Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

The research project aims to harness Reality Capture and XR Technology to advance Infrastructure and Human Digital Twin Research within the construction sector. Given the pivotal role the construction industry plays in Canada's GDP and its environmental implications, the proposal underscores the game-changing potential of digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical entities. These digital twins serve as a bridge between the virtual and real worlds, amplifying our comprehension of the built environment. This, in turn, refines decision-making in critical areas such as production, worker safety, and infrastructure reliability. The project delineates three primary research avenues: 1) Collaborative Construction Progress Monitoring and Decision-Making, 2) Worker Training and Safety Improvement, and 3) Advanced Research on Infrastructure Management. The proposed project harbors the potential to markedly elevate the efficiency and safety standards of the Canadian construction sector through the use of digital twins. To bolster these initiatives, the proposal seeks an array of equipment, including Lidars, MR devices, mobile robots, drones, EEG devices, and wristbands. This arsenal of tools will be stationed at the University of Alberta and is anticipated to benefit 52 HQPs over the forthcoming five years. Beyond the provision of equipment, the project aspires to deepen the foundational knowledge of these HQPs and strengthen their industry affiliations, setting the stage for broader research opportunities and the creation of impactful solutions.