Victoria University (VU) researchers have developed state-of-the-art tech that will take Australia’s construction industry into a modern digital age – and improve safety in the process
Just like new tech has revolutionised the way we work in fields like health, engineering and fashion, digital developments are changing the game in construction – mitigating risk and increasing productivity.
And with a tradies tool kit now packed with as much tech as tools, the industry is now more reliant on STEM smarts than ever.
Professor Zora Vrcelj (Head of VU’s Built Environment) and Professor Yuan Miao (Head of VU’s Information Technology) are the latest STEM experts championing a digital upgrade to construction careers – combining high-tech tools with engineering and architecture to improve safety and training.
Virtual reality on-site
With the help of a construction simulator (COSI) with virtual reality (VR), their epic research project aims to decrease workplace injuries and deaths – with tech.
COSI’s fully-immersive VR experience allows trainees to use high-tech goggles and equipment to enter and explore a detailed simulation of a construction site to learn about safety – a big change from learning through an instruction booklet or computer module.
The simulator lets users learn to climb ladders, move equipment, work in a confined space, or walk along narrow scaffolding, without any of the real-world risk.
Professor Vrcelj stresses that the project will modernise the construction industry, which is currently among the least digitised industries in Australia, leading to high rates of worksite injuries, a lack of quality control and inefficiencies.
Andrew Shea, CEO of the Builders Academy Australia agrees, adding that training via simulated experiences would have a “genuine positive impact” to an industry which has one of the highest rates of preventable accidents of any sector in Australia.
Digital scaffolding
Not only will fresh tech change the game for safety in construction, but for productivity too – streamlining outdated inspection processes with cutting-edge digital systems.
Traditionally, surveyors conduct mandatory inspections of buildings during construction with a clipboard and a checklist, as they assess the framework, electrics, plumbing, and design of a building, with VU researchers hoping to simplify the process and increase accuracy.
“The surveyor comes, checks that everything is up to code, ticks the boxes, then leaves,” explains Professor Vrcelj. “But if something changes that affects the build before the next inspection, no one has any idea what’s been done or where the alterations have been made.”
His team have developed a cloud-based platform where photographs and 360-degree scans of the building are uploaded, and can be accessed remotely in real time from a smartphone or iPad.
This means there are chains of evidence when things go wrong, but more importantly, early opportunities to prevent defects from happening in the first place.
For more about the fresh tech to come out of Victoria University, head here.
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