A new research hub using pioneering digital twin technology is launching to decarbonise UK transport systems.

Digital twins will discover how transport systems can be decarbonised as quickly, safely and cheaply as possible

The TransiT Hub, led by Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and the University of Glasgow, is supported by a £46m investment from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and 67 partners.

Researchers at the facility will use digital twins to determine how transport systems, from road and rail to air and maritime, can be decarbonised as quickly, safely and cheaply as possible.

Digital twins are digital replicas of the physical world which collect data in real time by sensors connected to infrastructure such as roads, railways or shipping.

The technology enables real-world data to be analysed to test and improve different scenarios; the digital twin can then send back its solution for an improved process to the physical world in near real-time.

Quick wins from the new technology include work to help motorists and reduce carbon emissions, such as by updating digital road signs with information on the shortest route out of traffic jams.

But the digital twins process will also allow researchers to test parts of a future decarbonised transport system that doesn’t even exist yet, for example electric road systems and alternative fuels.

The accelerated testing times will help to identify the lowest-cost pathways to net zero carbon emissions. Beneficiaries will include logistics companies, which will be able to identify the most sustainable routes, vehicle types and journey times, but also passengers and commuters who will gain insights on the most sustainable travel choices on a local, regional and national level.

Personalised digital twin assistants, operating similarly to how a Netflix account learns user preferences, could also build an understanding of mobility needs and journey requirements. They could then offer near to real-time journey options based on individual needs and budget, as well as the reliability of transport services and how the impact of weather might change them.

Feryal Clark, Minister for AI and Digital Government, said: “We see a technology future for British people which enriches and improves their lives. The research TransiT will now carry out is a prime example of how we’re supporting cutting-edge innovations to make that vision a reality.

“On top of saving the public time and money on the journeys they take day-to-day, this project will also harness the power of transformative digital technologies to cut carbon emissions – demonstrating the incredible impact technology can have in improving our public services, tackling climate change, and beyond.”

Transport Minister Mike Kane added: “The launch of TransiT is an important step which will bring together academia, industry and government to research and realise the benefits of this technology for the transport sector. This is an excellent example of the work being done across government to deliver true innovation.”

TransiT’s industry partners will provide the data to build the digital twins, including the number and type of vehicles, fuel types, load sizes, length and frequency of routes.

The partners, which are providing £26m in support, come from across the digital, energy and transport sectors and include transport operators, regulators, vehicle makers, technology companies and energy suppliers.

The collaboration also includes eight universities, which will each focus on specific research areas; from logistics and freight, through to rail, aviation and maritime.