Research Agenda:

The Urban Computing Lab (UCL) at Kyung Hee University specializes in the convergence of Smart Cities and Digital Twin technologies, with a primary focus on addressing complex urban challenges to derive evidence-based policy insights. Our research framework is structured into three operational phases: Construction, Synchronization, and Utilization. By leveraging High-Performance Computing (HPC) and rigorous data standards, we translate multi-dimensional urban dynamics into actionable intelligence and policy implications. This integrated approach minimizes the disparity between physical reality and virtual modeling, ultimately fostering a safer, more resilient, and inclusive urban ecosystem.

Digital Twin Construction:

• Our research framework initiates with Digital Twin Construction, where we integrate real-time APIs to capture urban dynamics and employ AI models to identify key proxies and facilitate knowledge transfer. This methodological foundation enables seamless synchronization between real and virtual spaces.

Smart City / Digital Twin Synchronization:

• Functioning as a closed-loop cyber-physical system, the Synchronization stage maintains high-fidelity state alignment in near real-time, ensuring the digital model accurately mirrors physical reality. By processing continuous data streams, the Digital Twin delivers prescriptive intelligence to optimize urban operations proactively.

Digital Twin Applications for Urban Issues: 

• Building upon this synchronized architecture, the Application stage focuses on applying Digital Twins to mitigate critical urban challenges. This research encompasses the restructuring of urban infrastructure, predictive modeling for natural disasters, and the analysis of complex population dynamics.