5G - AMC2 (Accelerate, Maximise and Create for Construction)

In January, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) confirmed funding - £15.2m – to support nine UK projects trial ways in which 5G can improve people’s lives and build back better following the pandemic.

As part of the UK Government funded 5G Create Programme, a BAM led cross-sector consortium (Attocore and BRE) designed, developed and deployed a private stand-alone 5G network utilising the bleeding-edge ORAN (Open Radio Access Network) approach. The 5G network has been deployed on BAM’s Shetland HVDC site. It is the first of its kind on a construction site in the UK.

As the construction industry readies itself for the future, the consortium has explored the benefits of 5G to power connectivity on modern construction sites.

The two networks, at Kilsyth and Shetland, have been used as testbeds for a wide variety of emerging technology, accelerating the use of digital solutions. The project worked with the 5pring programme to draw upon the growing UK based SME community of tech start-ups and support them in creating valuable tools for the construction industry.

It is now commonplace to have connectivity to project sites. However, as more site operations become digital, the connectivity requirements have also advanced to the point where they now outpace the current technology offering. The novel high-speed, low-latency connectivity delivered by our 5G network is addressing this barrier, enabling existing data-rich technology solutions to be optimised and new ones trialled.

The project has enabled us to explore the benefits of 5G in collaborating with technology companies to implement several innovative solutions including augmented reality, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) services, and Spot a world leading robotic dog with the capabilities of creating point cloud data.

5G Create Programme

Through our involvement as industrial challenge authors in the 5Pring programme (an open innovation platform that works with start-ups, enterprise organisations, sector experts and technology providers to leverage 5G capabilities) we have identified and supported SMEs in developing solutions that have potential applications in construction. We provided a testbed for them to undertake real world trials using our private 5G network. This experience and feedback enabled them to improve their offering and provide a springboard for future growth.

The 5G Create Programme reviewed a high volume of applicants and awarded funding to novel and pioneering projects across multiple industries with BAM being the only project awarded to lead this technology drive within construction. Despite the difficult challenges associated with bringing new technology to market as well as global supply-chain issues of the past few months, the project has delivered a successful outcome through truly collaborative working.

Boston Dynamics Spot Robot

We have successfully integrated automated scanning, enabled by Spot carrying the Trimble X7 scanner, with our private 5G network on our Shetland HVDC site. We believe we are the first construction site to remotely scan using an automated robot to create point cloud data. Following the process of the conventional approach for collecting point cloud data, this new way of creating a link to control a robotic automated scanner has been invaluable in generating data on site.

Spot can be used outside of traditional site hours, effectively creating viable data in a shorter period. The automation of routine data collection through programmed “missions”, frees the skilled engineers to focus on more value-adding tasks, thus scaling up the ambitions of our industry. Through working closely with Boston Dynamics and Trimble, the team have developed a ground-breaking tele-operation capability. This means the robot, cameras and X7 scanner can be mobilised for data missions globally.

Spot presents several benefits, including the ability to enter areas of work safely, without engineers needing to navigate hazards. The ability to work remotely betters inclusive and accessible practices for all, including our colleagues with disabilities who may require reasonable adjustments. It also reduces travel needs, potentially impacting a project’s carbon footprint.

Partners

The consortium comprises civil engineers BAM Nuttall, network software specialists Attocore, and Building Research Establishment, the world’s leading building science centre.

More from the Innovation HubOne Source of Truth arrowarrow