This open access book aims at deepening the understanding of the relation between
cyber-physical systems (CPSs) as socio-technical systems and their digital representations with
intertwined artificial intelligence (AI). The authors describe why it is crucial for digital
selves to be able to develop emotional behavior and why a humanity-inspired AI is necessary so
that humans and humanoids can coexist. The introductory chapter describes major milestones in
computer science which form the basis for the implementation of digital twins and digital
selves. The subsequent Part I then lays the foundation to develop a socio-technical
understanding of the nature of digital twins as representations and trans-human development
objects. Following the conceptual understanding of digital twins and how they could be
engineered according to cognitive and organizational structures Part II forms the groundwork
for understanding social behavior and its modeling. It discusses various perception-based
socio-emotional approaches before sketching behavior-relevant models and their simulation
capabilities. In particular it is shown how emotions can substantially influence the
collective behavior of artificial actors. Part III eventually presents a symbiosis showing
under which preconditions digital selves might construct and produce digital twins as
integrated design elements in trans-human ecosystems. The chapters in this part are dedicated
to opportunities and modes of co-creating reflective socio-trans-human systems based on digital
twin models exploring mutual control and continuous development. The final epilog is
congenitally speculative in its nature by presenting thoughts on future developments of
artificial life in computational substrates. The book is written for researchers and
professionals in areas like cyber-physical systems robotics social simulation or systems
engineering interested to take a speculative look into the future of digital twins and
autonomous agents. It also touches upon philosophical aspects of digital twins digital selves
and humanoids.
