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twin — In Operation

3D HMI — the digital twin for daily operations

Turn your plant visualization into an intuitive 3D experience. HMI (Human Machine Interface) refers to the interface between humans and machines — all systems that let operators interact with machinery or plants, monitor their status, and control processes. twin mirrors the real-time state of your machine as an interactive digital twin — directly inside your existing HMI.

Plant transparency
360° real-time

Trusted by leading machine and plant builders

GropyusMICADOGROigm RobotersystemeDurstLEU AnlagenbauEberleK&S Anlagenbau

Classic HMIs are no longer up to the task

2D visualizations show only a fraction of a plant's true state. Operators have to imagine the third dimension — a common source of errors. Typical HMI tasks include processing user interactions and system events. Usability plays a central role here in preventing operating errors.

Limited 2D view

Traditional HMIs display static schematic diagrams — the screen serves as the central input/output device but, in classic HMIs, usually shows only simple, static information. Complex spatial relationships stay invisible — and operating errors follow.

Costly HMI creation and visualization concepts

Every operator screen has to be built from scratch as a 2D graphic. Any change to the plant layout means an entirely new visualization. Thoughtful design — modern HMI design grounded in clear UX principles — is essential to improving usability and efficiency.

Long onboarding time

New operators need weeks to make sense of abstract 2D displays. Yet people benefit from intuitive, easy-to-grasp interfaces — they interact with machinery faster and more safely. Misunderstandings cost time and money.

3D HMI integration of twin into existing operator systems
Live connection active

Seamless integration into existing HMIs

twin Mirror embeds directly into your existing operator panel. No system change, no parallel setup — just an additional 3D view inside the HMI you already use. The API lets you respond to user input, such as clicks, and interact directly with the 3D model.

  • Web-based embeddingtwin Mirror integrates as a web component into any HMI system
  • Compatible with all major HMI systemsSiemens WinCC, Beckhoff TwinCAT HMI, B&R mapp View, and more
  • Real-time data connectionThe digital twin mirrors the real-time state of the controller

HMI panels and hardware — the foundation of modern 3D HMI solutions

A Human Machine Interface (HMI) forms the central link between humans and machines, making it the heart of modern industrial automation solutions.

The hardware of an HMI system typically consists of rugged industrial computers, high-quality displays, and modern input devices such as touchscreens. Modern HMI panels come in various sizes and performance tiers — from compact mobile devices to large stationary installations. Factors like screen size, resolution, response time, and reliability directly affect the functionality, safety, and longevity of the entire system.

Just as important is the HMI software running on the panel. Modern HMI software relies on current technologies such as HTML5 to enable cross-platform solutions and simplify integration with existing systems — SCADA systems or IoT platforms, for instance. Dashboards play a central role here, presenting operating parameters clearly and easing plant control and maintenance.

3D visualizations add a new dimension of transparency: they make workflows and relationships understandable at a glance and support the rapid identification of faults or optimization potential. The right combination of powerful hardware and flexible HMI software is the foundation for innovative 3D HMI solutions.

HMI software — the heart of modern 3D HMI solutions

HMI software is the decisive factor in how efficiently machinery and plants can be controlled and monitored in industry.

Modern HMI software relies on innovative visualization concepts that go far beyond classic 2D displays. Thanks to technologies such as HTML5 and multitouch, operator panels can now visualize complex data in real time and enable intuitive interaction with the plant.

Another advantage of modern HMI software is its high flexibility and integration capability. It integrates seamlessly with existing automation and SCADA systems and supports the digitalization of processes across a wide range of industrial environments.

The continuous evolution of HMI software means that new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics are increasingly woven into plant control and monitoring. Security is equally central: regular updates and adherence to current security standards are essential.

Reuse of the digital twin from engineering into operation
Model reused

Reusing the model — with zero extra effort

The simulation model built during engineering is reused directly as the 3D HMI in operation. No rebuilding, no duplicate work — the digital twin accompanies the plant through its entire lifecycle.

  • From engineering to operationThe very same model created for virtual commissioning
  • Automatic updatesChanges to the model appear instantly in the 3D HMI
  • ROI across the entire lifecycleThe digital twin pays for itself many times over — in sales, engineering, and operation
Intuitive operation

Better operator experience and usability — fewer errors, faster onboarding

A 3D model of the plant is more intuitive than any 2D schematic. Operators immediately see what's happening — rotate, zoom, and click instead of abstracting.

  • Intuitive 3D navigationRotate, zoom, pan — just like the consumer apps operators already know
  • Faster fault identificationPinpoint issues directly on the 3D model instead of searching abstract schematics
  • Shorter onboarding timeNew operators understand the plant instantly — no weeks of training required
360°
Real-time plant transparency
Intuitive
Rotate, zoom, click — like an app
0
Additional modeling effort
100%
Compatible with common HMI systems

Why 3D HMI with twin?

The digital twin in operation creates value for machine builders and plant operators alike.

Competitive differentiation

Offer your customers a 3D HMI as a unique selling point. Stand out from competitors relying on standard visualizations.

Fewer operating errors

3D visualization reduces misunderstandings and mistaken interventions. Operators see exactly what's happening on the plant.

Remote diagnostics

The digital twin lets service technicians inspect the plant remotely — no need to be on site.

Lifecycle value

The same model from sales through engineering to operation. Maximum ROI for your digital twin.

What our customers say

Johannes Perfler
Johannes Perfler
Key Account Manager, Active Solution GmbH
Being able to simulate designs with true-to-life physics, validate their feasibility across different use cases and commission them virtually opens up an entirely new market for us as a service provider in partnership with digifai.
FH Vorarlberg
For our research we need a safe environment in which we can test AI algorithms for machines as realistically as possible. twin is perfectly suited for that.
Michael Strassmair
Michael Strassmair
Robotics Application Engineer, GROPYUS Engineering GmbH
The software fulfils all our wishes – even the most demanding requirements we can master with twin. Support this fast and competent is one of a kind. twin keeps evolving continuously and always stays focused on customer needs. Keep it up!
Matthias Berkmüller
Simulation & Software, K&S Anlagenbau
As a mid-sized special machine builder, twin lets us minimise risk in the concept phase, safeguard the design early on and — through virtual commissioning — deliver a shorter time-to-market for our customers.
Thomas Zenger
Thomas Zenger
Deputy Managing Director, LEU Anlagenbau AG
The simulation software twin delivers on everything digifai promises. We are thrilled.
Jens Hopfgartner
Jens Hopfgartner
Technical Managing Director, MICADO SMART ENGINEERING GmbH
We are an Austrian SME, we develop turnkey special-purpose machines and spent a long time looking for suitable software for the virtual commissioning of our machines. With the software twin from digifai we now safeguard the entire development process of our machines early on and save valuable time during commissioning! With twin we have definitely backed the right horse in this area!
Ricardo Cordeiro
Ricardo Cordeiro
Project Engineer, Mondelez International
By simulating the entire machine early on, we can significantly reduce risk and save costs. The complete control software, including HMI and supervisory system, is finished and tested before the machine is even built.
Reinhard Neureiter
Reinhard Neureiter
TDK Electronics Group
With twin we are able to implement digital twins of our production machines. digifai's many years of experience as an integration partner become visible in the small but important details of their solution.
Markus Zehentner
Markus Zehentner
CEO, Mechatronik Austria GmbH
Since we started using the digital twin in sales, our customers immediately understand what we are offering them. The interactive presentations have noticeably increased our close rate — and the model carries straight over into engineering.

3D HMI & digital twin in operation — frequently asked questions

What is a 3D HMI?
A 3D HMI is an interactive operator interface that displays the plant's digital twin as a live spatial image — instead of abstract buttons and lists. Operators see machine states, material flow, and faults directly on the 3D model and navigate intuitively through the real plant.
How does a 3D HMI differ from a classic HMI?
A classic HMI represents the plant through 2D screens, tables, and status lamps. twin's 3D HMI uses the same digital twin already created during sales and engineering, making the plant's state spatially graspable. That shortens onboarding, speeds up troubleshooting, and reduces operating errors.
Can the 3D HMI be integrated into existing controllers?
Yes. The 3D HMI connects to existing controllers and control systems via open interfaces such as OPC UA and ADS, visualizing their real-time data. A .NET API also allows customer-specific extensions and embedding into existing software landscapes.
What efficiency gains does a digital twin in operation deliver?
Because the same digital twin is used throughout the entire lifecycle, duplicate modeling is eliminated and operators work faster and more safely. At welding-robot specialist igm, combining virtual commissioning with a 3D HMI delivered around a 40% efficiency gain in plant operation.

Experience 3D HMI with twin

Try twin for free, or let us show you in a personal demo how the digital twin revolutionizes your plant operation.

Experience 3D HMI in a live demo

See in a personal conversation how twin turns your plant visualization into an intuitive 3D experience. We'll show you the integration into your existing HMI.

  • Free & no obligation
  • Live demo with your HMI system
  • Personalized advice from experts
  • 30 minutes — no small talk
Michael Eberle
Michael Eberle
Head of digifai