• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 62 ›› Issue (13): 241-269.doi: 10.3901/JME.260473

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Smart Digital Twin Engineering for Advanced CNC Machine Tools

TAO Fei1,2, AN Yida2, LI Yilin2, LAN Wenkai2, ZHANG Chenyuan1, HE Jue2, ZHANG Yongping2, ZUO Ying2, SONG Lukai3, XUE Ruijuan4, HUANG Zuguang4, HU Tianliang5, JI Shuai5, SUN Zheng6, LIU Xiaojun7, YANG Xingkai8, REN Yinghui8, FENG Kai8   

  1. 1. Digital Twin International Research Center, International Institute for Interdisciplinary and Frontiers, Beihang University, Beijing 100191;
    2. School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191;
    3. School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083;
    4. Genertec Machine Tool Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 100102;
    5. School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250002;
    6. State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049;
    7. School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096;
    8. National Engineering Research Center for High Efficiency Grinding, Hunan University, Changsha 410082
  • Received:2025-10-28 Revised:2026-03-24 Published:2026-08-28

Abstract: Advanced computer numerical control (CNC) machines are significant to the development of modern manufacturing. Enabling next-generation smart manufacturing requires the development of high-performance, intelligent CNC machines and significant improvements in their design, operation, and maintenance capabilities. To achieve these objectives, this paper builds on the authors’ prior work on the five-dimensional digital twin model, as well as on digital twin theories, technologies, tools, and standards. First, 16 requirements for next-generation advanced CNC machines are discussed. Second, the state of the art of digital twin–enabled advanced CNC machines across their entire life-cycles is systematically reviewed, particularly in the aerospace, aviation, maritime, automotive, and power-equipment domains, and the limitations of current research, applications, standards, and software are analyzed. Third, an architecture for smart digital twin engineering of CNC machines is presented; this architecture involves life-cycle, model, digital, intelligent, software, and digital–physical interaction and fusion engineering. Fourth, eight enabling technologies for smart digital twin engineering of advanced CNC machines are outlined, including intelligent generative and forward-design technologies, high-performance smart manufacturing, cyber-physical ETV, smart operation and maintenance, full-life-cycle modeling and data integration, software platform development, and supporting technologies. Moreover, a series of insights and recommendations are provided for the development and implementation of smart digital twin engineering for CNC machines. This work aims to provide guidance on the intelligent upgrading of CNC machines and to support China’s transition from a manufacturing powerhouse to a leader in smart manufacturing.

Key words: advanced CNC machine tool, smart digital twin engineering, digital twin, digital engineering, artificial intelligence, smart digital twin

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