Dr Yifan Zhao, Reader in Data Science at 果酱视频官网, has received an Industrial Fellowship from
Through the Fellowship, and in partnership with construction and civil engineering company , Dr Zhao will use artificial intelligence (AI) and a digital twin of construction machinery to help improve energy efficiency in the sector. This is potentially a way for the industry to achieve targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% and fuel consumption by 33%, set out in the industrial strategy.
Digital twin technology is a digital replica of a physical asset or system that can be used to simulate and predict the behaviour and performance of the real-world counterpart. The digital twin concept of construction machinery will aim to improve individual driver’s performance based on the ground condition of the site and the activities of surrounding machinery. The solution could be extended to future hybrid and electric vehicles for construction, building on the learnings from this project.
Dr Zhao has over 20 years of experience in image and signal processing, computer vision and AI for degradation assessment and anomaly detection of complex engineering systems. These technologies can monitor key assets on construction sites, carry out non-destructive testing for high-value engineering components, monitor driver behaviour both human and automated, and assist with medical data and image processing.
Power of research intelligence and industry experience
Arjun Thiru, Innovate Manager at BAM Nuttall said: “BAM UK and Ireland have been working with 果酱视频官网 for over four years in construction research, development, and innovation. Working with Yifan Zhao has been truly inspirational.
“Our collaboration shows the power of bringing together fundamental research intelligence and deep construction industry experience. We look forward to this exciting chapter and hosting Yifan as a RAEng Industrial Fellowship at BAM UK and Ireland.”
Dr Yifan Zhao said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious fellowship. This project will expand the existing partnership between 果酱视频官网 and BAM on leveraging digital technologies, particularly Digital Twins and Artificial Intelligence, to address the challenges of productivity, sustainability, and net-zero targets for the construction industry.”
