June 19, 2020
On June 25/26, 2020, the research consortium DigitalTWIN will host the online forum “XR4Site”. At the event the consortium is going to present latest research results on DigitalTWIN and will discuss general developments concerning the digitization of the construction industry. As a consortium partner, Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) is making a significant contribution to the DigitalTWIN research project by developing methods and tools for technical support. Fraunhofer HHI researchers Dr. Ralf Schäfer, Division Director Video, and Prof. Slawomir Stanczak, Head of Wireless Communications and Networks Department, are invited to “XR4Site” as keynote speakers.
Modern applications using virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR) facilitate construction processes. These technologies call for the development of appropriate IT infrastructures to ensure that they can function properly. The DigitalTWIN project “Digital Tools and Workflow Integration for Building Lifecycles” aims at developing a common digital platform for all partners involved in the building lifecycle (planning, production, assembly, operation and deconstruction). For this purpose, new wireless technologies (5G) are used for fast, low-latency and flexible networking. Moreover, standardized interfaces and protocols are defined and state-of-the-art visualization and interaction technologies are applied.
The Fraunhofer HHI department “Vision & Imaging Technologies” supports the DigitalTWIN project by developing methods and tools for technical support in production and assembly at the paperless construction site. The main focus is on AR applications. One of these future applications are goggle-based AR systems. They will be integrated into the protective visor of the construction helmet, for example, and will thus allow the user to superimpose additional information (planning models, production instructions) on the real world in a registered manner. Remote diagnostics will continue to be provided by communication with remote workstations.
In order to present the current results of the DigitalTWIN research project, the research consortium and its partners XR HUB Bavaria, NetDiSC and scaleIT will broadcast live from the test site studio of facade construction company seele in Gersthofen, Bavaria. The presenters will provide an overview of their research topics and interim results addressing the topic "XR services and communication technology for small and medium-sized businesses, trades and construction sites”. At the seele test site 5G broadband cabling is being tested on real-life applications such as a live inspection using XR technology as part of the research project.
During two morning sessions experts will discuss the topics of ICT, 5G and open platform solutions. A good overview will be provided by the online event on Thursday, June 25, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The research partners and specialist groups will discuss topics around NetDiSC and scaleIT in-depth on Friday, June 26, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
High-profile expert panel
The lecture program features experts who are leaders in their field. The event kicks off with welcome speeches by Judith Gerlach, Secretary of State for Digital Affairs in Bavaria, and Dr. Stefan Afting, Development of Digital Technologies, Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi). In the first keynote Dr. Ralf Schäfer, Division Director Video at Fraunhofer HHI, will outline the potential, challenges and risks offered by XR technologies. Prof. Slawomir Stanczak, Head of Wireless Communications and Networks Department at Fraunhofer HHI, will explain the potential of virtualized and open wireless technologies for the German industry in his presentation"Technical progress and perspectives of open radio technologies". This is followed by Prof. Michael Krupp (HS Augsburg) who will introduce the topic "Supply Chain Management in the Construction Industry". The event will conclude with exciting discussion rounds on the addressed topic areas. During a live broadcast from the seele test site the experts will demonstrate application examples enabling test scenarios via mobile devices and remote access. Modern 5G broadband wireless technology is installed at the test site.
Free registration
The live webinar addresses anyone interested in learning more about products and services and the digitization of the construction site. It is aimed in particular at construction companies, planners and architects as well as craftspeople who are interested in digital tools for the construction site. Another target group are SMEs that would like to learn more about digital transformation and the operation of latest IT landscapes. The event will take place on June 25/26, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Participation is free of charge.
Registration is open until June 22, 2020: info@d-twin.eu. Anyone interested can attend the webinar via this open link without prior registration. Accompanying webcasts as well as general information on the research project will be available after the webinar here . The webinar will be held in German.
The consortium
With its global partners, DigitalTWIN will encourage a discussion about the boundary conditions in the different markets and an investigation into how, in the future, the building process in Germany and the structure of the German economy can be used to advantage and expanded in the fiercely contested global IT market. Accordingly, the consortium is made up of leading service providers and industrial companies from the construction, IT, communication and automation sectors plus leading research establishments. Expert reports on data security, IT security and the method-based optimization of corporate processes will complement the project to guarantee that the results can be applied in very diverse business structures and user markets.