This is the Simulation Century. The first-time humanity can harness computer-mediated tech for prediction. Peering into the future with AI and simulation occurs by reviewing past events forensically and analyzing current events for first-order assessments of actions and potential second, third, and beyond consequences.

I have held a ninety-minute speaking event at ModSimWorld for the last twelve years called The Simulation Century. The original thesis is that the last century was about the moving image. It was the first time in human history that we could contemplate current events by collectively reviewing video footage. More than a decade later, we could design the future systems we wanted. We could enlist AI and simulation to design those desired states. I end each session by stating that anyone who becomes fluent in these capabilities will outperform those who do not. That holds true for individuals, corporations, and governments.

Image courtesy of UltiSim

We are standing on the cusp of a revolution in which AI and simulation converge to redefine reality. The Simulation Century challenges us to seek the right balance of human and machine intelligence and attention to optimize outcomes. As I write this, ChatGPT-4o was recently unleashed on the world, and most people are still grappling with what it means and how to wield it. The Simulation Century will reward those who quickly assimilate what large language models (LLMs) and chatbots mean for this balance and will demand that we all move on to harness the full power of AI, knowledge graphs, and simulation.

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Digital twins: the mirrors of reality

Digital twins are now a staple in the technological ecosystem. They bridge the physical and virtual realms, enabling real-time dialogue with operational systems. This capability isn't just fascinating, it's fundamentally changing how businesses operate across industries.

Take the manufacturing industry. The application of digital twins means we no longer wait for machines to fail before taking action. Instead, these intelligent systems analyze data in real time and alert us to potential issues before they escalate. This translates into significant cost savings and operational efficiency through less downtime and extended equipment lifespan.

In the defense industry, digital twins replicate military scenarios and environments, allowing personnel to undergo comprehensive training in highly realistic settings without the risks and costs associated with physical drills. They can even simulate battlefield conditions down to the trees and buildings, enabling commanders to explore and refine tactics and strategies in detail. This takes decision-making and operational effectiveness to a new level, significantly enhancing training outcomes and mission success rates.

Related:Could Simulation Advance Your Testing Programs?

Simulating cities

Let’s also consider urban planning activities—cities like Singapore are already on board. They’re using digital twins to test traffic systems and emergency procedures in a virtual setup before rolling them out on the streets. It’s like doing a trial run without any risks, which leads to more thoughtful planning and results in more sustainable and efficient communities that thrive.

At a recent IT2EC conference in London, I presented a paper, along with my colleague Dr. Rick McGeer, on the Simulation Equivalence Principle. In it, we describe digital twins that can be driven by real or simulated data, making it impossible to tell whether the data is real or simulated.

As we delve deeper into the Simulation Century, we are continuously challenged to make informed decisions and foresee the ramifications of those decisions in real time. Embracing the full spectrum of possibilities offered by digital twins means embracing a future where every sector can operate with incredible foresight and fluidity—where we can shift from reactivity to the world’s changes to proactively shaping it for the better.

Advancements in simulation: teaching and learning with AI

AI also rapidly transforms the educational landscape, fundamentally changing how we teach and learn. At the heart of this evolution are virtual learning experiences, like UltiSim's QuestSim, an immersive adventure learning platform breaking new ground. By harnessing AI, QuestSim creates vibrant, dynamic environments where students can tackle challenges and simulations that adapt to their learning journey. This approach helps students master complex concepts through practical application rather than rote memorization.

What makes QuestSim particularly revolutionary is its accessibility. With compatibility across web browsers, students can directly engage with these in-depth, interactive 3D adventure learning experiences from their Chromebooks. This ease of access is a game-changer, especially for K-12 classrooms, eliminating the need for complex installations or high-end and costly hardware.

Virtual simulations open doors to learning experiences that traditional lesson plans simply can’t match. Students of all ages can conduct experiments, practice medical procedures, or even embark on virtual expeditions to distant planets—all within the safety and cost-effectiveness of their school environments. These hands-on activities and collaborative projects, facilitated by AI, genuinely transform the student - and teacher - experience. The boundaries of education are expanding, making what once seemed impossible a daily reality for students and educators nationwide.

Knowledge graphs: the strategic nerve center of an organization

The third aspect of the Simulation Century is the often-overlooked knowledge graph, an indispensable tool as we embrace the standardization of large language models (LLMs). Think of a knowledge graph as the operational brain of an organization, where every element—people, documents, processes, and objects—is intricately mapped and connected to form a dynamic network of information. With this technology, executives can make decisions in tandem with machines that can learn and think on a massive scale, providing viable solutions in seconds.

Powered by AI, domain-specific knowledge graphs uncover hidden patterns within traditional data silos, transforming how organizations understand and interact with their data. They offer profound insights that can predict market trends, enhance customer engagement, and streamline operations effectively.

Organizations that have yet to leverage knowledge graph technology are tapping into only a fraction of their potential capabilities. The synergy of data, structural insights, and semantics redefines conventional data management, empowering organizations to make smarter and more strategic decisions in the Simulation Century.

As we unravel AI's capabilities in the Simulation Century, it's clear that AI is infiltrating every industry in unique ways. UltiSim has been harnessing AI's power long before it became a mainstream focus. Adoption is crucial for organizations to stay relevant and ahead of the curve—not just for maintaining competitiveness. Embracing this technology is critical to creating a future where decision-making and innovation are the norms in our increasingly interconnected world.