Digital Twin for Smart Manufacturing: Systematic Literature Review Using Vos Viewer and Recommendations for Future Research

Abstract

This study conducts a literature review on the application of digital twin in smart manufacturing. Using VOS Viewer as the analytical tool, a total of 286 Scopus-indexed articles published between 2016 and 2024 were analyzed. The results provide a comprehensive overview of conceptual relationships, research trends, and contributions from relevant studies. Findings reveal an exponential growth of digital twin research since 2016, peaking in 2024. The analysis identifies crucial factors such as smart manufacturing, systems, and applications. Furthermore, the overlay visualization highlights emerging research focuses, including Human-Robot Collaboration and Intelligent Manufacturing Systems in the 2022–2024 period. Future research is recommended to expand the digital twin concept to cover broader aspects of the manufacturing industry, including Flexible Manufacturing, Competitiveness, Automation, and Sustainable Manufacturing.