DigiTrain: Digital twins for specialist training

Dresden-based software company 3D Interaction Technologies and the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology at TUD Dresden University of Technology officially launched the DigiTrain research project in May 2024. DigiTrain is the abbreviation of the official project title "Training skilled workers for the transformation...more efficient, better and more flexible".

An enormous demand for skilled workers is expected in the coming years in the renewable energy, bioeconomy, circular economy and lightweight construction sectors. At the same time, it is precisely these skilled workers that are urgently needed to make the transformation to a sustainable economy a success. This is particularly true for regions such as Lusatia in eastern Germany, which are traditionally characterized by professions in the coal and steel industry. However, these regions often have very limited access to existing educational infrastructure for future technologies. The DigiTrain research project aims to facilitate the transfer of high-tech knowledge to regions outside the traditional educational centers and thus help to create high-quality, long-term stable and value-adding jobs.

Modern information technologies are ideal for facilitating education and training in the region. They can be used to communicate complex technical issues and processes quickly and effectively without having to be physically present on site. Realistic digital twins in the form of animated real-time models with interactive operation enable a playful approach to complex technologies, making the learning process easier and more varied. Learning how to assemble, set up, operate and maintain machines and systems can be done quickly and in-depth, regardless of location.

However, the provision of such digital learning tools has so far been very costly, as in-depth programming skills, expensive special software and powerful computer systems are required in addition to technical know-how. The DigiTrain project aims to develop an online editor with which trainers and plant operators can take the production of sophisticated digital twins into their own hands. The editing tools should be quick to learn and intuitive to use, without requiring any prior knowledge of computer graphics or programming.

As part of the project, the new online editor will be used to create learning content in two high-tech areas, each of which has a digital twin at its heart. The practical suitability of the lessons will be evaluated with trainers and trainees. The editor will be made available on a web platform and the learning content will be explained as best-practice examples with application-oriented tutorials.

The DigiTrain project is part of the T!Raum initiative Syntral, which aims to constructively support structural change in Lusatia and make the region fit for the future through innovative training and further education measures.

Duration: until 31.10.2026

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For further information, please contact the project managers:

TUD Dresden University of Technology
Dr.-Ing. Robert Kupfer
+49351 463/38749
robert.kupfer@tu-dresden.de

3D Interaction Technologies
Ingolf Seifert
+49351 219 67495
contact@3dit.de