A guide to Emerging Technologies in the Infrastructure Sector
Check out this post by CEAI on how the technologies have been evolving and technologies to look forward to in the infrastructure sector.
Webinar video: Emerging Technologies in Infrastructure Sector-AI/ML, IoT, AR/VR
Technology and infrastructure have likely evolved in the most dynamic way. With the advent of globalization, technology and infrastructure have complemented cross-border development. This has resulted in more efficient and sustainable building infrastructure solutions. Cities have incorporated Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) into their smart city plans or systems in this rapidly changing world. The panel “Emerging Technologies in the Infrastructure Sector-AI/ML, IoT, AR/” discussed the engineering community’s role and contribution to changing technology. Mr. Amitabha Ghoshal, past immediate president of Consulting Engineers Association of India (CEAI) highlighted in introductory note that with limited resources, traditional development methods will not be able to sustain us. The combination of technology and infrastructure must make infrastructure even more accessible. According to a study conducted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the world’s population is expected to increase by 35% by 2050, resulting in even greater consumption of these resources. India has the most young people and will attract more investment. According to the World Economic Forum, India could receive up to $1 trillion in investments by 2030.
In the field of emerging technologies, eminent speaker Prof. Vincenzo Piuri’s research is in AI and technique optimization for real-world infrastructure applications. For example, a laser can be used to monitor railway tracks. The data gathered was used to ensure that the tracks were well-maintained.
Another of the speakers ,Mr. Somnath Mitra, is well known in the field of infrastructure and emerging technologies, which he prefers to refer to as Construction 4.0. He is a Digital Transformation Advisor who works on various projects such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence machine learning, business applications of AI and machine learning, and so on. Construction 4.0 is the future of the construction industry. Today, technology plays an important role in large constructions such as seaports, highways, airports, as well as built environment and similar projects. The top few essentials included in this future of construction project 4.0 are emerging technology, AI and machine learning, and image processing.
Mr. Ananth, another eminent speaker, had mentioned 3D modelling and how the industry has evolved over time. Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant evolution in the construction industry, particularly in terms of the technology used on various projects.
Earned value is an important tool for forecasting these projects that will always be important. This earned value essentially assists the project management team in analyzing your project in terms of budget, timeline, and delivery.
Here, emerging technologies provide you with the advantage of knowing the exact outcome of your project when it is implemented.
It’s great to hear valuable points or benefits about AR and VR technology from such great/eminent speakers who have contributed so much to these new construction projects through these emerging technologies.
Improved collaboration:
Emerging technology is extremely important in a construction project. It serves as a bridge between the real and fictional worlds prior to construction. During the pre-construction phase, AR and VR assist in strengthening connections among project stakeholders. The construction manager could easily walk through a site using AR while looking at a VR model by having physical access in terms of simulation. This clarifies any issues that may arise during construction, and the Design team is well informed to correct the error before it becomes a problem.
Error rectifier:
In terms of errors, AR and VR can detect them ahead of time with the help of AI, saving a significant amount of money that would have been spent on construction as well as correcting the errors if they occurred. VR technology will allow you to physically experience the designs of any model for a simulation, whereas AR will allow you to generate real-time visualizations of the projects. A scaled-up model could be viewed using a smartphone or tablet, allowing designers and stakeholders to get a closer look at the details that would not have been possible with a 2D model.
Enhanced safety:
Since design and other aspects were cleared out during the pre-construction stage, 3D modelling and simulation have allowed for a greater focus on technology. The use of AR and VR technology has greatly improved job safety. VR immersion safety training courses have assisted managers in taking another step toward the safety of their own employees as well as on-site workers.
Controlled project progress and project management:
Through emerging technologies such as AI, VR, and AR, one can manage various project job functions digitally, which not only saves manual work but also helps improve work quality, error-free project projection, and project completion ahead of schedule.
Want to learn more about how Climate change has been affecting the infrastructure sector. Check out the blog by CEAI on Net Zero Carbon.