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Wenti Labs: How AI is Changing Construction Management

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Ethan Ow, co-founder of Wenti Labs, explores how AI can transform the construction sector and attract new talent by reshaping work processes.

Singapore’s construction industry is always on the clock, yet project managers spend three to four hours daily on paperwork instead of tackling real on-site challenges. Instead of focusing on project delivery, workforce management, and operations, they’re stuck compiling reports and tracking data. Long hours from paperwork and slow tech adoption make construction less appealing to young talent. But AI could change that.

Why Construction Needs AI

Unlike industries like finance, FMCG and e-commerce, which have embraced automation, construction still relies on manual processes. Scheduling, tracking progress, and coordinating teams take up too much time. With an ageing workforce and a lack of young professionals stepping in, the industry faces an uphill battle.

While Singapore’s construction industry acknowledges the importance of AI for growth, actual adoption remains limited. A 2024 report revealed that although 98 percent of construction firms recognise AI’s significance, only 35 percent have implemented it, citing challenges like digital skill gaps and integration complexities. Additionally, the construction sector has been traditionally slow to embrace new technologies, further hindering AI integration.

The lack of young talent isn’t new – past studies have emphasised the need to redesign jobs in the built environment to make them more appealing. However, without meaningful changes to work processes, including automation, the industry will continue to struggle with recruitment. At the heart of this issue is the excessive amount of admin work. AI can change that by automating repetitive tasks, improving accuracy, and freeing up managers to focus on leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making.

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Cutting Project Timelines with AI Automation

AI is already making a difference across industries. AI-powered project management tools have been shown to reduce project timelines by nearly 10 percent, saving months on large-scale developments. In construction, where delays can cost millions, that’s a big deal. By automating administrative tasks, AI also enhances transparency. Managers can site coordination, streamline workflows, and ensure compliance, leading to fewer mistakes and smoother operations.

Keeping Construction on Track with AI-Powered Assistance

Construction projects run round the clock, and so should their support systems. AI-powered automation provides real-time updates on project status, workforce scheduling, and material availability – helping managers stay ahead of delays. Just like e-commerce brands use automated messages to engage customers, AI-driven construction tools can send alerts for pending approvals, delayed shipments, or safety issues.

AI assistants can also handle routine inquiries, generate reports, and process documentation, ensuring key information is always accessible. For complex issues, AI escalates matters to decision-makers, making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

The Future of AI in Construction

As AI adoption grows, companies that embrace automation will stay ahead. Governments and industry leaders are already pushing for digital transformation in construction. Those who integrate AI early will see improved efficiency, lower costs, and faster project completion.

 

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About Ethan Ow

Ethan Ow is the co-founder of Wenti Labs, a start-up that creates trustworthy AI agents for construction teams based on their existing knowledge. With 12 years of experience in project management, entrepreneurship, and business development, he is passionate about helping businesses supercharge their productivity and efficiency with the power of AI.

Prior to founding Wenti Labs, Ethan worked for start-ups, tech companies, and large enterprises in various roles and industries. He started his career as a construction project manager at CapitaLand, and later joined Cloud Kitchens, an early-stage start-up that provides cloud-based kitchen solutions for food delivery. There, he helped expand the APAC region to markets such as Singapore, Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia. He also gained valuable experience in strategy and operations at Uber and Amazon Web Services (AWS), two of the leading tech companies in the world.

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ABB and Samsung Electronics Enhance User Experience in Energy Management

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As part of their ongoing partnership, ABB and Samsung Electronics recently announced the upcoming integration of ABB’s InSite energy management system into Samsung’s SmartThings and SmartThings Pro platforms, marking a significant advancement in smart building technology.

Building on the previous incorporation of the ABB-free@home® smart home system into SmartThings, this advancement allows users to easily visualise, control, and optimise energy consumption in residential, multi-apartment, mixed-use, and light commercial buildings. This integrated solution extends load management capabilities, enabling SmartThings and SmartThings Pro users to manage the energy consumption of smart appliances and devices – such as dishwashers, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, and lawn-mowing robots – using real-time and historical data collected by InSite.

This is demonstrated at the Brobyholm residential development in Sweden, where ABB’s energy management system is integrated with SmartThings to contribute to a larger ecosystem of interconnected partner solutions, creating a replicable blueprint for energy-smart community projects. Consolidating home automation, IoT devices, entertainment, EV charging, smart appliances, energy, gas and water consumption reduces “app overwhelm” and enables users to conveniently manage essential functions through a single user interface.

SmartThings Pro further enhances these capabilities by offering advanced energy analytics, predictive insights, and automated optimisation for businesses, property managers, and energy-conscious homeowners seeking deeper control over their energy ecosystem. This professional-grade platform provides seamless integration with industrial-grade IoT devices, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Mike Mustapha, President of ABB’s Smart Buildings division, said: “Integrating our state-of-the-art energy management system with Samsung’s SmartThings and SmartThings Pro platforms highlights the power of collaboration in helping our customers outperform in an increasingly connected world. Our combined solution not only differentiates properties in a competitive market, but also addresses the rising importance of energy efficiency for homeowners, tenants, and landlords.”

Chanwoo Park, EVP B2B Solutions of Samsung Electronics, commented: “The future of energy management lies in intelligent, automated solutions that adapt to evolving regulations and business needs while also increasing the value of properties. SmartThings Pro offers advanced analytics, predictive automation, and industrial IoT integration, giving enterprises greater control over energy usage and sustainability efforts. By leveraging AI and machine learning, we empower businesses to proactively manage consumption, improve operational efficiency, and create smarter, more valuable buildings through energy-efficient innovations.”

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FOXCONN Industrial Internet Launches Factory Powered by AI 360 Camera and Immersive Real-Time Digital Twin Technology

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VIZZIO Technologies, POLYTRON.AI, and Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii), have once again joined forces to launch Vietnam’s first World Economic Forum (WEF) Lighthouse Factory. This new facility, located at Fii’s Bắc Giang plant in Vietnam, is a beacon of smart manufacturing, incorporating cutting-edge AI, real-time analytics, and advanced real-time 3D digital twin technology to transform industrial operations.

 

This new Lighthouse Factory highlights Fii’s leadership in adopting Industry 4.0 innovations, optimising production, enhancing sustainability, pioneering highly efficient manufacturing models, and fortifying digital transformation, positioning them as leaders in both innovation and responsible production.

 

Leveraging VIZZIO’s expertise in large-scale 3D city mapping and visualisation along with POLYTRON’s cutting-edge AI-driven 360-degree vision security solutions, this collaboration represents a transformative step for Fii and the entire manufacturing industry. The integration of these advanced technologies not only enhances security and operational efficiency but also positions Fii at the forefront of smart manufacturing innovations. This partnership sets a new benchmark for digital transformation in industrial environments, driving significant advancements in automation, surveillance, and intelligent infrastructure for factories of the future.

Leading the Future of Smart Manufacturing

Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii) is at the forefront of the global electronics manufacturing industry, integrating smart technologies to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and security. Fii’s latest WEF Lighthouse Factory certification demonstrates its commitment to setting a global standard for manufacturing excellence by harnessing cutting-edge technologies like 3D mapping and VISION based AI autonomous virtual patrol systems.

 

By leveraging innovative technologies, such as 3D city mapping powered by a multi-modal AI engine, (Fii) is pushing the boundaries of industrial digitisation. This AI engine segments and interprets satellite images, street views, videos, and point clouds, creating dimensionally accurate, geo-specific, and geo-typical parametric hyper-photorealistic 3D digital twins. In addition, Fii deploys POLYTRON’s patented AI 360 vision-based autonomous patrol system, which is equipped with 360-degree security cameras to enhance surveillance capabilities.

 

Fii’s groundbreaking efforts have earned it the World Economic Forum (WEF) Lighthouse Factory certification for its first factory facility in Vietnam, underscoring its dedication to setting global benchmarks for manufacturing excellence. This prestigious recognition highlights Fii’s focus on incorporating advanced technologies to revolutionise its production processes, fostering an ecosystem that is not only sustainable and secure but also intelligent and future-ready. The certification further emphasises Fii’s leadership in promoting a tech-driven industrial model, setting new standards for the global manufacturing sector.

 

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Creating the Digital Twin of Bắc Giang

“We are dedicated to building the factories of the future – ones that are not only highly automated and connected but also secure and sustainable,” said Zongchang Liu, Chief Data Officer of Fii.

 

“Our latest Lighthouse Factory demonstrates how technologies such as real-world digital twins and AI-driven 360-degree autonomous security systems can be seamlessly integrated to create a real-time 3D scene that is accessible via any device, allowing users to experience being ‘physically there’ without actually being on-site. This innovation enables our security and manufacturing teams to utilise a 24/7 autonomous patrol system powered by a multi-modal AI agent that comprehends everything it sees and promptly reports any anomalies. This advanced integration not only enhances the security and safety within the factory but also boosts the efficiency and sustainability of the entire manufacturing process.”

 

By seamlessly integrating multi-modal AI agents, unique POLYTRON’s 360 security camera, real-time live 3D Scene, and city-scale digital twins, Fii is pioneering a new era of smart factories that combine security with operational efficiency to build a truly future-ready manufacturing ecosystem. This sophisticated blend of technologies enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and autonomous decision-making processes, ensuring that safety and productivity are not just enhanced but fully optimised.

 

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Metaroom Adds New Design Dimension with 2D Floor Plan Export

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Metaroom by Amrax®, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, is providing designers, architects, construction workers and property professionals a new realm of planning possibilities with the introduction of professional 2D floor plans.

 

Constituting the most advanced technology on the market, users can scan rooms or buildings with their iPhone Pro or iPad Pro* and get 2D-floor plans in minutes. Scans are instantly available on the Metaroom platform and can then be easily imported into a wide range of export options, including AutoCAD, Chief Architect, and Metaroom’s newly introduced 2D DXF and 2D Project Report PDF formats. The result is a faster, more intuitive alternative to traditional drafting tools or CAD software, enabling access to accurate 2D-floor plans and comprehensive property reports in just minutes.v

 

The launch has been designed to provide a faster and more detailed solution for architects, designers and real estate professionals who commonly use 2D floor plans as a tool for visualising and conveying the layout of buildings, homes, or interior spaces. It follows in the continued success of the Metaroom platform, with an advanced 3D scanning app driven by the power of AI, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technologies together with the automated Metaroom reconstruction pipeline.

 

Through the app users can scan rooms using an iPhone Pro or iPad Pro. These scans are then uploaded to the cloud, generating true-to-scale 3D models within seconds. Users can then use the web application, Metaroom, to enrich these 3D models with additional information, ensuring project-specific customisation and precision.

 

Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, said: “2D plans remain the foundation for project documentation, planning, and communication amongst architects, designers, real estate and construction professionals, ensuring that every detail is captured and understood.

 

“We’ve received numerous requests for 2D export formats, so we’re excited to offer this option for 2D-floor plans alongside our existing 3D exports. By introducing this 2D-floor plan capability in combination with our powerful 3D technology, we are opening up new possibilities for design. This gives professionals even greater control and insight into their projects, allowing them to plan spaces and share them across various export formats easily. With this launch, we continue our mission to democratise and simplify the digitisation of interiors, ensuring the success of our clients’ projects.”

 

Over 11,000 Metaroom users, including key players in the lighting, wireless planning and AEC industries, have registered through the Metaroom platform and joined the Amrax B2B ecosystem dedicated to spatial design and 3D modelling.

 

The Metaroom Scan app’s scanning functionality is compatible with all LiDAR-enabled Apple devices, starting from the iPhone 12 Pro and iPad Pro (2020 generation). However, shared 3D models can be viewed on any iOS device, even without LiDAR functionality. The digital twin is created in minutes using the RGB and depth sensors of an iPhone or iPad Pro, combined with deep-learning neural networks. The LiDAR sensors of the iPhone 14 Pro offer an accuracy of 0.5 to 1 percent, with a recognition range of approximately 5 metres. The 3D model can be viewed on all iOS smartphones and accessed or edited on any desktop computer.

 

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JLL Falcon Kicks Off New Era of AI-powered CRE Innovation

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JLL recently announced the launch of its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, JLL Falcon, designed to accelerate the digital transformation of the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. The new platform is a cutting-edge set of AI-enabled software services that combines JLL’s vast and comprehensive proprietary data with generative AI models to deliver timely, revenue-generating and cost-saving insights, as well as maximise returns. This revolutionary platform for the CRE industry will chart the future course for JLL’s AI journey.

 

“JLL Falcon will serve as the foundation for the continued innovation of products and services that help shape the CRE industry,” said Mihir Shah, CEO, JLL Technologies. “The platform combines JLL’s extensive expertise with some of the most advanced technology available today, transforming how we work and paving the way to deliver enhanced outcomes for the benefit of our people and our clients.”

 

Featuring multi-modal AI foundation models, data pipelines, security and privacy features, natural language and semantic processing layers and advanced analytics capabilities, JLL Falcon will power a wide range of CRE applications, including custom assistants. Additionally, the platform’s open architecture seamlessly blends best-in-class internal and external technologies to streamline JLL’s approach to researching opportunities, extracting and analysing complex data and delivering trustworthy, actionable insights.

 

JLL Falcon will also power the next iteration of JLL GPT™, the first generative AI assistant purpose-built for the CRE industry, which, since being introduced in August 2023, has provided JLL’s entire workforce with the capability to create specialized insights based on curated datasets to deliver better client outcomes.

 

“We’ve had great success putting game-changing AI capabilities into the hands of our CRE professionals, to augment and amplify their unmatched expertise,” said Yao Morin, JLL’s Chief Technology Officer. “JLL Falcon will build on what we’ve already achieved and unlock even more custom, AI-enabled solutions that help shape the future of real estate for a better world.”

 

Since launching JLL GPT™ last year, JLL has seen rapid adoption rates across both technical and non-technical roles. More than 47,000 JLL professionals have already used the tool to provide more creative, customised solutions for clients. Most recently, JLL GPT™ has gained powerful new capabilities such as image understanding, an enhanced knowledge base and 25 times more working memory than its inaugural version.

 

JLL’s approach to AI is driven by the people who build, sell, invest, operate, manage and inhabit space. As generative AI is expected to revolutionise the commercial real estate industry, JLL is poised to lead the sector into the next stage of transformation, with new solutions slated to launch later this year.

 

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Planon Software Shares Why Combining Objective-based Management with Predictive Maintenance is Vital in Securing Long-term Real Estate Value

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Whether you are responsible for a new state-of-the-art building or a twenty-year-old one, maintenance is crucial to preserving the value of your investment. Imagine constantly dealing with unexpected equipment failures and tenant complaints. These issues not only lead to high repair costs but also frequent dissatisfaction among tenants, which can tarnish your reputation and affect your bottom line.

 

Unpredictable maintenance makes budgeting difficult and achieving tenant satisfaction much harder. Additionally, it can make your goal of achieving sustainability and reducing energy use and costs seem increasingly unattainable. What you need is a maintenance strategy that will help you anticipate and prevent issues before they spiral out of control.

 

Break down siloes for better facility management

One effective way of approaching these challenges is to combine an Objective-Based Asset and Maintenance Management strategy with predictive maintenance-driven activities. This combination transforms maintenance processes, boosting real estate valuations and helping you achieve goals such as improved tenant comfort and satisfaction, better building experiences, and improved brand perception through better sustainability performance.

 

Achieving these outcomes starts with implementing an Objective-Based Asset and Maintenance Management strategy. This increases collaboration across your different facility teams by ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal with the same information. Siloed teams often struggle with misaligned priorities and fragmented information. By embracing objective-based maintenance, you can increase collaboration and create a more harmonious and efficient work environment.

 

Typically, a maintenance manager is focused on immediate repairs and minimising downtime; the sustainability manager prioritises reducing energy consumption and costs; and the facility manager aims to enhance tenant comfort and experience. But, imagine this scenario. Due to misaligned priorities and fragmented information:

  • A maintenance manager needs to replace an HVAC system urgently to prevent operational disruptions and select a standard, low-cost model from a preferred provider.
  • A sustainability manager has identified an energy-efficient HVAC system that will significantly reduce energy consumption but hasn’t communicated this to the maintenance team.
  • A facility manager wants to ensure any new system improves air quality and comfort but hasn’t communicated this to the maintenance manager.

 

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Aligning objectives and communication across these teams will result in a much better outcome. When all team members are working together with clear communication about organisational objectives, they can enhance the overall performance and value of your real estate assets.

Accelerate results with predictive maintenance

Implementing predictive maintenance-driven activities will improve your team’s performance and ability to meet shared objectives. Research shows that predictive maintenance can reduce maintenance costs by up to 30 percent and asset downtime by up to 45 percent. This proactive approach allows you to address potential issues before they become major problems, ensuring smoother operations and happier tenants.

 

Additional benefits of combining an objective-based asset and maintenance management strategy with predictive-driven activities include:

  • Enabling your facility manager to anticipate and better manage tenant comfort, security, and experience needs.
  • Enabling your sustainability manager to proactively communicate opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs for better sustainability performance.
  • Enabling your maintenance manager to increase real estate asset return on investments, while lowering operational costs.

 

Having accurate, real-time data is a prerequisite for effective predictive maintenance. This is achieved through use of IoT-based connected platforms, which provide real-time data for more informed decision-making processes. Building managers and service providers can use IoT devices to collect data on factors such as energy consumption, equipment performance, and temperature to quickly identify and correct rising issues.

 

In the e-book ‘Facility Management and Sustainability: A Fundamental Alliance’, Planon and Schneider Electric find that the ability to align team objectives, predict future needs, and generate actionable insights allows for a more sustainable and strategic approach to maintenance and facility management. This leads to better-managed facilities, longer asset life cycles, reduced CAPEX and higher satisfaction among building occupants. Your facility and maintenance teams can transition from being seen as a cost centre to being recognised as true contributors of value for your organisation.

Secure the value of your real estate

Property owners must invest in strategic initiatives such as Objective-Based maintenance – the time to improve, secure, and protect the value of existing building stock is now.

 

In its 2024 CMMS MarketScape, analyst firm IDC finds that the integration of advanced IoT-based connected platforms for predictive maintenance is integral for the future of asset and maintenance management. These technologies, such as those provided by Planon, enable organisations to translate objectives into actions, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency, cost savings, and building performance.

 

Ultimately, the integration of these technologies and strategies creates a more cohesive and efficient approach to asset and maintenance management. This results in sustainably maintained facilities, higher stakeholder satisfaction, and stronger real estate valuations.

 

 

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Populous Makes Strategic Investment in OnePlan

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Populous, the global sports and entertainment venue and events design practice, announced a strategic investment in OnePlan, the world’s leading event site and venue planning software company. OnePlan’s innovative GIS mapping collaboration platform is used by over 50,000 events in 110 countries, delivering up to 85 percent time-savings for its customers. The platform simplifies the planning of live events and venues through easy-to-use, collaborative mapping tools.

 

Its award-winning digital twin software, VenueTwin, enables teams to visualise, plan operations, and sell spaces in a virtual version of any venue including stadiums, arenas, conference centres, and smart cities. The company’s web platform accommodates the event planning of venues of any size, indoors and outdoors, seamlessly integrating existing architectural CAD and floor plan files. The partnership with OnePlan will enable Populous to further enhance its industry-leading live event services. It will also integrate the collaborative VenueTwin platform with its digital offerings to provide a unique level of planning and visualisation for clients, throughout the design phase and the entire life cycle of projects.

 

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Paul Foster, Founder and CEO of OnePlan, said: “This investment opens an exciting new chapter for OnePlan, building on the fast growth we’ve experienced to date. The unrivalled knowledge and specialisms of the team at Populous will deepen the positive impact our software provides. We’re excited by the new opportunities this partnership opens, and the many benefits it creates for events and venues across the world.”

 

Earl Santee, CEO and Chair of Populous said: “This strategic investment is part of our commitment to focus on digital innovation across our business. OnePlan is a company we’ve admired for a long time. Alongside our own design and operational expertise our strategic investment with them will enhance our delivery capabilities for major events worldwide.”

 

Nick Reynolds, Chief Global Strategy Officer at Populous, comments: “The increasing role that virtual environments play in the collaborative design process, and the opportunities they provide in connecting venues and events to their audiences before and after opening, is key to our design approach and ongoing relationship with our clients. OnePlan has established itself as the leading collaborative platform in 2D and 3D event planning and they will work in tandem with our internal digital teams to enhance the digital twin services we can offer our clients.”

 

 

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SketchUp 2024 “Scan-to-design” Tool Turns Scans from iPad into 3D Models

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Effective collaboration is essential in design projects, and SketchUp 2024 elevates this experience by introducing enhanced features. Trimble has announced updates for the user-friendly 3D modelling software, delivering performance upgrades ranging from a new graphics engine to easier ways to share designs with stakeholders.

 

Due to its versatility, SketchUp is used for various applications, including movie set or game design, architectural design, interior design, urban planning, landscape design, event planning, and more. SketchUp 2024 includes new features from SketchUp Labs (LABS), a public Beta program that allows users to test and explore tools in development. New LABS features include:

 

  • “Scan-to-Design” on iPad: Users can easily turn scans from their iPad into 3D models. Using LIDAR (light detection and ranging) sensors on Apple Pro devices, users can capture detailed measurements of interior spaces that can be shared with contractors.
  • Responsive graphic engine for LayOut: Early adopters have noted performance improvements. Navigation speed can be up to 8.4x faster for file navigation and responsiveness.
  • Save time and boost productivity with better project alignment

 

2024 offers a new layer of realism and innovative visual styles directly within the SketchUp interface, along with updates that amplify productivity. SketchUp 2024 catalyzes collaboration, offering a unified platform where stakeholders can converge and exchange ideas effortlessly.

 

  • Enhanced Building Information Modelling (BIM): Industry Foundation Class (IFC) import and export capabilities can help bring together different teams within one central ecosystem. Users can export components with files containing special characters, making it easy for multi-language references. For teams and contractors using different digital creation tools, users can navigate between SketchUp and other advanced platforms.
  • Share a Link: For early iterations or ease of viewing of 3D visuals, clients and project members have access to view-only models that they can navigate in a browser; without any need to login or use SketchUp software.
  • Ambient Occlusion: users can add visual emphasis to highlighting space and achieve greater depth between objects to create visually realistic previews.
  • Enhanced Interoperability: Complex rendering and animation processes are more accessible with improved import and export functionality for USDZ and glTF file formats. The files can be used in real-time applications like NVIDIA Omniverse or Epic Games’ Twinmotion for rendered animations and advanced XR viewing experiences.

Rise of the Maker Community

 

SketchUp’s community continues to expand, and its free-to-use 3D Warehouse has over 5 million searchable pre-made 3D models online. To save time, designers often use pre-made models from SketchUp’s 3D Warehouse to avoid drawing from scratch. In a world where time is money, open access to stock 3D models and textures made by international brands and other 3D artists from all over the world is cost-efficient and helps improve productivity without compromising on quality of work. With Trimble Connect cloud sharing, the updated SketchUp 2024 amplifies collaboration opportunities and simplifies the path to project alignment.

 

“SketchUp 2024 will be a game-changer in the realm of 3D design. Whether users are engaged in immersive walkthroughs or product design, SketchUp 2024 empowers anyone to explore their creativity and share their designs with others. By providing seamless integration with industry-standard file formats, SketchUp enables users to unlock the full potential of their projects, from concept to completion,” said Sean Baptist, SketchUp, Head of APAC, Trimble.

 

Baptist added, “SketchUp 2024 can also be used to facilitate seamless transitions to and from SketchUp for advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) and visualization workflows, ultimately driving better project outcomes,”

 

SketchUp facilitates smoother communication and collaboration among diverse teams, driving innovation and efficiency across the design lifecycle. Users can generate organic shapes freely, add extensions to amplify their workflow process or work with pre-built models from 3D Warehouse to save time.

 

SketchUp is offering a new free 7-day trial via www.sketchupmyworld.com for SketchUp Studio, which includes all the tools from the SketchUp 2024 ecosystem. For users with a subscription, access to SketchUp 2024 is available at no additional cost.

 

 

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Paving the digital path: Unpacking the impact of Singapore’s Budget 2024 on AI integration

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Singapore is forging ahead in AI and technology development, evident from the significant investments outlined in the recent Budget 2024 announcement. In the February Singapore Budget, substantial investments were unveiled to drive AI and technology initiatives. Over the next five years, the government aims to inject more than $1 billion into advancing multi-sector AI adoption, with a focus on nurturing talent and fostering industry growth.

Recognising AI’s transformative power emphasises the significance of human skill in the digital era. Moreover, Singapore is focusing on boosting its energy transition endeavours through a $5 billion investment. This move could alleviate financial constraints on clean energy initiatives, such as renewable energy generation and related infrastructure within industries like construction.

The focus on AI and technology presents a unique opportunity for the construction industry to undergo a significant transformation, and embracing these technological advancements will be essential for staying competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. AI-driven solutions are already allowing construction firms to optimise resource allocation, mitigate risks, ease bottlenecks, increase productivity and deliver projects more efficiently, ultimately driving greater value for stakeholders at all stages of a project’s lifecycle. At PlanRadar, we expect this trend of a digital-driven built environment to accelerate significantly in the coming months.

 

Closing the digital divide: How can companies sustainably adopt AI and smart building?

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Bridging the digital divide necessitates a comprehensive strategy focusing on the accessibility and affordability of advanced digital tools. A promising approach involves offering tailored assistance and resources to smaller businesses in rural regions or developing nations, such as subsidised access to digital tools and extensive training initiatives to bolster technical skills in the workforce. By investing in educational and upskilling schemes, employees can gain the necessary technical prowess to effectively leverage smart technology.

The incorporation of AI and technology in any capacity should always enhance, not diminish, the role of human workers in the construction sector. PlanRadar understands that while machines excel at routine tasks and data handling, humans bring critical thinking, adaptability, and hands-on trade experience to the forefront. Additionally, human workers are essential for executive decision-making. Although automation and digital tools can streamline operations, it is crucial to leverage human creativity, expertise, and intuition for intricate problem-solving and decision-making processes. Through investment in training and upskilling initiatives, we can equip workers with the necessary digital literacy and technical skills to excel in an increasingly technology-driven landscape. This approach ensures that technology supplements, rather than replaces human capabilities.

By directly tackling these discrepancies, we can establish a fairer environment for digital integration within the construction sector across the ASEAN region.

 

Successfully integrating technology: Key ways to maximise industry incentives and funding

To maximise potential for government incentives and grants towards successful AI and digital technology adoption, construction companies in Singapore should consider the following strategies:

  • Stay informed: Regularly monitor updates and announcements from government agencies such as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and Enterprise Singapore to stay informed about available incentives and grants.
  • Alignment with government priorities: Align AI and digital technology adoption initiatives with the government’s priorities and strategic plans for the construction sector. This ensures that the company’s efforts are in line with national objectives, making it more likely to qualify for incentives and grants.
  • Participation in government programs: Actively participate in government-led programs and initiatives aimed at promoting AI and digital technology adoption in the construction industry. This could include joining pilot projects, industry collaborations, or innovation challenges organised by government agencies.
  • Collaborate with research institutions: Collaborate with research institutions, universities, or technology providers to develop innovative AI and digital solutions tailored to the needs of the construction industry. Government agencies often support collaborative research and development projects through funding and grants.
  • Invest in employee training and skills development: Invest in training and upskilling employees to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement and utilise AI and digital technologies in construction projects. Some government incentives may prioritise companies that demonstrate a commitment to workforce development.
  • Compliance and regulations: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards related to AI and digital technology adoption in the construction sector. Companies that adhere to industry best practices and regulatory requirements are more likely to qualify for government incentives and grants.

By adopting these strategies, construction companies in Singapore can maximise their potential for government incentives and grants towards successful AI and digital technology adoption, thereby driving innovation and competitiveness in the industry.

 

The impact of the Singapore Budget 2024 on technology in the construction industry

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We expect that the 2024 budget will likely prioritise the role of technology in construction as part of Singapore’s broader strategy to maintain global competitiveness. With grants available to support AI technology adoption across all sectors, including construction, there is an anticipation of a concentrated effort to encourage companies to embrace digital innovation. This could involve specific initiatives aimed at fostering the use of AI, IoT, and smart technology in construction projects, along with investments in digital infrastructure and workforce development.

At PlanRadar, we foresee that construction firms stand to gain significantly from the available grants for acquiring AI technology. These funding opportunities offer companies a chance to invest in state-of-the-art AI solutions that boost productivity, enhance safety protocols, and streamline operations for construction projects of any size or complexity.

By leveraging the growing global significance and potential of AI, construction firms in Singapore can improve resource management, mitigate risks, and increase operational efficiency and profitability. We trust that these grants will inspire companies to embrace AI advancements, accelerate their digital transformation, and push for a competitive edge in a dynamic market environment.

 

Article Contributed by Vitaly Berezka 
A person in a suitDescription automatically generated

Vitaly Berezka is Head of Sales across Central Asia, MENA and APAC for the construction and real estate software company PlanRadar.

With an engineering degree in construction, Vitaly also holds an executive degree in business administration. His experience in the real estate development and construction industry spans more

than 15 years. Since 2013, he has held management positions in international companies that provide innovative solutions to the construction and real estate industries.

Besides lecturing on digitalisation topics at universities, he is the author of scientific publications and the co-author of three books. Vitaly is a member of International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI).

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RSP Charts New Expertise Ecosystem to Pioneer Change in the Built Environment Sector

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RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd (RSP), a global multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design group headquartered in  Singapore, has announced a bold growth plan with the introduction of a new expertise ecosystem, represented by a revitalised brand identity built on its solid foundation. With close to 70 years of experience, RSP has seen itself building alongside Singapore for wide-ranging projects from Jewel Changi Airport to Funan,  constantly evolving with their customers to meet their ever-changing needs.

 

Putting forth purposeful design solutions that harness the firm’s multi-disciplinary experience, RSP’s goal is to create meaningful spaces where design solves the real needs of humanity. Guest-of-Honour Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National  Development, graced the unveiling of the new RSP brand, which was in conjunction with the inauguration of the firm’s new office space.

Welcoming Visionary Leadership

Newly appointed Chairman of RSP Singapore, Mr Kiat Lim, shared how RSP aims to make a purposeful impact on the built environment with innovation and sustainability at the forefront. “Globally, the built environment is radically shifting. To meet changing consumer needs that are increasingly more environmentally conscious,  community-minded and extending from the physical to virtual realms, architectural design is no longer just about building spaces, but designing for sustainability,  experiences and in the digital world,” said Mr Lim.

 

RSP also established the RSP Global Design Council, comprising top designers from  RSP’s 17 design hubs worldwide. Recognising the transformative power of design on a global scale, this council is dedicated to marrying local culture with global expertise in the firm’s design sensibilities by delving into the essence of local culture,  understanding how people interact within spaces, and leveraging architecture to tell captivating stories.

 

“As a forward-looking company, we are committed to going beyond the expected to design spaces. Humanity-centred design at RSP is an approach that focuses on people’s needs not as individuals but as societies with complex, deep-rooted problems. When we design a space, we look at the entire environment and how the space should exist and relate. We deeply consider the people, communities and environment that inhabit them,” added Mr Lim.

Creating innovative and environmentally friendly design for humanity

RSP places people, communities, and the environment at the core of architectural design. It has evolved to address changing consumer needs that now emphasise environmental consciousness and community engagement, and extends from the physical to the digital domain. RSP will be rolling out a series of business initiatives to address the radically shifting built environment.

 

The firm champions environmentally aware design with the launch of its sustainability studio RSP.SM Energy group, advocating for the importance of sustainability and minimising carbon footprints. Led by Suen Wee Kwok, Executive  Director at RSP Singapore, together with RSP’s engineering arm Squire Mech (SM), the launch of this studio is in tandem with Singapore’s goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, strengthening efforts actively contributing to the reduction of  Singapore’s carbon emissions and energy usage by implementing Asset  Enhancement Initiatives (AEI).

 

RSP also prides itself in its design innovation; the new RSP Lifestyle group brings meaning to better design, pushing boundaries to tackle complex problems by finding new materials and employing methodologies that foster better spaces. Headed by  Law Yoke Foong, Head of Business and Executive Director at RSP Singapore, the first brainchild of RSP Lifestyle is The Sun Bar, a bespoke bar that uses sustainable material samples that form eye-catching skin, in collaboration with Cosentino, a  global leader for surfaces.

RSP as a forward-looking and future-ready company

RSP’s success is fuelled by its talented individuals – RSP Academy is a  collaborative global effort between RSP’s Singapore and China offices, focusing on highlighting design excellence from an academic perspective. Sonny Chionh will be overseeing the firm’s educational engagement efforts; the aim is to increase recognition of outstanding projects among the public by collaborating with educational institutions worldwide and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation for the Built Environment.

 

RSP is also exploring contemporary dimensions such as the Metaverse and AI that enable their design expertise to transcend physical spaces. The launch of RSP META – RSP’s first venture into the Metaverse – merges the traditional experience in architecture with digital skills. Collaborating with Pantheon Lab to enhance the end-user experience through AI, RSP leverages their knowledge of spaces to help an improved virtual assistant that will enhance current concierge experiences. RSP also unveiled its updated logo, featuring the new sky-blue brand colour, which exemplifies the brand’s empathetic approach to design and its commitment to delivering thoughtful design for people, communities and the environment.