Mexico. Digital technologies are transforming higher education, giving institutions a competitive advantage and shaping the future of learning.
Among the emerging innovations, digital twins (virtual replicas of a physical system) stand out, which are transforming campus security, operations, and educational experiences. By integrating these systems with smart cameras and modern classroom technologies, universities are creating smarter, safer, and more efficient campuses.
"A digital twin is a detailed model of a campus—including its buildings, classrooms, and infrastructure—created on a computer. Although the potential of this new technology has not yet been fully developed, digital twins already offer various applications that can revolutionize educational environments and outcomes," highlights Miguel Arrañaga, Regional Sales Director of Hikvision Mexico.
He says traditional methods of campus management rely on outdated cameras and standalone systems. As a result, they are often inappropriate and expensive, especially for growing universities with dozens of classrooms.
In addition, access control systems that rely on siloed card readers often complicate security processes. On the other hand, conventional classrooms with basic whiteboards and low-resolution projectors fail to capture students' attention and are a burden on teachers.
These inefficient, disconnected systems, he says, no longer meet the demands of a large-scale, modern campus. This is where digital twin technology can make such a significant difference.
Benefits of applying digital twins
Digital twins connect physical and digital environments to improve educational services, environments, and procedures. Here are several key benefits:
1.- They allow real-time monitoring and analysis of physical spaces. Administrators can optimize classroom layouts, equipment, and workflows to deliver a seamless learning experience from the moment students enter campus until they leave. Students benefit from smarter, more technological environments, which encourages engagement and efficiency.
2.- They integrate various management systems, improving data accuracy and operational visibility, which in turn optimizes the provision of educational services. This composition provides a comprehensive view of campus operations, allowing administrators to monitor and manage various aspects of the campus, such as security, maintenance, and resource allocation, from a centralized platform. By streamlining these processes, digital twins reduce operational inefficiencies and costs.
3.- They promote environmental responsibility by monitoring the use of resources, such as energy and water. Universities can use the information to reduce their ecological footprint, for example, by identifying inefficiencies in lighting or HVAC systems and reallocating physical resources to avoid waste.
"We have a clear example of its use at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia that, in collaboration with Hikvision, we developed an ecosystem of augmented reality (AR) digital twins that spans its 30 buildings. It features a detailed 3D model with over 6000 smart cameras. With an intuitive and centralized dashboard, administrators can easily monitor the layout and interior structures, ensuring a safer environment for everyone on campus."
It details that educators have benefited from improved scheduling and attendance management systems, allowing them to focus more on student interaction and the quality of teaching, offering cross-border education. Classrooms with advanced technology promote active learning and offer students a more streamlined experience on campus. For administrators, centralized platforms simplify complex operations, improving efficiency in key areas such as the dining hall, residence halls, and campus communications.
The digital twin ecosystem offers universities a roadmap for smarter operations and superior educational outcomes. From reducing operating costs to enriching learning experiences, the possibilities are immense.
