# Virtual Reality and Digital Twins for Catastrophic Failure Prevention in Industry 4.0
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Methodological Proposal
Once the initial analyses have been performed and the correct sensorization of the equipment has been justified, the development of the digital twin and its corresponding virtual reality (VR) based environment begins. This virtual reality environment must provide an immersive, accurate and detailed experience, replicating as closely as possible the physical dimensions of the equipment as well as the characteristics of its real operating environment [17]. To ensure effective monitoring, this virtual model must also facilitate the dynamic visualization of operational parameters captured by sensors installed on the actual equipment, allowing operators to view this data at its exact location within the virtual environment. The development of the digital twin with VR involves the integration of multiple advanced technologies. First, 3D scanning techniques are used to obtain an accurate representation of the equipment, ensuring that the virtual geometry accurately matches the actual dimensions. Next, graphics engines, such as Unity, are used to generate an immersive and interactive environment that enhances the operator's experience. Finally, the connection with software such as Node-RED and Blynk allows users to establish efficient and continuous communication between the physical sensors and the digital environment, facilitating the accurate and seamless synchronization of sensory information in real time [13]. Following this, the model receives real-time data from temperature and pressure sensors installed on the physical equipment, which are represented in the virtual environment through interactive visual elements. Each sensor parameter is displayed as a digital readout, with its color dynamically changing based on its proximity to critical thresholds: green (normal), yellow (warning), and red (critical). Interaction with the model is primarily observational: users can navigate the virtual environment, inspect the sensorized areas and monitor parameter changes in real time. When a parameter exceeds its critical value, an automated pop-up alert is displayed, providing corresponding maintenance instructions, thus simulating fault conditions. The joint implementation of the digital twin and virtual reality brings several significant benefits for industrial monitoring and maintenance, which consolidate its application through aspects such as the following:  
* The immersive and interactive visualization in the VR environment allows operators to interact directly with the three-dimensional model of the equipment, allowing them to explore specific details without the need for direct physical contact, thus increasing their understanding of the operation, assembly characteristics and spatial location of the various components. * Real-time monitoring, thanks to the integration of sensors, allows the equipment's operating parameters to be dynamically visualized within the virtual environment. This facilitates the immediate detection of anomalies and optimizes preventive or corrective maintenance decisions, thus increasing operational reliability [17]. * The simulation of failures and virtual training, since the very nature of the virtual environment allows recreating critical situations or specific scenarios of potential faults without any risk for the physical equipment or the operators, means that the training of technical personnel is improved, strengthening their practical skills in real operating situations [18]. * Optimization, efficiency and operational safety are benefitted by minimizing the need for frequent physical interventions in potentially hazardous areas thanks to the use of a digital twin with VR, which significantly reduces risks for operators.