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The Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (IMCRC) has partnered with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Brisbane surveying company Monitum to manufacture smart sensors for the construction industry.
Using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) techniques, the sensors will provide cheap and reliable monitoring of infrastructure projects at a higher level of precision than currently possible using internet of things (IoT) technologies.
The research will focus on the hardware design and develop an advanced manufacturing process to produce the sensors.
The sensors will be designed to run on low levels of power.
The team aims to stay ahead of the IoT innovation cycle by offering the latest functionalities to the sensors, as well as the integration and processing of data.
Monitum hopes to automate the monitoring of structures, reducing the risk and cost of the construction and subsequent maintenance of infrastructure.
According to Monitum principle and director, this research has the opportunity to put Australia back ahead of the global cost of construction.
“Australia is seen as a global leader in measurement, engineering and construction knowledge. However, Australian construction projects have become increasing more expensive to build and maintain and are growingly reliant on imported technology products and manufacturing to deliver agile and lean processes,” said Hellen.
As CEO and managing director of IMCRC David Chuter highlighted, this project is an example of the practical implementation of new technologies.
“The Internet of Things has opened up new possibilities for Australia’s manufacturing and
construction industry – collecting, analysing and incorporating infrastructure information into practical applications and services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of infrastructure design and construction projects,” said Chuter.
With this research project underway, Chuter hopes that other business will be keen to adopt this model of collaboration.
“The Mthing project explores these possibilities and creates, with its next generation of cost-effective GNSS IoT solution, new avenues for other Australian construction and manufacturing businesses to investigate and adopt IoT into their operations to future-proof and ensure sustained commercial outcomes for their business – both locally and through export,” said Chuter.
