IoTwins is the result of a joint action by the University of Bologna, the National Institute of Nuclear Physics, Cineca, the Emilia-Romagna Region with Art-ER, Bonfiglioli and Marposs to experiment with big data technologies and supercomputers for companies and to create models that can simulate production processes in the laboratory and detect errors and critical conditions before production even starts. In addition to local partners, leading international companies and scientific institutions such as Siemens, the Supercomputing Center in Barcelona and the Fraunhofer Institute in Munich are also involved in this important European project.

The IoTwins project is based in Emilia-Romagna's Data Valley and is experimenting with new technologies for the digitalization of industrial processes and products. Twelve test platforms are being used to create "digital twins", more precisely virtual copies of industrial processes that test systems and management tools for infrastructures in advance. IoTwins will record and evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of industrial processes in a virtual reality, which will then be applied to production. The project's tools are suitable for both large companies and the production processes of SMEs.

IoTwins is one of the most important European projects of Horizon 2020, the European Framework Program for Research and Innovation. It is therefore one of the most pioneering projects in terms of economic benefits and scientific expertise and is therefore highly relevant for all parties involved. The project, whose research content is applied to production plants in the manufacturing sector, is managed in partnership by research institutions and companies from the Emilia-Romagna region.

The 20 million euro project is being coordinated by the Italian propulsion specialist Bonfiglioli. It can also count on the scientific expertise of the University of Bologna, on the computer infrastructure of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics and Cineca and on the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region and Art-ER, a regional company that supports innovation, attractiveness and internationalization of the territorial system, to exploit and disseminate the project results at regional, national and European level. In addition to local partners, the project also includes leading international companies and scientific institutions such as Siemens, the Supercomputing Center in Barcelona and the Fraunhofer Institute in Munich.

"Taking on the management of this project fills us with pride and also means that we are taking on a great responsibility," explains Sonia Bonfiglioli, President of the Bonfiglioli Group. "We have the opportunity to show how valuable it is to work in a team of international companies where the vision of digitalization is still focused on being at the service of people and their environment. For us, the application that improves the performance of our products for harnessing wind energy underlines Bonfiglioli's attention to pursuing overall growth that is not an "end in itself" or "whatever". For Bonfiglioli, social responsibility has always been an undeniable value and point of reference in every activity. Therefore, the choice of this field of application is both a sign of digital innovation and a contribution to a more sustainable environment." as