Meet our Tech #4 – Unveiling BEEYONDERS innovations: Digital Twin

Explore how real-time data and advanced digital twin technology enhance risk assessment and operational efficiency in construction.

AI-driven tools and BIM modelling have the potential to revolutionise construction by improving planning, outcome evaluation and risk assessment. However, they are often underused. They focus on static design and task planning while overlooking key data on worker performance and environmental factors. In this episode of Meet Our Tech, BEEYONDERS introduces its unified cloud platform—a digital twin for field technologies that can address the current shortcomings.

This sophisticated virtual model reflects real-world operations by collecting real-time data from sensors on workers, equipment, machines and drones within a single and cohesive digital space. Its functions go beyond simply aggregating numerical information; it also uses advanced algorithms to analyse on-site sensor inputs, BIM models from the design phase and initial planning details. This approach allows workers and site managers to assess a construction site's current state, identify potential risks and evaluate environmental impacts.

Developed by TECNALIA, the digital twin is a key component in the functionality and testing of BEEYONDERS technologies, some of which have featured in earlier editions of Meet Our Tech. For instance, in additive manufacturing, the digital twin is used to validate materials performance and biodiversity functions. Meanwhile, for autonomous ground and aerial vehicles, the cloud platform integrates diverse monitoring data to provide 3D digital visualisation, aiding in precise task prioritisation and optimal trajectory planning for machinery.

The digital twin's ability to optimise construction activities leads to more efficient material use and reduced transport, which lowers energy consumption, minimises accident risks, and enhances workplace safety. José Carlos Jimenez Fernandez, R&D Specialist at TECNALIA, highlights how this technology not only boosts operational effectiveness but also addresses the sector's evolving workforce dynamics: "The digital twin is not just about streamlining processes; it is about creating a safer and more innovative environment. This boost in efficiency also makes the industry more appealing to younger talent, all while addressing the needs of an ageing workforce".

Between the end of 2024 and 2025, the real-world testing phase for the project's technologies will feature continuous use of the digital twin, which has already been tested in laboratories. This phase will uncover key insights into the integration of the various systems and present a detailed picture of the project's results.

Follow the next episode of Meet Our Tech to see BEEYONDERS' latest innovations.

Contacts:

Coordinator: Antonio Alonso Cepeda, ACCIONA

Technical coordinator: José Carlos Jimenez Fernandez, TECNALIA—coordinator@beeyonders.eu

Communication & Press contact: Davide Valenti, ICONS—davide.valenti@icons.it

Project website: Homepage—Beeyonders

LinkedIn: BEEYONDERS: Posts | LinkedIn

YouTube: beeyondersEU—YouTube

Provided by iCube Programme