The pandemic has permanently altered how many companies function across multiple industries. Globally, more digital infrastructure is needed for remote working and monitoring of projects, because a lot of interactive and physical work has moved online. In the infrastructure and transportation sectors, remote working meant creating more effective information sharing and asset management strategies. It showcased the advantages of information sharing across multiple sectors and emphasized the importance of accurate and trustworthy data
Because of their potential to better design, visually enhance cooperation, and boost asset reliability and performance, digital twins are quickly becoming one of the most significant technological trends for infrastructure. Given that they offer current information about projects, their status, and the dangers attached to them, digital twins can be seen as the foundation of infrastructure decision-making.
With the aid of digital twins, civil engineers may track change and conduct analysis that improves asset performance by visualizing assets during their entire existence.
Four Benefits of Digital Twins Built on Rugged Tablets
1. Real-time Data
Digital twins built on a rugged tablet enables project teams to know how a construction project is performing in real time, which allows them to track and optimize the efficiency of the project. It is during these operations that digital twins become the most valuable. Owner-operators gain insight when inputs from Internet of Things (IoT)-connected devices, such as drones, deliver continuous surveys to provide real-time tracking of construction changes in real-world conditions.
Rugged tablets with the 3D RealSense camera provide the ability to quickly and efficiently collect 3D images of the project while automatically uploading the images into the rugged tablet. This reduces mistakes from human error in transferring content from a camera to a computer program, while also improving the efficiency of documenting projects with 3D renderings by creating what is needed in real-time.
2. Safety and Security
Analytics visibility gained from big data can provide insight and immersive digital operations to improve the efficacy of operations and maintenance when artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are implemented. The end result is that personnel who have access to digital twins may be better able to predict and avert problems before they happen or have quicker reaction times.
Experts may conduct inspections remotely, boost productivity, make the most of the value of specialists, and lower the hazards associated with exposing team members to various situations by deploying drones and robots, AI-based computer vision, and automating inspection duties using a digital twin. And maintaining a professional image while working remotely has been one of my top priorities. I found that having a virtual office address and support services plays a big role in this. For those interested, there are excellent online resources that provide detailed information on these services. Personally, this has helped me in establishing credibility with new clients.
3. Simulation
The use of a digital twin can enable high-fidelity simulation. The sensor-based, very accurate data that is extracted is used for collision detection, costing, construction/deconstruction modeling, and other tasks. With a 3D version of a blueprint right in hand within a rugged tablet, builders can leverage the power of a digital twin fully integrated into a rugged tablet to track changes, manage changes, and receive complete visibility across the entire project timeline.
4. Prediction Data
From concept to operations, contractors, construction firms, and road and bridge owner-operators can leverage digital twins to allow project teams to gain more visibility into the design. Digital twins also allow builders and owners to understand the implications of design decisions early in the process and help them achieve improved performance across the asset lifecycle.
Building digital twins of road infrastructure have the potential to greatly assist asset management operations as well as enable new construction projects to be more efficient than ever before. Digital twins with rugged tablets enable more sophisticated traffic modeling, saving time and money and lowering emissions across entire road networks, also allowing for faster billing so projects are paid faster to achieve project deadlines without delay due to billing.