BuildingCloud™ connects the construction site to the digital twin with its IoT devices SmartHelmets

Scharc partnered with NCC to test the SmartHelmets, an IoT device that collects and adds data to the digital twin. This data is analyzed and visualized in the BuildingCloud, providing the means to measure efficiency, improve safety precautions and the work environment. The test is part of Connected Construction Site,"Uppkopplad byggplats", a project focusing on digitalizing the construction site.

After over a decade of collaborating in several construction projects, Scharc and NCC have joint effort to test innovative tools and digital applications within Uppkopplad byggplats. The project is financed by Vinnova through the Swedish strategic innovation programme “Smart Built Environment”, led by Linköping University and Luleå University of Technology and has various companies within the construction industry and the ICT sector as partners.

At the Sigfridsborsskola in Nacka Kommun, the current test site for Uppkopplad byggplats, Scharc introduced their IoT devices, the SmartHelmets, worn by the NCC site manager and supervisor. The SmartHelmets are designed to support and promote healthier and safer construction sites and contribute to more effective processes; they gather and add data, such as temperature, localization of people and objects, fall and hit detection as well as danger zones, to the digital twin, which is then analyzed and visualized on the BuildingCloud, a platform built around the BIM model.

Scharc’s vision and drive of digital transformation within the construction industry is in line with Smart Build Environment, who states that “within built environments, there is enormous potential to exploit the opportunities of digitalisation to change structures and work methods, and to contribute to a more sustainable, efficient and profitable built environment”. “The connection between our SmartHelmets and BIM models empowers the digital twin to a new level. It enhances the integrated workflow between the design- and construction phase, supports people on-site and gathers real-world data to create better buildings.”, says Sven Staiger, CEO of the Scharc Group.

“The test of the SmartHelmets helps us to come closer to our goal to eliminate dangers and reduce work environment risks at the earliest possible stage and create healthier and safer workplaces” states Claes Henschel, Digitalization Project Manager at NCC, who, after the successful SmartHelmets test, sees the potential of improving even their inspection process with the tools provided by the BuildingCloud.

Scharc’s drive to implement digital twin technology stems from the goal to design better and smarter buildings through better experience feedback and from learning from each other even outside the projects. The SmartHelmets play a strategic role in using the digital twin; their implementation can result in increased operational efficiency, supply data for accelerated risk assessment, provide real time monitoring and lead to greater team collaboration.

After a successful test and great feedback, Scharc is already working on the next generation of SmartHelmets.