Digital twins:

artificial intelligence and mixed reality in vulnerable communities

Abstract

The intensification of climatic, social, and territorial risks has exposed the limitations of traditional planning approaches, particularly in vulnerable communities characterized by institutional fragility and limited anticipatory capacity. In this context, this article critically examines the convergence of digital twins, artificial intelligence, and mixed reality as an emerging sociotechnical architecture with the potential to strengthen socio-environmental anticipation and sustainable planning processes. The study aims to analyze the scope and limitations of these technologies from a communicational, ethical, and interdisciplinary perspective oriented toward sustainable development. Methodologically, the research adopts a qualitative, theoretical–documentary, and interpretive approach, based on the critical review and analysis of specialized literature and relevant institutional documents. The findings suggest that digital twins integrated with artificial intelligence and mixed reality can enhance decision-making through scenario simulation, immersive visibility, and the translation of complex data into intelligible representations for diverse stakeholders; however, their social value depends on human-centered design, ethical data governance, and meaningful community participation. The main contribution of the study is to propose an interpretive framework that conceptualizes digital twins not only as technical infrastructures but also as communicational and political devices, emphasizing that their contribution to sustainability and vulnerability reduction is contingent upon principles of algorithmic justice, transparency, and equity.