Porsche Develops 'Digital Twin' That Predicts Service Requirement

Porsche has announced that it is developing a "digital twin" - that is, a virtual copy - that helps predict service requirements based on driving styles.

Porsche stated that based on the driving style, algorithms can examine a combination of sensor data and "big data" to recommend service. Users may need early work on their suspension if the car is taken to the track or the engine after a highway shuttle.

The system is expected to anticipate faults before they happen to enable users to schedule maintenance long before it breaks down. That will keep users safe and spare additional repair costs.

The company plans on launching the digital twin feature in 2022, but they are currently field-testing it out with volunteer owners of the Taycan. According to Porsche, not only will this make servicing your car smarter and keep it running safer, but it could also be used to more accurately assess the residual value of your car. The twin system is expected to tell the driver they may need to visit a repair shop if the car ventures past certain thresholds.

The twin system would let automakers ditch fixed maintenance schedules in favor of driver-specific recommendations. Porsche also predicts the algorithms helping even when your car is running flawlessly.