UNL to help create first ‘digital twin’ of corn field

Computer model will simulate how fields respond to water, light, wind

With a three-year, nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s James Schnable will help develop the first digital twin of a corn field, enabling researchers to quickly test countless what-if scenarios related to corn performance. (Craig Chandler/University Communication and Marketing)
With a three-year, nearly $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s James Schnable will help develop the first digital twin of a corn field, enabling researchers to quickly test countless what-if scenarios related to corn performance. (Craig Chandler/University Communication and Marketing)

Digital twins are revolutionizing a range of industries, from manufacturing to health care to ride-hail services like Uber. Virtual replicas of supply chains, vehicle parts, traffic routes and beyond enable companies to rapidly innovate and adapt.   Now, a University of Nebraska–Lincoln plant scientist is leading the way in bringing the technology to the agricultural space. With a three-year,…