A new real-time digital assurance system has been launched to improve the cost efficiency of tunnel installation
A new digital assurance system, working in real-time, has been launched to improve cost efficiency for tunnel installation, and reduce project delivery time.
The system, developed by Costain and i3D Robotics, is called the Digitally Assured Tunnel Assets – Information System — DATA-IS.
A real-time digital assurance system
DATA-IS uses automated construction processes to give real-time quality and safety assurance of tunnelling fit-out services, such as cable wall brackets.
The design intends to reduce cost and time of re-work, which accounts for 9-38% of of total UK construction project costs.
DATA-IS was trialled alongside ATRIS, an AI enabled robotic tunnel installation system that automates the process of the bracket installation, reducing health and safety risks.
Data from ATRIS was used to fill out a digital assurance form, ensuring the successful installation of every bracket. Simultaneously, the data was sent to a digital twin to provide a remote, real-time visual representation of the successful installation.
Together with DATA-IS, they provide a fully automated installation and assurance system.
The project was funded by the Department for Transport
Tony Mallichan, digital growth lead for road and rail at Costain, said: “Technical and quality assurance is critical for the installation of mechanical and engineering services in tunnels. But conducting assurance in a tunnelling environment can be a time and labour-intensive process due to the confined space and limited entry or exit points, and can take many months to execute safely.
“Real-time assurance for capital infrastructure projects has the potential to transform efficiency across a project’s lifecycle, providing greater value-for-money and mitigating risk. With the DATA-IS concept, it’s now a reality. Working closely with our like-minded partners, we have made a real breakthrough – a system that provides technical and quality assurance at the point of installation.
“Working alongside the ATRIS robotics and AI installation system, it is now possible to automate the installation of tunnel services and instantly check the quality and safety of those services against industry benchmarks.”
Dr Richard French, senior systems engineer at i3D, said: “Creating an innovative, robotics-based solution to install tunnel services infrastructure and improve worker safety enabled ATRIS to achieve game-changing success, complete with the successful application of machine learning and AI. The next logical step was to use all the available digital sensory data to help improve inspection and quality assurance, and to deliver paper-free asset handovers – a long-term ambition for the sector.
“Seeing our technology play a central role in meeting this ambition is hugely rewarding. We look forward to seeing its application across a range of industries and robotics and AI become an integral part of the construction process.”
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