With the rapid development of the construction industry and the increasing demand for talent and technologies, the Construction Industry Council (CIC) has set up the CIC Digital Twin Hub to lead the industry in enhancing productivity and efficiency by using digital technologies.
Tech showcase
CIC Industry Development Director Alex Ho said the CIC recognized the importance of the trend towards digitalization in the industry, which is why it established the hub, to enable industry stakeholders better to understand the concept and application of digital twins.
"We can collect different technologies related to digital twin as well as collect different projects that adopt digital twin to showcase and introduce to the industry practitioners.
"When they come over, they can understand this technology and know how the project used it, so that they can know the benefit of using this kind of digital twin technology."
Real-time monitoring
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world object, system, or process. It helps the construction industry to effectively manage projects and resources, increase productivity, and, at the same time, reduce risks and costs.
The hub provides a platform for collaboration and showcases a range of advanced technologies to facilitate knowledge exchange on digital twin and construction technology and enable industry stakeholders to understand the digital twin concept and application better.
The hub has four major areas - the Showcase Area, Multi-Purpose Area, Digital Twin Lab, and the Smart Site Construction Management Corner, which features innovative equipment to strengthen the application of Smart Site Safety System technology.
Mr Ho explained: "These are the latest technologies we can use to improve safety.
"We have different smart helmets and smartwatches to locate workers in different zones or areas. The smart helmet may come with a temperature sensor or heart rate sensor so that we can know the worker's situation. If there is any abnormality, they will also send a signal to the central monitoring platform so that we can take special care of that specific worker."
Industry insight
Since its launch in Kowloon Bay in July 2023, the hub has hosted a number of activities, including experience-sharing sessions, guided tours, and advisory workshops.
In the past 10 months alone, some 150 group guided tours have been held for around 5,000 visitors, including those from the industry, government departments as well as students.
Buildings Department Structural Engineer Frankie Leung joined a guided tour last month and was particularly impressed with the hub's smart site management corner.
"I believe that the application of technology can help minimize industrial accidents.
"Whether it is a government department or the local construction industry attaching more importance to applying digital technology, its use can greatly improve the safety of buildings or construction sites."
Those who are interested in learning about digital twin technology can sign up for free to attend lectures and workshops to discover more about the latest industry developments.
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