular field
[4]
[SOURCE: ISO 10209:2022 , 3.8.34, modified — "complete mechanical product" has been changed to
"product".]
3.5
digital twin
DTw
digital representation of a target entity (3.14) with data connections that enable convergence between the
physical and digital states at an appropriate rate of synchronization
[1]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 30173:2023 , 3.1.1]
3.6
digital twin system
system providing functionalities for the digital twin (3.5) composed of inter-operating target entities, digital
entities, data connections, and models, data and interfaces involved in the data connection process
[1]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 30173:2023 , 3.1.21]
3.7
entity
concrete or abstract thing (3.15) in the domain under consideration
[5]
[SOURCE: ISO 8000-2:2022 , 3.3.3]
3.8
industrial digital twin
iDTw
digital representation of a physical entity (3.11) with twinning interface (3.17)
Note 1 to entry: It represents the bit world rather than the atom world.
Note 2 to entry: iDTw primarily focuses on the digital replication of physical entities even though it includes a software
(SW). See Annex B and Annex D.
3.9
industrial digital twin system
compound model composed of a physical twin (3.12), an industrial digital twin (3.8) and a twinning interface
(3.17) which is used for state synchronization between two twins
3.10
metaverse
hypothetical iteration of the Internet as a single, universal and immersive virtual world
3.11
physical entity
entity (3.7) in the physical world that can be the subject of sensing and/or actuating
[6]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 20924:2024 , 3.1.25]

3.12
physical twin
PTw
object which exists in the real world
Note 1 to entry: It represents the atom world rather than the bit world.
Note 2 to entry: It is similar to the physical entity (3.11), but can be a large product (3.13) which can include software.
[7]
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 24464:2025 , 3.1.7, modified — The Notes to entry have been added.]
3.13
product
thing (3.15) or substance produced by a natural or artificial process
[8]
[SOURCE: ISO 10303-1:1994 , 3.2.26]
3.14
target entity
entity (3.7) providing a functional purpose in reality which is the subject of digital representation
Note 1 to entry: The target entity, which provides some functional purpose in reality, can be either physical or digital
under consideration.
[1]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 30173:2023 , 3.1.3]
3.15
thing
actual part of the real world, perceived part of the real world, or subject of thought
Note 1 to entry: A thing can be a material or non-material object, idea or action.
Note 2 to entry: This definition is adapted from ISO 15926-2, within which “thing” is an entity (3.7), but not a defined
term.
[9]
[SOURCE: ISO/TS 15926-6:2013 , 3.1.26]
3.16
twinning
pairing or union of two similar or identical objects
[7]
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 24464:2025 , 3.14]
3.17
twinning interface
mediator which allows mutual augmentation (3.18) between iDTw (3.9) and PTw (3.12)
[7]
[SOURCE: ISO/TR 24464:2025 , 3.15]
3.18
mutual augmentation
two-way complementation between iDTw (3.8) and its PTw (3.12) by addressing each other's weaknesses
through a near-real-time, high-resolution twinning interface (3.17)
Note 1 to entry: The iDTw (3.8) updates with the PTw (3.12) to stay accurate and up to date, while the PTw (3.12)
benefits from the iDTw (3.8)’s simulations and predictions to operate more efficiently and safely.
3.19
interface
shared boundary between two functional units, defined by various characteristics pertaining to the
functions, physical interconnections, signal exchanges, and other characteristics, as appropriate
[10]
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 2382:2015 , 2121308, modified — The Notes to entry have been removed.]

4 Abbreviated terms
3D three dimension
AAS asset administration shell
AR augmented reality
CAD computer aided design
CFD computational fluid dynamics
CPS cyber-physical system
CRM customer requirements management
DMU digital mock-up
DPP digital product passport
DX digital transformation
DTw digital twin
HW hardware
iDTw industrial digital twin
IoT Internet of things
IIoT industrial Internet of things
LoD level of detail
PTw physical twin
SW software
WoT web of things
WSN wireless sensor network
5 Interface architecture of industrial digital twin system
5.1 Overview
As the concept of digital twins evolves, a variety of frameworks or architectures are emerging. This
document analyses the position of digital twins in relation to augmented reality (AR), metaverse, or cyber-
physical systems (CPS). It also compares other frameworks or architectures for digital twins, including
[11]
ISO 23247 (all parts) . Comparative analysis of existing standard frameworks can reduce confusion for
digital twin users or implementers.
When comparing similar systems, people analyse the components and the relationships between them. This
analysis allows them to identify important elements and find relationships among them.
In addition, the iDTw architecture proposed in this document can help implementation work because the
scope is simplified compared to existing DTw architectures to make it suitable for implementation (see also
Annex C).
In the absence of a standard architecture, communication problems arise between stakeholders and
difficulties in understanding, implementing or maintaining large systems.
5.2 Three elements of the industrial digital twin interface architecture
5.2.1 General
The industrial digital twin system should consist of the following three elements: the industrial digital twin,
the physical twin and the twinning interface. Each element should perform specific roles, as defined in this
subclause. Figure 1 describes the core architecture of industrial digital twin systems, which comprises three
key elements: the industrial digital twin (iDTw), the physical twin (PTw), and the twinning interface that
links them. The fidelity metric is used to measure the degree of similarity between the two twins, which are
aligned through the twinning interface and mutual augmentation.
Figure 1 — Three-elements architecture of industrial DTw system
Figure 2 illustrates that the industrial digital twin system consists of three elements (see ISO/TR 24464:2025
[7]
, Figure C.5). This is based on the definition provided by M. Grieves, who is credited with the digital twin
[12]
concept . Data are exchanged between the two twins, with the data interface playing a crucial role. One
key characteristic of digital twins is the near-real-time exchange of big data. Big data generated from the
operation of the physical space can be leveraged to enhance the virtual space (digital replica), leading to
improved operational efficiency and accuracy.

Figure 2 — Information mirroring model of NASA
5.2.2 Industrial digital twin (iDTw)
The industrial digital twin shall provide a digital representation of the physical twin, including its current
state, historical information and models required for analysis and prediction.
The iDTw:
— shall process data received from the PTw to monitor current status;
— can provide simulations or predictive insights for optimising physical operations;
— can interact with other digital twins, services or enterprise systems to form integrated digital
environments.
5.2.3 Physical twin (PTw)
The physical twin refers to the real-world object, equipment or system that is digitally represented by the
iDTw.
The PTw:
— shall be equipped with sensors, actuators or embedded controllers that enable sensing and control;
— shall serve as the source of operational data and the target for actions based on digital control;
— can include software components to support local processing.
5.2.4 Twinning interface
The twinning interface shall enable bidirectional communication between the iDTw and the PTw.
The twinning interface:
— shall support near real-time synchronisation of states between the digital and physical twins;
— shall enable data transmission based on application requirements;
— should support secure access control;

— can utilize sensor network, industrial IoT, edge computing or middleware systems.
6 Comparison with existing architectures
6.1 General
Investigating similar systems that already exist can help users in several ways:
— Identify gaps in knowledge.
— Understand the current state-of-arts.
— Eliminate redundancy.
— Point out new directions.
Table 1 shows a summary of the comparative analysis of existing similar DTw architectures. More detailed
descriptions of individual architectures are given in the subclause below.
Table 1 — Comparison with terminologies of existing architectures
Reference and title
Physical twin Interface Digital twin Characteristics
of standard
[13]
ISO/DTS 25271 – PTw Twinning interface iDTw Twinning interface,
Industrial digital twin Mutual augmentation,
interface architecture DMU, WSN
ISO/IEC 30188 – Digi- Target entity; EoI Interaction; Real Digital entity; Twin- A universal DTw that
tal twin — Reference (entity of interest) digital information ning view component, can be applied to
Architecture gateway Lifecycle view compo- everything, includ-
nent; DTw ing humans, SW, and
thoughts.
ISO 23247 (all parts) Observable manu- Data collection & Digital twin PTw is expressed as
[11]
– Digital twin facturing elements device control OME and is centred on
framework for manu- (OME) NC application
facturing
[14]
ISO 23704-1 – Physical space Communication Cyber space Focusing on NC
General requirements equipment, modelling
for cyber-physically with CPS. Similar to
controlled smart ma- feedback control.
chine tool systems
[15]
IEC 63278-1 Asset Interface AAS (sub-model) For digital conversion
63278-1 –Asset (DX), can be used for
Administration Shell purposes other than
structure DTw
[11]
6.2 Digital twin framework for manufacturing of ISO 23247 (all parts)
[11]
Figure 3 illustrates the architecture of ISO 23247 (all parts) , overlaid with the three-elements
[11]
architecture outlined in this document. In ISO 23247 (all parts) , DTw applications, the DTw itself, and
part of the communication layer with physical devices are collectively referred to as the 'digital twin for
manufacturing'.
The PTw of this document corresponds to the ‘observable elements’. The communication layer corresponds
to the twinning interface.
NOTE 'DTw applications' are not included as part of the iDTw system in this document.

[16]
Figure 3 — Concept of digital twin for manufacturing (ISO/TR 24464 )
[17]
6.3 Digital twin reference architecture of ISO/IEC 30173 and ISO/IEC 30188
[17]
Figure 4 depicts the reference architecture (RA) of the digital twin (DTw) of ISO/IEC 30173 . The ‘digital
twin system’ corresponds to the ‘iDTw system’ in this document. The ‘target entity’ comprises both a physical
model and a conceptual model or software, which corresponds to the PTw in this document. The two-way
arrows with ‘modelling’ and ‘analytics and feedback’ correspond to the twinning interface described in this
document.
[17]
Figure 4 — Digital twin system context diagram of ISO/IEC 30173
The conceptual view of the digital twin reference architecture (RA) is shown in Figure 5. This view provides
the concepts and relationships among a digital entity, a target entity and their environment. The “target
entity” corresponds to the “physical twin” of this document.
[18]
Figure 5 — Conceptual view of digital twin RA of ISO/IEC 30188

6.4 Cyber-physical system (CPS)
The cyber-physical system (CPS) consists of three elements: the physical world, the cyber world and the
communication (or digital thread) between them. It is defined by physical assets, such as mechanical devices
and their digital replicas. CPS incorporates a cyber model that replicates the behaviour of physical assets.
Comprising the cyber world, the physical world and the digital thread connecting them, this structure is
similar with the three-element interface architecture of the industrial digital twin system outlined in this
document.
[19]
The IEEE 2888 series defines standardized interfaces for synchronizing the cyber and physical worlds
(see Figure 6). It establishes the foundation for building metaverse systems, where the virtual and real
worlds can interact and influence each other. The standard specifies information formats and application
programming interfaces (APIs) for controlling actuators and acquiring sensory information.
[20]
Figure 6 — Sensor interface for cyber and physical world (reproduced from Reference , © 2023
IEEE)
[14]
Figure 7 shows the structure of manufacturing CPS (see ISO 23704-1 ). The CPS consists of "physical
space", "cyber space", and "communication". In this figure, "digital twin" is included as part of "cyber space".
The names of the remaining axes of the cube are considered to be RAMI4.0 terms.

[14]
Figure 7 — Cyber-physical manufacturing system of ISO 23704-1
6.5 Asset administration shell (AAS)
The asset administration shell (AAS), initiated by Germany's Industrie 4.0 program, serves as an interface or
digital transformation mechanism that connects physical reality to the digital world. Another perspective
evaluates AAS as an implementation of the digital twin for smart manufacturing. AAS can be viewed as a
system that transforms a PTw into an iDTw.
Figure 8 — Administration shell for digitalization of a factory

AAS is a data container (or shell) with communication capabilities that surrounds a physical twin and
digitally transforms a machine into a digital twin as shown in Figure 8. It is similar to common object
[21]
request broker architecture (CORBA) technology , so it can be used for
...