Towards a maturity model for the industrial metaverse

Abstract

The Metaverse is designated no less as the “next internet”. With futuristic visions in sight and fragmented use cases realized, scarce guidance is available on how to systematically implement the Industrial Metaverse. The aim of this paper is to develop a maturity model for the Industrial Metaverse. The developed model comprises 8 maturity dimensions [(1) Mirroring of physical and digital, (2) Interaction by Human-Machine-Interface, (3) Simulation and decision support, (4) Technology convergence, (5) Immersion (realism and user experience), (6) Real-time capability, (7) Ecosystem and interoperability and (8) Persistence)] across 4 maturity levels [(1) Elementary, (2) Emerging, (3) Extensive and (4) Exhaustive]. Being aware of restrictions resulting from general modeling, inherent maturity model weaknesses and operational limitations, for practice, the model helps to navigate, particularly assess the current status and provide guidance, while for academia, the model adds to the emerging knowledge base, representing the first of its kind