Professor Yifan Zhao, Cranfield University

Industrial Fellowships 2022

Professor Yifan Zhao is developing a digital-twin-based solution to help ensure construction machinery is driven efficiently driving, improving emissions, and fuel efficiency. The development of this digital twin will start with establishing a first-of-its-kind mini-construction test bed and its digitalisation using computer vision, AI, and Virtual Reality. The digital twin can then provide personalised and timely feedback to drivers, to help them work efficiently. 

The project will have a unique opportunity, demonstrating its commercial viability, thanks to BAM Nuttall. It will access a large, live construction project in Shetland, enabled by a private 5G network. This will help to refine this solution and better evaluate its economic and environmental impacts. This unique platform allows Professor Zhao and his team to process high-definition videos in real time to enable prompt intervention if required. It has the potential to significantly improve construction process management while creating a new market for technology providers and extended to other construction machinery in future. 

https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/people/professor-yifan-zhao-1337015 

Professor Jason Hallett