24 Sep 2020 | Industry Insights
The next largely unchartered territory for the property sector is that of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.
Until now, buildings have not produced sufficient data to allow any data science to be of value. However, with IoT devices and connected digital twins the opportunity is a reality.
As the property sector data lakes grow over the years ahead, we will be able to learn from patterns in how we use buildings and how they perform. With this information, we can predict how spaces are used and how we can optimise their performance.
For example, we will be able to carry out predictive maintenance or reduce energy costs based on anticipated space utilisation.
The artificial intelligence develops as the data grows and patterns emerge:
1. See – updating and learning
2. Think – reasoning and optimising
3. Do – informing and acting
Within buildings this learning provides an increasing level of value:
Warning
An advance warning of a system failure (not a warning when it has failed).
Prediction
A prediction of how a system is going to operate and when parts need to be replaced.
Optimising
Using performance data to maximise life-cycle value and utilisation of resources.
The concept of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly common for consumers. For example, Tesla cars are continually gathering data which they learn from. The self driving mode for example predicts where a road accident may occur, or a child running on the road.
In buildings, scanners at the entrance to buildings are calculating how many people are entering it by analysing shapes rather than using cameras which have privacy issues.
Buildings already provide huge amounts of data which is not captured. For example, the access control system provides user information, the room booking systems identifies space utilisation whilst the CCTV can track people’s movement.
We are very much at the start of this journey in property, however the amount of information we are collecting is growing. Data scientists are beginning to become interested in how buildings operate and academics are starting to interrogate the data.
Much of the current thinking is at a single building level, however as more buildings become connected the data will grow. Connected buildings can then integrate with the smart city taking optimisation to the next level.
In the UK, the government are developing a national digital twin which is establishing standards so that information can be collected consistently over the next 30 years.
In an industry where we are still laying bricks and plastering walls, the reality of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence might seem a long way away. However, with the growth of data collection and digital twins, this may not be the case.
Webinars & Videos
Join us for "Beyond Visualisation: How Digital Twins Transform Data into Decisions," an enlightening exploration into the power of data analytics within the Digital Twin landscape. If you're intrigued by the potential of data to drive informed decisions and eager to uncover the value beyond mere visualisation, this webinar is tailor-made for you. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to unlock the transformative potential of data analytics within Digital Twins. Register today and take the first step towards harnessing the power of data to drive informed decisions and shape the future of your industry!
Read more
Industry Insights
In an era where data is the new oil, the construction and facilities management sectors increasingly rely on digital technologies to streamline operations and maximise efficiency. Among these technologies, Digital Twins stands out as a transformative solution, holding the key to true data interoperability. By integrating disparate building data sources—such as Asset Management, Building Management Systems (BMS), Building Information Modeling (BIM), the Internet of Things (IoT), Facilities Management (FM), and operational data—Digital Twins drive significant increases in productivity, efficiency, and collaboration.
Read more
Webinars & Videos
In this episode of Twinview Talks, we speak to Rene van Zwijndrecht, BIM & Information Management Lead at Radcliffes Construction Consultants, about how to make sense of the Golden Thread of Information and where people can start on their journey to achieving it.
Read more