Process management software and solutions, and on-site collaborative tools support the rise of automation in construction. The advent of automation through machine control, AR/VR simulation and integration of AI has enabled the infrastructure lifecycle to benefit in terms of cost and time savings.
Hexagon, a leader in sensor, software and autonomous solutions for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, is one step ahead of the technology curve, heading from automation to autonomy. The development of workflow sensors, software platforms and acquisitions by us is directed towards the development of an ecosystem of products attributed to autonomous solutions.
Automation and machine control
Today, semi-autonomous excavators supported by positioning sensors enable machines to determine automatic actions. The machine in this case is able to move and excavate incrementally based on a terrain model — a cobot.
Digital Twin systems among other digitalized models also support the development of workflow required for automation of machines. In the future, such developments will enable, for instance, autonomous excavators to become robots. This will lead to a rise in the number of robots for use in a multitude of tasks on construction sites. Such advanced autonomy is on the rise in horizontal construction.
“There will be a rise in the number of robots for use in a multitude of tasks on construction sites.”
Xalt — intelligent technology
Systems to systems integration requires kinetic connectivity, digital workflows and the IoT. Xalt utilizes edge computing and provides integration for such systems, which is vital for gluing these advanced technologies together. We are set to develop Xalt as a platform with capabilities like robotics and automation.
Another enabling technology in this regard is HxDR — Hexagon Digital Reality, a smart digital reality platform, Cloud-based with 3D visualization. HxDR takes realworld components and fuses reality capture data with project data. Xalt online and HxDR represent Hexagon’s idea of a smarter reality for infrastructure workflows.
Automation autonomy in data acquisition
The AEC industry continues to benefit from automated technologies through the application of scanning and imaging sensors in multi-stations, as well as Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) solutions. These feature recognition, vision-based image processing platforms, along with LiDAR technologies, and have progressed the application of automated and autonomous products.
On-site intelligent stations are equipped with reality capture technologies. Such integrated technology facilitates real-time pre-registration in the field and helps perform dynamic visual positioning. This makes registration scans off-site redundant, thus saving costs and time. Hexagon’s RTC 360 (laser scanner) and GS18 enable these workflow solutions that utilize geospatial technologies, together with imaging vision, visual slam positioning, etc.
Impact of integrated sensors
On-site safety and security measures can be strengthened through the replacement of overview cameras with 3D sensor systems, as this alleviates blind spots and offers reliable surveillance. Also, application of 3D sensors enables larger processing power with edge computation as it secures more on-site data.
