5G and augmented reality catalysts for the digitization of construction sites

If the intervention on buried networks, therefore invisible, can sometimes prove to be complex, it is essential for the good execution of the work to have the latest information or up-to-date documents throughout the duration of the work.

In order to meet the business needs of public works companies, Syslor has developed an augmented reality solution for viewing buried networks on a smartphone. On one of Colas' sites, the use of this 5G connected solution made it possible to make the routes, speed up excavation work but also clearly identify the risk areas. At the end of the work, a video capture of the work ensured a more agile and quality proofing to better meet the legal obligations of the DT / DICT regulations.

All the information gathered throughout the work also ensured the creation of the site's digital twin for planning future interventions.

Thanks to Bouygues Telecom's 5G, Colas site managers on site were able to exchange very large files directly and more quickly with their mobile phones for maximum efficiency and quality. This saving of time allows greater working comfort by optimizing data synchronization, thus guaranteeing rapid updating of the latest versions of the project.

“This project makes our vision of Construction 4.0 a reality. Key digital technologies (AR / VR / computer vision, big data, and Ia Blockchain) will bring us great efficiency through the use of data, in the service of quality, security and the environment. Broadband on construction sites will therefore be essential. We believe that the low latency will allow the remote operation of machines and the implementation of intelligent active safety systems ”, underlines David Lerouge, Innovation Director of the Colas Group.

“Syslor's vision is to enable 3D capture, cartography and augmented reality visualization of the environment with a smartphone and a GNSS antenna providing centimeter precision. 5G multiplies the benefits of our innovation: site-office exchanges are simplified, information is fed back almost instantly ... everything becomes even smoother and simpler for the site manager ”, says Sébastien Graziotin, Syslor Sales Director.

"Thanks to the capabilities of 5G, we are now enabling companies like Colas to exploit the potential of 5G to concretely improve their operational efficiency and enter the era of 4.0 projects", underlines Stéphane Allaire, director of the 5G program at Bouygues Telecom.