Digital twins: the foundation of the industrial Metaverse

"Technology does not exist for its own sake but to make people's everyday lives better. And this is what the idea of the Industrial Metaverse is all about." [1]

The industrial Metaverse, driven by digital twins, offers sustainable efficiency but confronts data and workforce challenges.

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Why it matters

The industrial Metaverse promises to revolutionise global sustainability and foster efficient innovation by digitally mirroring core economic sectors. As it integrates with Industry 5.0, it ushers in an era of enriched human-machine collaboration with potential societal implications for data privacy, ethics, and overall well-being.

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Overview

From this article, you will learn:

• A general introduction to the industrial Metaverse.
• The context and motivation for the industrial Metaverse.
• Definition of the industrial Metaverse.
• Enabling technologies of the industrial Metaverse.
• The industrial Metaverse: market size, use cases, applications
• Strategy and recommendations for the industrial Metaverse.
• Sustainability, challenges, and the future.
• Human-centricity in the industrial Metaverse.

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Introduction

The Industrial Metaverse is a concept that extends the idea of the Metaverse to the backbone of our economies, such as manufacturing, buildings, grid and infrastructure operators, or the transportation sector. It is a world that is always on, mirroring real machines, factories, buildings, cities, grids, and transportation systems in the virtual world. This is crucial as it allows quickly finding, analysing, and fixing problems. Moreover, it can help us be more proactive in finding issues before they arise, enabling a new level of collaboration and innovation. It supports people working hands-on on-site and allows us to travel into the past and future to understand problems and processes better and find optimal solutions [1].

A key technology of the Industrial Metaverse is the digital twin (DT), which combines the real and digital worlds to quicken planning and improve operations over the entire life cycle [2]. They provide the virtual environment for persistent simulation, live interaction, and serve as a crossroads between the virtual and real worlds.?

However, building the Industrial Metaverse requires many additional technologies and innovations, such as more computing power, faster networks, more powerful artificial intelligence, better chips, and more advanced virtual reality technologies. Furthermore, the Internet-of-Things (IoT0, 5G, integrated space-air-ground networks, virtual and augmented reality glasses, edge and cloud technology, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI) are all coming together to enable the Industrial Metaverse [1].

Crucially, it is the users who will create it, and their needs and innovations will shape it. Openness and interoperability are therefore essential, as is the need for easy and flexible solutions to develop and cultivate the Metaverse. It is expected to be a multitrillion-dollar market by the end of this decade, with a significant share of industrial applications. It can drive sustainability and digital transformation of businesses and entire industries, making innovation easier, progress faster, reducing waste, and using fewer natural resources. It will empower people to explore more alternative designs in a shorter time and at considerably lower costs, leading to the easy integration of recycling and circular economy principles into the design process and more efficient ways of production. This will result in greater efficiency and dematerialisation of our economies [1].

The emerging DT technology market, a key building block of the Metaverse, is projected to increase from $6.5 billion in 2021 to between $125.7 billion and $183 billion by 2030-31 [3]. This growth signifies the next step in industrial digitalisation beyond Industry 4.0. This stage involves integrating physics-based, data-driven, and autonomous systems in production facilities and key processes for greater speed and agility. This stage allows companies to become more sustainable, efficient, resilient, and competitive while building a virtual reality that solves real-world problems.

"In the same way the mobile phone revolution changed how we consume media, the metaverse will change how we interact with the real and virtual world." Hemdat Sagi, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer,? Konnect Volkswagen Group Innovation Hub [3]

Therefore, the remainder of this piece will begin by exploring the context and rationale behind the industrial Metaverse before defining it and discussing its enabling technologies. Next, we will investigate the market size, relevant use cases, applications, businesses, and strategy recommendations. Finally, we will look at sustainability, challenges, and the future before we conclude with a utopian vision.

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Context and motivation for the industrial Metaverse

The big picture

Let us begin by exploring the context of the industrial Metaverse based on an in-depth report from Arthur D Little [4]:

• The term "industrial Metaverse" encapsulates a suite of applications tailored specifically for business users, distinguishing them from those targeting individual consumers. At present, the concept of the Industrial Metaverse enjoys widespread recognition and understanding, albeit with varied interpretations. Business managers, immersed in digitalisation, are familiar with its potential. The digital transformation journey is well underway, characterised by integrating digital renditions of physical assets, heightened connectivity, and novel visualisations. However, the industrial Metaverse goes a step further.
• The industrial Metaverse is a logical progression following Industry 4.0. It represents a shift from cyber-physical systems to an all-encompassing virtual realm. Industry 4.0, a term popularised a decade ago, encapsulates the adoption of diverse technologies capable of revolutionising industries through cognitive tools, connectivity, virtual modelling, and advanced manufacturing techniques. It also contributes several technologies that align with the Industrial Metaverse, including AI, connectivity, virtualisation, simulation, and collaboration tools[4].
• Strikingly, the industrial Metaverse's roadmap to success mirrors Industry 4.0's challenges. Overcoming hindrances such as the absence of common standards, fragile information system integration, hesitance in interdepartmental cooperation, and the challenge of involving employees in change processes remains critical for the Industrial Metaverse's seamless integration.
• Amidst the shifting business landscape, marked by escalating complexity, acceleration, and cognitive intricacies, latent needs emerge. Once relatively manageable, industrial systems have evolved into complex entities replete with emergent properties. The increasing rate of change places greater emphasis on swift adaptability, with the convergence of knowledge and enabling technologies driving transformative shifts. The dwindling lifespan of companies and products underscores the necessity for agility, and intricate supply chains face disruption due to global events and sustainability mandates.
• The limitations of human cognition further compound these challenges. Decision-making within intricate, dynamic systems remains an arduous task. The human mind's inclination to compartmentalise problems, combined with cognitive biases, often leads to erroneous decisions. Furthermore, increasingly prevalent in business dynamics, nonlinear and exponential phenomena challenge the human mind's evaluative capacities.
• Sustainability imperatives catalyse the need for comprehensive industrial system control. The quest for net-zero impact growth requires a holistic approach, encompassing data sharing and predictive modelling across complex systems. While current practices involve discrete impact analyses and collaborative efforts, they fail to realise end-to-end control due to technical and organisational obstacles.

Within this context, the industrial Metaverse emerges as a transformative solution. By facilitating holistic decision-making and accelerating performance improvements, it effectively addresses challenges posed by complexity, acceleration, and cognition. This visionary concept empowers businesses to navigate an ever-evolving landscape with agility, reshaping decision-making and strategy formulation paradigms. Therefore, the Industrial Metaverse emerges as an innovative stride beyond Industry 4.0, poised to revolutionise how businesses navigate complexity, respond to rapid changes and harness cognitive insights.

With this background, let us see why we need an industrial Metaverse.

Why do we need the industrial Metaverse?

The advent of Industry 4.0 has spurred manufacturing industries to harness AI/ML algorithms for effective predictive maintenance, production, and quality decisions. The concept of the industrial Metaverse transcends Industry 4.0, hinting at the emerging Industry 5.0 [5]. It digitally replicates the entire environment, streamlining processes across supply chains, production, and retail [6]. This innovation yields cost optimisation, enabling virtual prototyping and efficient cost management without reliance on physical resources. Moreover, the Metaverse facilitates virtual simulation, risk reduction in design analysis, and real-time equipment issue diagnosis, all contributing to industrial efficiency.

Transitioning to Industry 5.0, the next industrial revolution, involves synergising human creativity with advanced technology for resource-efficient solutions [7]. This evolution holds potential for improved collaboration between humans and robots, boosted by IoT, AI, DTs, big data, and robotics across sectors like society, agriculture, and healthcare. Industry 5.0 emphasises cooperative development of high-quality, rapid products, enhancing customer engagement through virtual tours, interactive sessions, and blockchain-enabled secure payments [8].

Integrating the Metaverse with Industry 5.0 introduces compelling advantages over Industry 4.0. Firstly, the Metaverse bridges the gap between humans and machines, simulating tasks using XR applications and AI analysis, thus minimising errors [9]. Secondly, it enables human interaction with products through various sensors, enhancing product quality and innovation [7]. For example, medical students can virtually practice surgical procedures. Thirdly, the metaverse aids in reducing product development costs by leveraging XR and DTs for enhanced decision-making [10]. Lastly, it revolutionises customer experience by offering 3D insights into product creation, customisation, and supply chains, leading to reduced returns and increased customer satisfaction [11].

In conclusion, the convergence of Industry 5.0 and the Metaverse presents multifaceted opportunities, empowering collaboration, innovation, cost-efficiency, and customer engagement. This transformative potential signals a future where human-machine synergy underpins groundbreaking advancements.

With a solid understanding of the context and the rationale behind the industrial Metaverse, we can now define it.

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Defining the industrial Metaverse

The industrial Metaverse transcends its conventional perception as a mere digital replica of machinery or manufacturing sites. Instead, it evolves into a comprehensive reflection of an entire corporation within its operational context. This extension furnishes decision-makers with historical insights and predictive capabilities, making the intangible visible and aiding in holistic comprehension. By facilitating meticulous what-if simulations, it offers foresight into potential future scenarios, revealing intricate interdependencies within the system. Furthermore, it enhances understanding of the system's overall behaviour and impact, fostering sustainability [4].

The term "industrial Metaverse" is multifaceted, with varying definitions contributed by key players in its development. Central to its essence is creating digitalised models, simulations, or twins of the real world. Unlike Industry 4.0, the Industrial Metaverse leverages existing technological foundations while further converging these technologies. Notably, DTs with real data exchange and AI integration already exist today. Still, the industrial Metaverse pushes for the fusion of these technologies alongside complex system modelling, data visualisation, and collaboration tools, all propelled by enhanced computing power.

A cohesive definition of the industrial Metaverse is proposed which condenses all these aspects into a single sentence [4]:

"A connected whole-system digital twin with functionalities to interact with the real system in its environment, allowing decision makers to better understand the past and forecast the future."

Crucially, this transformational potential extends from strategic to operational levels of business decision-making. This conceptual framework illustrates key components, with the industrial Metaverse's core being creating and operating a whole-system DT, encompassing all system elements, relationships, and layers (Fig. 1).

The whole-system DT transcends contemporary DTs, encompassing an end-to-end depiction of an internal and external real-world industrial system. It requires complexity to emulate dynamic system behaviours across functions, departments, assets, and players. What-if simulations are integral, drawing on past, present, and future data. Although visual rendering of systems and assets is possible, it is not the defining feature.

Furthermore, the industrial Metaverse encompasses four functions [4]:

• Connect for bidirectional data exchange.
• Compute for processing vast data and enabling future-scenario formulation
• Conceive for visualising physical and nonphysical data
• Collaborate for diverse interactions

Collectively, these functions empower a whole-system DT.

This industrial Metaverse addresses executive challenges by rendering the unseen visible, fostering systemic perspectives, enabling realistic what-if simulations, revealing complex interactions, and enhancing visibility into whole-system behaviours and impacts, vital for sustainability [4].

While the next phase of Industry 4.0 might be dubbed Industry 5.0, the distinction lies in the industrial Metaverse's alignment with the Metaverse's immersive, interactive, and persistent nature. The former shares these features, albeit with differences in emphasis. Immersion and interaction are essential for the Consumer Metaverse but less so for the Industrial Metaverse, which can interpret complex data without immersive environments. Interaction and persistence, critical for business management, characterise the Industrial Metaverse. However, a vital divergence is the controlled accessibility of the Industrial Metaverse compared to the open nature of the broader Metaverse [4].

In conclusion, the Industrial Metaverse transcends its initial digital replication role to become a holistic reflection of corporations, aiding decision-making through historical insights and predictive capabilities. Its multifaceted components, distinct from Industry 4.0, empower it to address complex challenges and drive sustainable growth. While sharing characteristics with the broader Metaverse, this concept focuses on interaction, persistence, and controlled access.?

Now that we have a definition, let us explore the enabling technologies.

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Enabling technologies of the industrial Metaverse

The evolution of technologies relevant to the industrial Metaverse begins with established digital simulation and virtualisation tools like BIM, CAD, and digital process control [4]. AR is also gaining traction for asset improvement and maintenance. More recently, DTs are being implemented for plants, factories, and products, enhancing operational efficiency and training. But what else do we need to realise the vision?

Key enabling technologies

The key enabling technologies will facilitate the realisation of the industrial Metaverse in, which aims to enable collaboration between machines and humans to develop customised products [5].

• Virtual Reality (VR): VR is a 3D computer-rendered virtual environment that immerses individuals in surrounding scenes and objects [12]. It is a crucial element of the Metaverse, providing a virtual space for multiple users to interact simultaneously [13]. In Industry 5.0, the Metaverse, assisted by VR, will remove barriers between reality and the virtual world, enabling users to personalise products and contribute to business by incorporating smart automation, creativity, and problem-solving skills [14].
• 3D Modeling: This process creates a 3D representation of any object or surface, essential for building virtual environments [15]. The Metaverse uses 3D modelling to create avatars and spaces, enabling users to interact or perform operations. This technology will lead to mass customisation of products by creating a relationship between humans and machines in the industrial Metaverse [16].
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI, the ability of computers or robots to perform tasks like humans, will accelerate the realisation of the industrial Metaverse through content analysis, supervised speech processing, and computer vision [17]. Further, AI will automatically transform the role of entities from the physical to the virtual environment, assist in human-computer interactions, and enhance user experiences by enabling mass customisation of products and improving efficiency between human and machine collaborators.
• Augmented Reality (AR): AR provides an interactive experience of a real-world environment using computer-generated information [18]. It connects the virtual and physical worlds by overlaying data with the physical world, guiding technicians or workers in machine maintenance, and enabling digital workspace management. This technology will establish collaboration between cognitive systems, robots, and humans in the industrial Metaverse [19].
• Blockchain: This distributed ledger technology protects the privacy of sensitive information through authentication, access control, and consensus methods [20]. It will safeguard the integrity and transparency of information for Metaverse transactions, ensuring user data privacy for industrial applications.
• 6G: The sixth-generation standard for wireless communications technology, 6G, will interconnect objects in the real world with the Metaverse, allowing VR to reach its full potential [21]. It will enable high-quality services and experiences, parallel working capabilities, and latency-free communications across industries.
• Edge Computing: This technology accelerates client-server communication, reducing latency and bandwidth consumption [22]. It will aid in better synchronisation of the physical world and the Metaverse, efficient transmission of immersive virtual experiences, and reliable resource allocation in the Metaverse [23].
• DTs: A DT is a digital representation of an entity or system in the physical world [24]. It will provide a holistic view of real-world entities and their associated operations in the Metaverse, aiding humans in better understanding equipment and making better decisions in industrial contexts. However, DTs are so significant that we will explore them in more detail in the next section.

In conclusion, integrating these key enabling technologies will facilitate the realisation of the industrial Metaverse, enhancing user experiences, enabling mass customisation of products, and improving efficiency between human and machine collaborators.

However, one technology deserves even more attention than the rest, so we will explore it in detail next.

Deep dive into DTs

"Building a digital version of a physical object is actually just the beginning." Danny Lange, Senior Vice President of Artificial Intelligence, Unity Technologies [3]

DTs are the foundation of the industrial Metaverse. These virtual models meticulously replicate real-world objects or processes throughout their lifecycle. These DTs can imitate objects with astonishing precision, mirroring every detail to an authentic degree [2].

NASA's Perseverance rover showcases the practicality of DT technology. Before its high-speed entry into Mars' atmosphere, a DT of the rover identified design issues and anticipated potential landing problems, enhancing mission safety [25]. However, despite the remarkable congruence between physical objects and their digital counterparts, there remains room for innovation. DTs have the potential to fuel richer insights via simulations, driving advanced business cases. For instance, autonomous vehicles could be trained in virtual environments and refine their training through real-world data acquisition [3].

Envisioned advancements in DT technology include the creation of fast, photorealistic, physics-based digital replicas, providing immersive experiences and real-time interactions [3]. Such realism instils confidence in decision-making processes within virtual environments. The final stride towards the industrial Metaverse involves interlinking numerous DTs in a unified realm. An approach termed the "Internet of Twins." This networked ecosystem, merging DTs, people, and simulated environments, bridges the gap between digital and physical realms, culminating in the emergence of the industrial Metaverse [26].

This progression, however, brings challenges and opportunities [3]. While DTs offer unprecedented insights and experiential depth, continuous innovation is imperative. The integration of real-time data with DTs, as showcased by the example of autonomous vehicles, points to the evolving nature of this technology. The prospect of an interconnected "Internet of Twins" underscores the metamorphosis of industries, where digital and physical realms intertwine. This necessitates a careful consideration of ethical, privacy, and security implications.

Evidently, the DT concept is at the heart of the burgeoning industrial Metaverse. Its potential to revolutionise manufacturing, exploration, and decision-making processes is evident. Yet, the journey towards a fully realised industrial metaverse requires technical advancements and thoughtful deliberation about its transformative societal and economic impacts.

So, how can this look in practice?

Developing DTs begins by considering an organisation's priority value drivers and potential for reuse while factoring in business support and feasibility aspects such as data availability and quality. Industries like pharmaceuticals, automotive, and technology have adopted DT strategies. For instance, a pharmaceutical company focused on patient outcomes, creating a patient twin that personalised drug-safety information delivery. An automotive OEM started with parts twins to enhance part features and profitability. Similarly, a technology company began with network twins for capital spending optimisation and evolved them for real-time insights. Overall, using DTs can reduce costs and time to market, with examples including a 60% reduction in time to deploy new AI, a 10% increase in commercial efficiency, and a 15% reduction in capital and operating expenses [27]. Depending on the scale of operations, this can translate into billions of savings or gains.

The foundational step involves creating a data product, a refined dataset supporting various business challenges. This data product, initially simple, resembles a real-world entity, boosting critical functions. As an illustration, an organisation could construct a data product for employee scheduling using data on roles, availabilities, and more. It evolves, becoming a reliable source for diverse use cases. Gradually, the data product's capabilities expand, incorporating behavioural data, visualisations, and simulations to transform it into a comprehensive DT [27]. For instance, an employee DT aids AI-driven coaching and performance improvement.

Moreover, interconnecting DTs unlocks advanced insights by simulating complex relationships. For instance, linking employee, customer, and store twins enhances decision-making and omnichannel experiences. The interconnected twins become smarter, capturing dependencies and correlations [28].

As organisations integrate multiple business domain twins, the concept of an enterprise Metaverse emerges [27]. This interconnected network involves retail stores, warehouses, supply chains, and more, replicating the entire organisation digitally. A layer integrating digital applications and analytics is added, followed by a unified consumption layer providing immersive experiences through augmented and virtual reality. This transformation from replicating current processes to digitally reengineering them saves time and resources. The enterprise Metaverse enables the reinvention of experiences and processes, achieving superior outcomes.

But do we have real-world examples of improved outcomes? Yes, we do.

The following cases underscore how DTs have enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and operational agility across diverse domains [3]:

• Heller, a prominent CNC machine producer, harnessed executable DT technology to amplify the efficiency of its machines. The solution enabled the identification of minute tooling issues, even detecting misalignments as small as 20 microns in under 400 milliseconds. The absence of supplementary hardware requirements underlines the innovation's effectiveness in enhancing automatic tool changer efficiency and reducing machine vibrations. This instance highlights how DTs can facilitate real-time precision and operational optimisation in manufacturing.
• Siemens Mobility embarked on a significant endeavour by creating a DT for a vast 2000-kilometre high-speed rail network in Egypt. This achievement relied on comprehensive data integration across the project's entirety. The DT empowers approximately 300 project personnel to navigate various complexities. It aids in identifying and tracking technical changes, monitoring implementations, and generating automated reports. The anticipated integration of AI-driven projections in the DT introduces a forward-looking dimension for project management. This application reveals the potential of DTs in orchestrating complex projects with precision and foresight.
• Unilever, a global personal care product manufacturer, harnessed DTs to streamline its production processes. The company frequently introduces new bottle designs for diverse markets, necessitating swift adjustments to production lines. Leveraging DTs of new products and machinery enabled Unilever to promptly identify modifications and manufacture them using 3-D printing within hours. This transformation significantly curtailed product launch time and capital expenditures, a testament to how DTs can expedite innovation and reduce costs.
• The collaboration between Siemens and Dubai culminated in the Smart City app, tailored for the Expo 2020. Powered by a DT fed with real-time data, this app managed and operated the digitally connected Expo site comprising over 130 buildings. The app proficiently collected and analysed data from various sensors, offering insights into energy consumption, water usage, and air quality. Users could also virtually explore the Expo via an immersive AR/VR experience. This application demonstrates the role of DTs in enabling comprehensive data analysis and immersive experiences, ultimately contributing to improved urban management.

But beyond these, several prominent examples showcase how the strategic integration of DT technology across various industries is reshaping conventional paradigms [27]:

• Emirates Team New Zealand, a dominant force in the America's Cup, employs a DT to test boat designs in a virtual environment. This simulation permits the evaluation of an extensive array of hydrofoil design concepts, drastically surpassing traditional capabilities.
• Anheuser-Busch InBev, a leading beer manufacturer, utilises a DT in its brewing and supply chain processes. This allows real-time adjustments based on active conditions and compensates for production bottlenecks. Moreover, it offers remote assistance and augmented-reality capabilities for prompt issue resolution.
• SoFi Stadium in California employs a DT to optimise stadium management. The system enhances operations and overall efficiency by merging structural information with real-time footfall data.
• In a broader context, even the US Space Force embraces DTs, crafting virtual replicas of extraterrestrial bodies and satellites. This aligns with the organisation's commitment to digital-first strategies.
• SpaceX, a pioneer in space exploration, employs a DT of the Dragon capsule. This virtual counterpart facilitates the real-time monitoring and adjustment of trajectories, loads, and propulsion systems. The central aim is to maximise transport reliability and safety.

These instances underscore the transformative potential of DTs. Not only do they offer comprehensive testing and evaluation platforms, as demonstrated by Emirates Team New Zealand, but they also provide adaptive solutions for complex challenges, exemplified by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Furthermore, their role extends to sectors like sports management and space exploration, as seen in the cases of SoFi Stadium and SpaceX.

Collectively, these case studies exemplify the tangible advantages of employing DTs across industries. From precision engineering in manufacturing to efficient project management, streamlined production processes, and enhanced urban monitoring, DTs manifest as a transformative technology with far-reaching implications for multiple sectors. The convergence of physical and digital realms within the framework of DTs presents an innovative approach to problem-solving and optimisation, with potential for even more dynamic applications in the future.

"For a car-manufacturing company or a shipper of goods and services with numerous warehouse and delivery protocols, the mirror world is a game-changing advance of remarkable dimensions. Mirroring enables and enhances many things, such as supply chain management, production efficiency, assembly line accuracy, etc. While at the human level ubiquitous cameras and mirrors create a host of moral, identity and privacy quandaries." Barry Chudakov, founder and principal at Sertain Research [29]

OK, DTs add value across industries, but how do we build one?

Thought leaders in the field, McKinsey, suggest a three-step strategy to construct a DT effectively [27]:

1. Blueprint formation: The first step involves aligning stakeholders to establish a vision for DTs. A well-structured blueprint must outline the types of twins an organisation aims to develop, the optimal sequence for constructing them to maximise value, the envisioned progression of their capabilities, and the ownership and governance frameworks. Failing this, organisations risk creating disjointed single-purpose twins that lack business engagement and cannot attribute value from use cases to the twin.
2. Base DT construction: With the blueprint set, the project team proceeds to establish the core DT in a span of three to six months. The initiation involves assembling the core data product, which requires data teams to refine structured and unstructured data to ensure their quality and usability. Subsequently, visualisations are developed, and data science professionals formulate initial use cases to generate insights, thereby creating the foundational DT. Notably, achieving perfection in data or using advanced technology is unnecessary and can even slow progress. Success stories demonstrate that various levels of data and platform maturity can lead to successful twin development. Essential keys to triumph in this phase encompass:
3. Capability enhancement: Once the initial use cases are operational, the next phase revolves around expanding the twin's capabilities. Companies frequently advance their DTs from mere representations of assets, individuals, or processes to offering simulations and prescriptions utilising AI and advanced modelling techniques. These advancements have rendered DTs essential business tools for industry leaders. Their accessibility means DTs will likely evolve into pivotal tools for process optimisation and decision-making across all sectors. In the short term, such endeavours yield substantial value by enabling data curation for numerous use cases, yielding profound insights into intricate business matters and real-time outcome optimisation. In the long run, these investments lay the groundwork for the enterprise metaverse, reshaping operations across industries and unlocking data and AI's full potential.

"Executives are not only investing in digital twins today but also regarding the enterprise metaverse as a matter of "how soon" rather than "if."" [27]

DTs find applications across various industries [27].

• In manufacturing, they encompass factory processes, supply chains, and equipment.
• In healthcare, DTs extend to hospitals, patients, and the nursing workforce.
• Telcos benefit from twins for networks, customers, and call centres.
• The retail industry employs them for supply chains, stores, and call centres.
• Insurance DTs cover customers, insured assets, and claims processes.
• Oil and Gas employs them to manage refineries, equipment, and the workforce.
• Utilities use DTs for power plants, grid networks, and B2B customer equipment.
• Transportation optimises planes, ships, trucks, and logistics networks with DTs.

Therefore, building a DT follows a structured path encompassing blueprint creation, foundational twin development, and subsequent capability augmentation. This approach ensures efficient twin construction, fostering engagement, insights, and transformative potential across industries. The trajectory from individual DTs to a broader enterprise Metaverse marks a paradigm shift in operations, unveiling a new era of data-driven decision-making.

In conclusion, developing DTs involves a strategic approach, aligning with an organisation's priorities and data feasibility. Industries have applied this strategy to diverse areas, emphasising personalised solutions and profitability. The process commences with data product creation, evolving into powerful DTs with predictive and prescriptive capabilities. Interconnecting DTs enhances insights, leading to the concept of an enterprise metaverse, reshaping processes and experiences. This transition from replication to reengineering underscores the potential for substantial advancements. By harnessing the power of DTs and their interconnected networks, businesses can redefine their operations and offer enhanced experiences.

Since we have a solid grasp of the context and technology enablers of the industrial Metaverse, it is time to explore the market.

The industrial Metaverse: market size, use cases, applications

Analysis from Persistence Market Research suggests the following about the industrial metaverse market [30]:

• The global industrial metaverse market has grown rapidly, reaching a sales revenue of $61.8 billion in 2022. This upward trajectory will likely persist, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3% over the upcoming decade. Forecasts indicate an expansion from $80.1 billion in 2023 to $765.8 billion by 2033. An integral driver of this surge is the heightened demand for remote collaboration applications, expected to undergo a CAGR of 24.1% over the same period.
• The Asia-Pacific region would exert significant dominance within the global industrial Metaverse sector. This growth is propelled by the region's robust manufacturing sector and the increasing integration of Metaverse solutions across product design, production processes, and workforce training. Notably, manufacturing powerhouses like China, Japan, and South Korea capitalise on the Metaverse's potential to enhance operational efficiency and expedite time-to-market in sectors like automotive manufacturing.
• Turning to the United States, the industrial Metaverse market is poised for remarkable expansion, projected to reach an approximate value of $140.4 billion by 2033. The foundation of this growth lies within the nation's thriving manufacturing sector, which generated around $2.4 trillion in output in 2021.
• In the context of China, forecasts suggest a CAGR of 25.2% from 2018 to 2033. Although slightly lower than the 32.3% CAGR from 2018 to 2022, this growth is poised to drive the market's total value to around $166.1 billion by 2033. China's expansion is deeply rooted in the pervasive utilisation of Metaverse solutions within manufacturing.

However, research firm Arthur D Little uses a broader definition of the industrial Metaverse [4]. In their conception, the 2023 market size is in the $100-$150 billion range. Projecting a CAGR of between 20 and 30%, their 2030 forecast is in the $400 billion to >$1 trillion range.

Now that we understand the big picture, let us explore the specific use cases that will fuel the growth.

Industrial Metaverse use cases

?"You can find a use case anywhere in the industrial life cycle and make it better with industrial metaverse." Ian Fisher, Head of Product Management Visualization, Siemens Digital Industries Software [3]

One key aspect of this transformation is the deployment of virtual sensors, capable of predicting equipment malfunctions. Additionally, industries can anticipate improved logistics using autonomous trucks, enhanced productivity through collaborative robots, and refined supply chain optimisations [3]. This transition transcends product development and maintenance, fostering collaboration among stakeholders globally. It also provides novel insights for product design and manufacturing.

Further, the industrial Metaverse is poised to deliver multiple benefits across industries [3]:

• It facilitates collaborative design and engineering, enabling teams from different domains and geographical locations to work together seamlessly. This eliminates the need for resource-draining physical prototypes and extensive travel.
• By incorporating photorealistic environments and multi-physics simulations, industries can test and validate numerous scenarios while training autonomous systems, thus accelerating product development and design efficiency.
• Another crucial application area is virtual commissioning, where a virtual representation of a manufacturing system aids in identifying and fixing design and software errors early on.
• The Metaverse offers advanced operations through data collection in a digital setting. This data supports AI-driven applications like virtual factory planning, predictive maintenance, and big data analytics, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Access to talent and training is another prominent benefit of the industrial Metaverse. With a scarcity of skilled workers, the Metaverse provides remote access to training modules and expert skills, regardless of physical location. This feature is particularly promising in addressing labour shortages in an ageing society.

By intertwining the physical and digital realms, the Metaverse reshapes organisational operations and holds potential societal benefits, promoting sustainability and enriching human life. As industries evolve, embracing the industrial Metaverse could foster innovation, efficiency, and collaboration on a global scale.

The transformative potential of the industrial Metaverse

The emergence of the industrial Metaverse is poised to revolutionise the global economy and the fabric of people's daily lives, just like the Internet did. It promises to reshape how we engage with our physical surroundings, our work dynamics, and even our ecological footprint.

• The profound shifts initiated by the industrial Metaverse are already evident in several examples [3]:
• Google's Immersive View in Google Maps, for instance, integrates vast amounts of visual data to construct a comprehensive DT of the world, altering our perception of physical spaces.
• Siemensstadt Square project in Berlin illustrates the potential of DTs to convert an entire industrial area into a futuristic urban district by amalgamating dynamic data about structures, infrastructure, and energy, ultimately giving birth to an immersive environment that transcends spatial confines.
• Moreover, the workplace will also likely undergo a significant overhaul. The industrial Metaverse allows people to collaborate more closely than ever. This innovation decouples work from geographical limitations and enables a broader array of tasks to be performed remotely, thereby influencing corporate decisions regarding facility locations.
• Safety protocols will be profoundly transformed as well. Hazardous scenarios can be simulated and navigated in a secure digital space, enhancing training and risk management.
• ?Metaverse also is a platform for safe experimentation before deploying complex tasks in the real world. This notion extends to consumer interactions, where immersive experiences can foster trust and facilitate meaningful engagements.

Additionally, the industrial Metaverse holds the potential for sustainability breakthroughs [3]. Substantial environmental benefits can be realised by promoting resource-efficient practices during construction and operation through DTs. The seamless data integration across various sectors drives efficiency and dematerialisation, effectively curbing waste. As consumers engage with products in virtual spaces, the potential for informed purchasing decisions and reduced waste becomes tangible.

In the face of global population growth and increased resource demands, the industrial Metaverse is pivotal in steering humanity towards a more sustainable future [3]. Its ability to revolutionise industries, optimise processes, and encourage innovative experimentation will be a critical asset in the global quest for sustainability. While the energy demands of the Metaverse itself remain a challenge, its role in promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing emissions cannot be underestimated. An Accenture study highlights that DTs alone could reduce 7.5 gigatons of CO2 worldwide over the coming decade [31].

In conclusion, the industrial Metaverse promises far-reaching economic, social, and environmental implications. It changes how we interact with the physical world, our work lives, and, crucially, addresses sustainability challenges. As we experience this paradigm shift, the Metaverse could help us redefine our future.

And now, let us explore the Metaverse's potential across various industries.?

The industrial Metaverse across verticals

The Metaverse, particularly in Industry 5.0, facilitates real-time interactions among users from remote locations, enabling various applications across domains [5]:

• In Society 5.0, the Metaverse offers a virtual campus environment that fosters research collaboration and meetings. It enhances communication and collaboration worldwide, facilitating virtual gatherings and celebrations. In embracing Society 5.0, Japanese society aims to bridge the physical and cyber realms, tackling societal challenges through advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and big data. This vision is exemplified by initiatives like KOSEN [32], which facilitates knowledge sharing and research collaboration among educational institutions through virtual classrooms and realistic avatar-driven experiences [33]. However, implementing Society 5.0 in the metaverse environment poses challenges. Integrating VR and AR equipment is complex and costly, and the proliferation of IoT devices raises security concerns. Additionally, automation, a key facet of Society 5.0, may impact human employment.
• Agriculture 5.0 leverages IoT, AI, and robotics to revolutionise traditional farming practices. Smart farms employ precision agriculture and agricultural robots, increasing crop yields and reducing operational costs [34]. The Metaverse plays a vital role in training farmers for complex tasks and simulating plant growth cycles, offering quick insights into crop cultivation. The application of AR, VR, and AI in smart farming streamlines processes like fertilisation, pest control, and crop monitoring, ultimately increasing food production and profit. Nonetheless, implementing the Metaverse for Agriculture 5.0 presents challenges, such as the need for high-quality, portable metaverse models and training for VR and AR technologies [35].
• The Metaverse and DT technologies work together in Supply Chain Management 5.0 (SCM). DT technology creates digital replicas of SCM processes, offering insights from IoT devices to optimise SCM stages [36]. Collaborative robots (Cobots) undertake hazardous tasks, improving efficiency and safety [37]. The Metaverse enhances SCM by enabling human-machine collaboration, virtual representation of machinery and goods, and real-time global expert collaboration. VR and AR facilitate staff training, while machine learning analyses supply chain statistics for cost reduction and optimal decision-making. Challenges in SCM metaverse implementation include the need for skilled labour, cybersecurity, and privacy concerns.
• The Metaverse Healthcare 5.0 combines AR, VR, telemedicine, AI, data analytics, and IoT technologies to revolutionise medical services. It facilitates remote patient monitoring, enhances healthcare services, and supports research and education in healthcare. Robots, guided by doctors, can diagnose and treat patients. Some benefits include personalised treatments via wearables, a social community for healthcare professionals, and VR-aided therapies for various conditions [38]. Researchers envision medical IoT and AR/VR glasses as pivotal for future healthcare computing platforms [39]. However, challenges such as data security, data privacy, and scalability need addressing for widespread adoption.
• In Education 5.0, the Metaverse offers immersive learning experiences. Like video gaming, students can explore virtual classrooms, museums, and historical events, making learning interactive and enjoyable [40]. Simulations in the virtual world expand imagination and collaboration. Medical students can practice surgery and clinical skills in virtual labs, and AI-driven avatars enhance learning. Challenges include data privacy concerns and potential ethical issues, as students may struggle to differentiate between the physical and virtual worlds [41].
• Metaverse Disaster Management 5.0 plays a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response. AR/VR simulations enable realistic disaster exercises and improve reaction times and decision-making during incidents [42]. Collaboration between humans and AI-driven avatars enhances the effectiveness of disaster response. AR technology aids in creating 3D maps of disaster zones, helping rescuers locate survivors and assess damage [43]. However, scalability remains a concern, as the number of participants in the Metaverse during a disaster is unpredictable. Sensitivity to the emotional impact of disaster scenarios is also vital.
• In Transportation 5.0, the Metaverse could revolutionise traditional transportation methods. It will replace physical forms of travel with virtual alternatives, enhancing passenger experiences through AR/VR technology. Key changes include robotic-based mobility, reduced travel time and costs for leisure travellers, and advanced safety measures, including autonomous vehicle fault detection and repair [44]. Data-driven intelligent transportation systems will become prevalent, ensuring safer and more efficient travel. However, while the Metaverse promises enhanced travel experiences, it raises concerns about the future of employment in the sector. Automating vehicles may decrease demand for human drivers, affecting blue-collar employees. Alternatively, it also creates opportunities for technical professionals involved in developing and maintaining Metaverse-enabled transportation systems [45].
• Integrating the Metaverse into Smart City 5.0 aims to digitise urban environments through advanced technologies, enhancing the quality of life for citizens while promoting sustainability. It enables virtual collaboration among citizens, businesses, government bodies, and professionals, facilitating real-time decision-making and improved urban planning [46]. Additionally, the Metaverse contributes to tourism experiences, exemplified by South Korea's smart tourism city project in Incheon, using AR and virtual-based Metaverse services [47].
• In Cloud Manufacturing (CMfg), the Metaverse introduces new possibilities. It allows for virtual design and testing of components, collaborative discussions among stakeholders, and improved inventory forecasting using AI models [48]. However, it also poses challenges, such as security threats in hyper-communal connectivity and scalability concerns [49].
• The Metaverse's capabilities enhance robotic automation, a central element of Industry 5.0. Human avatars and cobots collaborate on production tasks, enhancing operational efficiency and safety [50]. Hyundai Motors, for instance, is embracing "meta-mobility" through robotics automation in the Metaverse [51]. Challenges include addressing vague use cases and ensuring proper governance and standardisation in automation processes.

However, the successful integration of the Metaverse across these domains relies on various technical requirements, including computation power, memory management, scalability, accessibility, interoperability, security, privacy, legal considerations, skilled professionals, and brain-computer interfaces [52]. Furthermore, these highly interdependent applications require seamless collaboration and interfaces promoting brain-computer connectivity.

In summary, the Metaverse holds transformative potential across various industries, fostering collaboration, enhancing efficiency, and addressing real-world problems. The successful integration of the Metaverse into these domains will depend on addressing the challenges while harnessing its potential for human-machine collaboration and immersive experiences.

And now, it is time to start uniting these ideas into coherent, actionable insights.

Strategy and recommendations for the industrial Metaverse

Interestingly, the success of the industrial Metaverse does not depend on the widespread adoption of the general Metaverse. Many of its applications, such as leveraging DTs for operational improvements, do not require a perfect rendering of reality or full interoperability between competing Metaverse worlds. Thus, the industrial Metaverse can progress independently of consumer Metaverse adoption [4].

However, the foundational technologies for comprehensive whole-system digital twins are not yet fully mature. Additionally, challenges related to data sharing among different players in industrial systems pose barriers to progress. Overcoming these hurdles and advancing key technologies are essential for the industrial Metaverse's development.

Moving forward with the industrial Metaverse is intrinsically linked to a company's digitalisation journey. It usually requires a mature digital strategy as a foundation. Therefore, companies should follow a structured approach akin to standard IT or ERP system implementation practices to respond effectively to the industrial Metaverse. Such an approach includes four main steps [4]:

1. Strategy review: This involves clearly understanding the digitalisation strategy, its current position, and the necessary steps for progress. It is important to ascertain what digitalisation basics still need attention before embarking on Industrial Metaverse development.
2. Opportunities identification: Companies should discover value-adding opportunities for the Industrial Metaverse and develop a roadmap. Consideration should be given to potential applications that would yield the most significant value, the technical feasibility timeline, and the detailed digital modelling level required.
3. Pilot projects implementation: A test-and-learn approach is crucial during implementation. Start with small, high-value projects demonstrating the Metaverse's value to internal and external stakeholders. Managing the social impact on employees and providing ongoing support is vital.
4. Ecosystem building and alignment: The industrial Metaverse's full potential is realised by involving internal operations and the entire partner ecosystem and supply chain. This necessitates sharing more data than traditionally done, requiring a shift in mindset and culture. Engagement and alignment with ecosystem partners are essential, focusing on assessing benefits, ensuring data safety and security, and defining agreed-upon standards.

Therefore, companies looking to harness this potential need a strategic approach, considering their digitalisation journey and the steps outlined to navigate this paradigm shift successfully.

Altogether, despite facing significant challenges, the industrial Metaverse is on the brink of emergence. Establishing open standards and interoperability is a critical opportunity for organisations to drive meaningful technological and societal changes. Policymakers have a unique role in shaping the Metaverse's future, learning from past technological advancements [3].

"It's about time for the metaverse to lift off and really have the breakthrough that we have been working for over the past few years." Matthias Ziegler, Managing Director, Technology Innovation, Accenture [3]

Additionally, organisations need clear objectives for their industrial metaverse strategies, even without universal standards. This includes investments in edge hardware, industrial 5G networks, DT technologies, and AI.

Interoperability and openness are essential for the industrial Metaverse's success [3]. Locking others out will eventually lock companies in, leading to siloed landscapes and a lack of standards. Initiatives like the Metaverse Standards Forum [53] and the World Economic Forum [54] aim to foster universal standards.

Still, organisations must define a clear value proposition or use case for their metaverse initiatives. By focusing on objectives like waste reduction and accelerated product development, they can discern real potential from hype. Moreover, empowering employees to embrace the Metaverse is crucial. The technology can create new opportunities and simplify complex tasks through mixed-reality technology and expert guidance. Companies also need to tap into new sources of talent, such as the game development community. Building partnerships and strong ecosystems is also essential. Collaboration with external partners and startups can drive innovation. Business agility is critical for effective participation in these partnerships.

"One of the most important elements for participating in the industrial Metaverse is business agility. Unless large companies become more agile, they won't be able to participate effectively in these partnership ecosystems that can create really powerful solutions." Leslie Shannon, Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting, Nokia [3]

In conclusion, the industrial Metaverse is poised for significant growth, and organisations must embrace open standards, define clear objectives, empower employees, and foster partnerships to succeed in this evolving landscape. Policymakers also have a role in shaping the Metaverse's development, and business agility is crucial for adapting to the changing landscape. The Metaverse will profoundly impact consumers, employees, industries, and society as the real and digital worlds converge.

Although we know how to realise the industrial Metaverse, critical questions remain. Can we overcome the challenges and make it sustainable?

Sustainability, challenges and the future

Can the industrial Metaverse be sustainable?

The sustainability of the industrial Metaverse is a multifaceted issue encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions [55]:

• Economic sustainability: The industrial Metaverse offers promising economic prospects. It provides unique opportunities for businesses to thrive by creating new markets and innovative sales channels. One of the key economic drivers is the sale of digital goods through non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In industries like fashion, the Metaverse allows for the sale of digital clothing and accessories that avatars can wear, expanding product lines beyond physical limitations. This shift aligns with the Industry 5.0 transition, characterised by human-centred technologies, enhanced collaboration between humans and machines, and opportunities for innovation. However, economic sustainability also brings challenges. The Metaverse requires extensive data centres and computing power, leading to increased energy consumption and carbon emissions. Therefore, achieving economic sustainability in the industrial Metaverse will require innovations in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
• Environmental sustainability: The industrial Metaverse's environmental sustainability presents a paradox. Admittedly, it needs more computing power, increasing energy consumption. This energy usage extends to blockchain transactions, AI technologies, virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud services, contributing to environmental concerns. Conversely, it can contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing resource-intensive activities through DTs and simulations. Digital products and virtual experiences are inherently more resource-efficient and carbon-friendly than their physical counterparts. This shift can significantly lower industry resource consumption, waste, and emissions. Additionally, the Metaverse can reduce the need for physical travel, thus curbing greenhouse gas emissions associated with commuting and business travel. Thus, companies must transition to carbon-free or carbon-neutral operations to align with global efforts to combat climate change.
• Social sustainability: The social sustainability of the industrial Metaverse poses both opportunities and challenges. While the Metaverse can democratise access to information and enhance global collaboration, it raises concerns about inclusivity and disparities between businesses. Accessibility barriers, including the cost of VR equipment, can create barriers to entry, strengthening monopolistic tendencies in some sectors. Social interactions within the industrial Metaverse can lead to isolation and addiction, particularly among vulnerable individuals. Excessive time in virtual worlds may blur the line between digital and real worlds. This, in turn, could potentially lead to mental health issues. Data privacy and security concerns also loom large, with potential risks of identity theft and hacking on a corporate level. To ensure social sustainability, we need regulation. Striking a balance between the benefits and drawbacks of the industrial Metaverse is critical. Regulations should address privacy, data protection, and ethical considerations. Moreover, educational initiatives can help users navigate the Metaverse safely and responsibly, mitigating the potential social risks.

Ultimately, the sustainability of the industrial Metaverse involves economic, environmental, and social considerations. While it offers exciting economic opportunities, challenges such as energy consumption and accessibility must be addressed. The industrial Metaverse's impact on the environment, both positive and negative, underscores the need for a transition to sustainable practices. Finally, social sustainability necessitates measures to ensure inclusivity, mental well-being, and data security. The industrial Metaverse can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future by navigating these challenges and embracing responsible digitalisation.

So, what could the future of the industrial Metaverse look like, and what are the remaining challenges?

The future of the industrial Metaverse and remaining challenges

Whichever industrial Metaverse version emerges, the foundational technologies largely exist.

Understanding how decision-makers should respond remains nebulous. Every enterprise will confront choices concerning this realm. Therefore, it is paramount to discern this awaiting landscape and its implications across the entire spectrum [56]:?

• Work: The convergence of digital and physical worlds in the industrial Metaverse fosters distributed work, geographic independence, and novel human-machine interactions. Tools and machines are either self-operating or remotely controlled. Human tasks, captured digitally, enable profound analysis and optimisation. The benefits are manifold: minimising perilous jobs, fostering innovative labour structures, and amplifying inclusivity. However, pitfalls lurk, such as the potential misuse of data for superficial metrics or micromanagement.?
• Data and security: Organisations can smoothly share data internally and, where apt, with stakeholders. Solutions may emerge for security, privacy, and data discrimination concerns. Facilitating meta-analyses and AI-driven solutions, it is imperative to address interoperability and intellectual property protection.?
• Competition: The Metaverse introduces complementary services, giving birth to a vibrant provider ecosystem. Yet, risks remain. A potential market monopoly by a few entities and a technological rift between those within and outside the Metaverse could undermine its promised potential.?
• Technology and operations: Enhanced digitalisation expedites DT implementations across factories and supply chains. Inter-company communication leans on seamless data sharing, leading to sustainable manufacturing resource utilisation. Nonetheless, an overdependence on technology might prove catastrophic during unexpected disruptions.?
• Customers: Transparent, personalised customer interactions augment satisfaction. Vivid product visualisations elevate purchasing experiences. However, the pitfalls include mishandling customer data and implementing restrictive lock-in strategies.?

Embracing this optimistic vision is crucial. To harness the industrial Metaverse's potential, corporations must craft informed decisions aligned with their ethos and goals. This compels industry, government, and societal decision-makers to forge the Metaverse's evolution, ensuring holistic benefits that are distributed fairly across society.

Despite this, the Metaverse's integration with Industry 5.0 brings forth a myriad of challenges [5]:

• User interaction: The Metaverse uses various devices to immerse users in a virtual realm. Integration with Industry 5.0 is intricate, as humans and machines both need to contribute to decision-making. The absence of tangible interaction can mislead human judgement, highlighting the importance of seamless human-machine interactions.
• Computing resources: The industrial Metaverse's execution is hindered by the need to consolidate varied technologies, such as IoT, VR, AR, and AI. Accommodating diverse computational needs and managing vast data sets necessitates advanced, rapid computing solutions. Efficiently converging the Metaverse with mobile edge computing, blockchain, 6G, and AI can effectively address network load, latency requirements, and computational resource distribution [57]. The Metaverse's incorporation with Industry 5.0 demands considerable processing capabilities to harness all facilitative technologies, signalling a pressing challenge.
• Security and privacy: As the Metaverse intertwines with Industry 5.0, novel challenges arise. The sharing of sensitive data with varied applications could jeopardise this data. Anonymity, while a Metaverse cornerstone, complicates accountability and transparency, potentially influencing Industry 5.0 dynamics.
• Virtual misbehaviour: The merging of the Metaverse with Industry 5.0 also teeters on the brink of work addiction risks. The omnipresent nature of the Metaverse might blur the lines between personal and professional lives, potentially ushering in mental and health complications. As the Metaverse and Industry 5.0 align, a formidable competitive work landscape could emerge, amplifying stress and health adversities for participants.
• Mental health: VR, AR, XR, and MR technologies come together to offer immersive experiences. Despite their potential, a prominent concern is the increased human mental workload required to interact within the Metaverse. Research has found that AR significantly increases the mental demand on users, while VR offers a more natural, cognitively less demanding interface akin to reality [58]. Combining VR and AR does not necessarily heighten the user's workload. However, this immersive environment also poses the risk of information overload, particularly for specialists, due to the influx of vast amounts of data. This overload could impair overall performance. Furthermore, as humans multitask with machines, any technological malfunction or cyber threat poses additional stress.
• Ethical implications: The devices we use to access the industrial Metaverse can monitor human behaviour and intentions, often gathering personal data. Despite many users' tendency to bypass privacy policies without comprehensive understanding, globally recognised ethical guidelines are crucial to mitigate potential misuse, unauthorised access, and infringements on copyright and intellectual property. Strides have been made in formulating such ethical frameworks, providing direction for virtual and real-world agents alike [59].
• Standardisation within the Metaverse is crucial to its positive evolution. As it merges with Industry 5.0 applications, concepts like decentralisation and automation become foundational. However, the Metaverse's inherent freedom risks opening avenues for criminal activities if unchecked. Therefore, establishing rigorous standards becomes pivotal to reducing malpractices and encouraging ethical interactions. Efforts have been made in this direction, with forums like the Metaverse standards forum leading research and ensuring compatibility across the ecosystem, backed by prominent industry stakeholders [60].

?

Ultimately, the industrial Metaverse emphasises incorporating robust technologies to ensure security, privacy, and scalability. As we look to its future, key enablers will be [5]:

• Meta-blockchain and 6G networks: Blockchain offers a transparent and immutable solution to ensure trust. However, when combined with the Metaverse to form the meta-blockchain, it demands high computational capabilities. 6G networks with higher capacities and rapid latency responses present an optimal platform for boosting meta-blockchain's performance while supporting holographic communications. Notably, while 6G's attributes facilitate applications from telesurgery to 3D printing, the challenges posed by both 6G and blockchain, including scalability and access control, cannot be overlooked upon their integration.
• Federated learning (FL) is an approach where edge devices like smartphones collaborate to train a global prediction model without compromising data security. The process involves training local models without sharing raw data and aggregating them at a central server. This offers a dual benefit: ensuring data privacy and reducing communication overheads. Additionally, the combination of blockchain with FL has been successful in diverse applications, underlining its potential for the industrial Metaverse.
• Quantum computing (QC) leverages quantum physics to achieve superior computational power. Integrating blockchain with QC promises secure computing. Furthermore, quantum cryptography, a technique involving unique quantum channels for data transfer, can reduce network vulnerabilities. With the potential to expedite computations, quantum blockchain could be a cornerstone for the industrial Metaverse, especially when combined with quantum machine learning[.
• Hyperscale computing: Given its transformative nature, the industrial Metaverse requires scalable IT infrastructures. Hyperscale computing promises scalability from a few servers to thousands, ensuring performance, fault tolerance, and high availability. With the potential to cater to the vast computational needs of the Metaverse, hyper-scale edge data centres might be the solution, particularly when processing power and high-bandwidth data transfers are paramount.

In conclusion, the evolution of the industrial Metaverse hinges on a cohesive integration of technologies like 6G-based meta-blockchain, FL, quantum blockchain, and hyperscale computing. These innovations, collectively, promise to shape a secure, efficient, and scalable industrial Metaverse ecosystem.

Conclusion

The birth of Industry 5.0 accentuates responsible tech adoption within this Metaverse, especially given its ramifications for human empowerment and societal health [61]. Built on human-focused manufacturing and sustainable practices, Industry 5.0 demands rigorous scrutiny to ensure a balanced and green future. Yet, embracing digital technologies is not without hurdles: alterations in employment dynamics, increased energy use, and environmental impacts are genuine concerns. Interestingly, the Metaverse can curtail carbon footprints by cutting mobility but may dampen human interactions. Aligning with sustainable digitalisation, a Metaverse aligned with Industry 5.0 champions human rights, environmental stewardship, and societal cohesion

Human-centricity in the industrial Metaverse is fraught with challenges. The overwhelming sharing of personal data highlights privacy and security as top issues. Ethical dilemmas, from consent to the potential mental effects of immersive experiences, also demand attention. The design must prioritise inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring all benefit, regardless of physical ability, cultural background, or digital literacy. Balancing user empowerment against the risk of manipulation becomes crucial. Ensuring trustworthiness, safeguarding against cyber threats, and creating positive user experiences are non-negotiable.

The industrial Metaverse's potential, amplified by tools like generative AI, promises optimised manufacturing and enhanced collaborations. However, while AI innovations dazzle, they also raise eyebrows regarding their societal impact. The Metaverse is similarly dichotomous: it can offer unprecedented conveniences, but careless execution might lead to dehumanisation and well-being concerns [61]. As the Metaverse and AI jointly sculpt the Internet's next phase, one overarching concern looms: will this transition sacrifice authenticity, diversity, and safety for efficiency? Aligning with human values and enriching human pursuits is crucial. Addressing these multifaceted challenges head-on is imperative to create a truly human-centric Metaverse.

Diving deeper into the concept of the human-driven industrial Metaverse, it promotes a harmonious collaboration between humans, technology, and AI [62]. Such an arrangement ensures that employees feel empowered and involved and guarantees their well-being, making these environments attractive to young and proficient talent. The design and formulation of novel solutions in this space adopt a holistic approach. This comprehensive perspective considers all virtual and physical participants in the dynamic interplay between humans and technology. A critical aim is to jointly conceive and establish economically scalable solutions that cater to the entire industrial spectrum.

However, for this vision to translate into a reality, understanding the necessities and preferences of the workforce is paramount. It's not just about building sophisticated systems. It is about creating trustworthy, user-friendly platforms people are eager to use. The ultimate vision is to establish an industrial Metaverse that becomes a preferred workspace for individuals and delivers tangible business advantages for enterprises. This is the ultimate union of industrial productivity and employee well-being.

Summary

• The industrial Metaverse extends into core economic sectors, including manufacturing and transportation, virtually mirroring real-world systems. This mirroring facilitates proactive problem detection, and fosters enhanced collaboration.
• Digital twins (DT) are a foundational technology bridging the real and virtual realms.
• Creating the industrial Metaverse demands advancements in computing, networking, AI, virtual reality, and integration of technologies like IoT, 5G, and blockchain.
• Its value lies in fostering sustainability, expediting innovation, reducing waste, and conserving resources.
• Amidst increasing industrial complexity, the industrial Metaverse offers a transformative approach, ensuring agile business navigation and informed decision-making.
• While Industry 4.0 introduced AI-enhanced manufacturing, the emerging concept of Industry 5.0, merged with the Metaverse, hints at heightened human-machine collaboration across various sectors. This union promises enhanced error minimisation, product interaction, cost reductions, and customer experience.
• The industrial Metaverse represents an entire corporation's functions digitally, offering decision-makers enhanced insights. More than just digital models, it incorporates technologies like Virtual Reality, 3D Modelling, AI, and Digital Twins (DTs).
• DTs, which are precise digital replicas of real-world objects, play a pivotal role. For instance, a DT of NASA's Perseverance rover identified design flaws before its Mars mission. Industries like pharmaceuticals and automotive are leveraging DTs to boost efficiency and reduce costs. The ultimate vision is an interconnected enterprise Metaverse, digitising the entire organisation, streamlining processes, and amplifying experiences.
• DTs enhance efficiency and accuracy across various sectors. Examples include Heller's machinery identifying tooling issues, Siemens Mobility's high-speed rail project in Egypt, and Unilever's streamlined product design. DTs also influence sports with Emirates Team New Zealand, production with Anheuser-Busch InBev, and space with SpaceX and the US Space Force.
• McKinsey proposes a three-step DT creation strategy: blueprint formation, base DT construction, and capability enhancement.
• The industrial Metaverse market, valued at $61.8 billion in 2022, is predicted to reach $765.8 billion by 2033, with significant growth in Asia-Pacific. The US and China anticipate substantial market expansions. Arthur D Little's broader definition projects for 2030 range from $400 billion to over $1 trillion.
• The industrial Metaverse, bridging physical and digital domains, has vast applications across sectors. Virtual sensors predict equipment issues, while autonomous systems refine logistics and productivity. Key benefits include global collaboration, reducing need for physical prototypes, early design error identification, AI-driven applications like predictive maintenance, and training accessibility.
• By revolutionising interactions with our environment, the Metaverse addresses sustainability issues, potentially reducing worldwide CO2 emissions.
• Industry 5.0 uses the Metaverse for various purposes, from smart farming to healthcare and education, with each domain facing its own challenges and opportunities.
• Efficient Metaverse integration requires robust computation power, security, and skilled professionals.
• The industrial Metaverse can evolve separately from the broader Metaverse, though certain technological and data-sharing challenges persist. Companies need a systematic approach to thrive, emphasising interoperability and open standards.
• While the Metaverse offers new economic avenues like digital sales via NFTs, it also raises sustainability concerns spanning economic, environmental, and social aspects. Solutions lie in robust regulation and embracing responsible digitalisation.
• As the digital and physical realms converge, the future of work, data management, competition, and customer interactions within the Metaverse offers both opportunities and challenges. Collaboration among stakeholders is vital to guide its responsible growth.
• The industrial Metaverse is poised for transformation through integrated technologies, primarily 6G-based meta-blockchain, federated learning (FL), quantum blockchain, and hyperscale computing. While these innovations promise a secure and efficient ecosystem, they pose scalability and access control challenges.
• The concept of federated learning allows devices to collaboratively train a model without compromising data security, while quantum computing's union with blockchain offers superior computational strength and heightened security. The importance of hyperscale computing, able to support vast computational demands, is evident.
• Industry 5.0 within the Metaverse stresses sustainable and human-focused manufacturing. However, challenges arise from data privacy, security, and ethical considerations.?
• While the potential of AI and the Metaverse appears promising, concerns about their societal implications and potential threats to authenticity and safety are prevalent.
• For the vision of a human-driven industrial Metaverse to manifest, a holistic design that addresses challenges and understands workforce needs is essential, aiming to merge industrial productivity with employee well-being.

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