DLite

DLite is a software platform for digital twins shared between organisations. Partners bring their existing models, data and workflows. DLite provides a secure environment to store data, run and combine models, automate multi-model workflows and visualise results. It also manages the IT complexity typically associated with system sharing across organisations.

With DLite, automated workflows run on a schedule or respond to events, such as restarting simulations when new data lands. Version tracking allows teams to re-run an experiment from months ago and know exactly how a result was produced.

The real opportunity lies in combining knowledge across a value chain. For example, among fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers and charging providers. Without a trusted way to share models and data, that potential remains untapped.

DLite’s core feature is access control that is set per resource. Each owner decides, for each partner, what that partner may do with the owner’s data or models. One partner might run a model but not download it. Another might read a dataset but not copy it. In this way, owners share access to a model without giving it away. DLite enforces these permissions automatically, at the moment of use. It doesn’t depend on a central broker, so no party can make decisions on an owners’ behalf.

Access control applies across every layer of the platform, from raw data to analytics. A layered design allows organisations to swap modules as needs change. DLite also builds mostly on standard, off-the-shelf technology and open standards, so users can avoid vendor lock-in.

Data spaces govern data exchange. DLite goes further: it also runs partners’ models from within the platform. It combines model execution, workflow automation and owner-controlled access in one runtime. This fills the gap between data-space initiatives and single-company cloud digital-twin services.

DLite brings together TNO’s expertise in digital-twin architecture, data and metadata management, secure access control, cloud infrastructure and workflow orchestration. Domain knowledge in logistics, energy and mobility completes the mix.

DLite also draws on TNO’s role as a neutral, trusted partner in large European consortia. That role has enabled the team to design and test the platform with real OEMs, operators and modellers.

The core building blocks of the DLite platform have been They already run in real-world settings, not just in a lab. TNO has reused one core platform across five large European and national projects, in four domains: logistics, wind energy, charging infrastructure and smart mobility. The platform has been built with TNO’s internal funding and several European and national project grants.

DLite serves industries in which many parties must work together. These include logistics and electric freight transport, wind energy, charging infrastructure and smart mobility. Its reach can eventually extend to manufacturing, water management and agriculture. Society benefits too, through faster, data-driven progress on the energy transition and digital sovereignty for Europe.

Today, the core platform supports several European projects and paid engagements. Further capabilities are in development, including federated learning, probabilistic workflows and a user interface.

TNO is currently defining the best route to market. We are interested in three types of partnership. Industrial users in logistics, energy and mobility can request a demonstration or pilot. Modelling companies can offer their models through DLite while keeping control of their IP. And commercial and investment partners can help turn the platform into a supported product.

Could DLite help your value chain combine models and data with confidence? Contact us to explore pilot opportunities, partnerships or investment possibilities.