AITeM Academy Specialized Training presents:
Digital Twin Development for Decision Support in Manufacturing
November 5th- 6th, 2026
Politecnico di Milano, BOVISA, Via Raffaele Lambruschini, 20156 Milano MI
OBJECTIVES
This course, organized by the Digital Twins for Manufacturing Technologies and Systems (DIGITEM) section of AITeM, aims to provide knowledge and practical skills for the development and application of Digital Twins (DTs) in manufacturing environments. Participants will explore how DTs support decision-making through data-driven approaches, real industrial case studies, and hands-on laboratory activities.
Note: Participants are advised to bring their own laptop in order to independently carry out the planned practical exercises.
TARGET AUDIENCE
- PhD students, post-docs, and researchers in manufacturing technologies and systems;
- Engineers, technicians, and professionals working in manufacturing and digitalization;
- Industrial practitioners interested in Digital Twin technologies and decision support systems.
PREREQUISITES
Basic knowledge of manufacturing systems and data analysis is recommended. No prior experience with Digital Twins is required.
PROGRAM
The first day is dedicated to the theoretical aspects related to Digital Twins in manufacturing. The general schedule of the day follows:
9.30 – 11.00
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL TWINS IN MANUFACTURING
Lecturers: prof. Andrea Matta, prof. Nicla Frigerio
Content: Definition of Digital Twin in the manufacturing industry, classification framework for Digital Twins of production processes and systems.
11.30 – 13.00
DIGITAL TWINS AND DECISION-MAKING
Lecturer: ing. Erica Pastore
Content: Applications of Digital Twins as decision-making support tools for production processes and systems
CASE STUDY 1. PRODUCTION SYSTEM DIGITAL TWIN
Lecturers: ing. Roberto Rosario Corsini, ing. Erica Pastore
Content: Introduction to the Digital Twin architecture. Description of the case study of the implementation of a Digital Twin for semiconductor scheduling in the cleaning-diffusion manufacturing stage. First workshop: application of the DT framework to case study 1.
CASE STUDY 2. PRODUCTION PROCESS DIGITAL TWIN
Lecturers: ing. Ersilia Cozzolino, prof. Ilaria Papa, prof. Antonello Astarita, ing. Erica Pastore
Content: Description of a case study on the implementation of a Digital Twin for production process optimization, including objectives, data, modeling approach, and key performance indicators.
Second workshop: application of the DT framework to case study 2.
The second day is devoted to hands-on laboratory work. Students will be divided into two parallel laboratory sessions. Groups will be composed at the end of the first day.
The general schedule of the day follows:
Lab Session - Introduction
Lecturers: ing. Lulai Zhu, ing. Yiqi Jia
Content: Introduction to lab activities, learning objectives and relevant background knowledge.
Lab Session - Model Design & Creation
Lecturers: ing. Lulai Zhu, ing. Yiqi Jia
Content: Design and creation of a Digital Twin model for a manufacturing process or system.
Lab Session - Model Deployment & Validation
Lecturers: ing. Lulai Zhu, ing. Yiqi Jia
Content: Deployment and validation of the Digital Twin model on the manufacturing process or system.
Lab Session - Summary
Lecturers: ing. Lulai Zhu, ing. Yiqi Jia
Content: Summary of lab activities, experimental results and learning outcomes.
Lab Session 1 - Development of Digital Twins for Manufacturing Systems
With a lab-scale prototype built of LEGO, this lab session will introduce how a CONWIP manufacturing system works and guide how to develop a simulation-based Digital Twin for such a system. Students will first manually create a simulation model of the target system based on domain knowledge and a given dataset. They will then run a system discovery algorithm to automatically create an alternative simulation model from the data. The two simulation models will be validated and compared on another given dataset. Finally, students will conduct what-if analysis to identify potential system improvements and verify the proposed improvements through experiments on the real system. Arena and Python will be used as the tools for simulation modeling and data analysis.
Lab Session 2 - Development of Digital Twins for Manufacturing Processes
This session introduces the concept and practical implementation of digital twins at the process level, using a laser engraving system as a case study. Participants will work with an educational robotic arm to investigate the relationship between process parameters and material response. This will provide participants with a practical understanding of how to develop, validate, and utilize a process-level Digital Twin for a simplified manufacturing process, integrating modeling, experimental design, and data-driven validation.
The lessons of the first day will be held in Italian unless any participant requires the use of English.
The laboratories of the second day will be held in English.
CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE
Participants may request a certificate indicating the total hours completed. The certificate can be used to apply for doctoral course credit at their home institution.
PARTICIPATION FEES
PhD students and university researchers: €350 (2 days) / €230 (1st day)
Industrial personnel: €600 (2 days) / €400 (1st day)
AITeM members (VAT exempt) are entitled to a 15% discount on the listed fees.
The prices indicated are net of 22% VAT for non-members.
The participation fee includes lunches on both days. The social dinner is optional and not included in the fee.
Minimum number of participants: 15
Maximum number of participants: 30
REGISTRATION
To register, please fill out the form below and pay the participation fee. Once the form has been completed, you will receive a confirmation email with bank transfer details.
For organizational reasons, the registration fee must be paid by October 9th.
English 
Italian