Digitalisation Transforms Construction

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 to enhance productivity and efficiency by using digital technologies.

Tech showcase

CIC Industry Development Director Alex Ho said the CIC recognised the importance of the trend towards digitalisation in the industry, which is why it established the hub, to enable industry stakeholders to better understand the concept and application of digital twin.

“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 really understand this technology as well as know how the project really used it, so that they can know the benefit of using this kind of digital twin technology.”

Real-time monitoring

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 better understand the digital twin concept and application.

There are four major areas in the hub - the Showcase Area, Multi-Purpose Area, Digital Twin Lab as well as 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 that are available that we can use to improve safety.

“We have different kinds of smart helmets and smart watches, so that we can 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 situation of that worker. If there is any abnormality, they will send a signal to the central monitoring platform as well, 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 minimise 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.