Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a new framework for designing digital twins that could help accelerate transport decarbonisation across the UK.
Developed through the TransiT research hub, the framework adapts the manufacturing-focused ISO-23247 digital twin standard to the transport sector. The objective is to create a common digital environment capable of connecting vehicles, infrastructure, energy systems, operational processes, data, climate conditions and human decision-making across different modes of transport.
Digital twins are increasingly used in transportation for applications such as predictive maintenance and scenario modelling. However, existing solutions are often designed around individual assets or operations, limiting interoperability between transport modes.
The researchers say their framework addresses this gap by providing a standardised structure focused specifically on system-wide decarbonisation.
Bringing transport systems into one digital environment
The framework combines five main elements: physical assets such as vehicles and charging infrastructure; communication technologies for collecting and exchanging information; the digital twin itself; tools for planners and operators; and cross-system functions covering interoperability, cybersecurity and governance.
Importantly, emissions monitoring, energy efficiency analysis and carbon accounting are incorporated into the framework as core functions.
This would allow transport operators, policymakers and other stakeholders to model different scenarios and assess their potential environmental and operational impact before committing to physical investments.
The research team reviewed more than 100 academic studies and analysed over 10,000 records from existing literature and expert workshops. Specialists from three UK universities subsequently helped refine and validate the framework, adding elements covering personnel, operational processes, alternative fuels, electric vehicle charging, data exchange and cybersecurity.
Testing air-to-road freight scenarios
One of the proposed applications focuses on transferring freight from air to road transport while reducing emissions.
The scenario includes electric airport ground vehicles, electric heavy goods vehicles and aircraft powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A digital twin could coordinate SAF supplies, charging infrastructure, electric ground-support equipment and electric trucks while monitoring emissions and operational performance.
The researchers believe this type of modelling could help organisations identify the most effective combination of technologies and operational changes before making large-scale investments.
Demonstrator to support freight decarbonisation
The framework is already being explored through TransiT’s Air and Road Freight Demonstrator, led by Cranfield University in collaboration with East Midlands Airport and DHL.
The project aims to develop a digital twin specifically for air and road freight decarbonisation, providing a real-world environment in which the approach can be tested.
However, the researchers stress that the framework remains a reference architecture rather than a finished solution. Further pilot projects will be required to assess interoperability, cybersecurity, governance, user interfaces and practical deployment.
TransiT brings together eight UK universities and more than 70 industry partners to investigate how digital twins and related technologies can identify lower-risk and lower-cost pathways towards transport decarbonisation across road, rail, air and maritime sectors.
If successfully developed and deployed, the new framework could provide governments and transport companies with a common digital platform for comparing decarbonisation options and making more informed investment decisions on the path towards net-zero transport.
