THE DEBRIEF
As the technology matures and becomes faster and more costeffective , it can be used to protect and preserve vital natural spaces like forests . By making underground infrastructure more affordable , it becomes possible to coexist with and safeguard important environmental assets . For instance , ancient forests can remain untouched , and infrastructure can pass underneath them without disturbing their ecosystems .
The potential extends to urban environments as well . By moving infrastructure underground in cities , we can return surface roadways to natural spaces . This approach enhances environmental quality and benefits the communities living above , allowing them to reclaim urban space for parks , gardens and recreational areas while efficiently managing traffic below ground .
Can you share any real-world examples where hyperTunnel ’ s approach has resulted in positive outcomes for wildlife and the environment ?
Our focus is on imagining what ’ s achievable within the bounds of our technology development . The principles discussed are tested , with the journey unfolding toward larger projects . These possibilities stem from technology maturation ; we ’ ve surpassed the uncertainties of how it operates , requiring further engineering .
Environmental concerns include legacy issues , like Victorian landfill sites in the Champs , impacting groundwater . Maturing technology presents possibilities to contain waste in place , preventing environmental harm .
Addressing sea defences on the UK ’ s vulnerable East Coast , we can work within existing structures to construct new ones , significantly reducing the construction footprint . complexity of individualised commands . This approach minimises computational challenges .
Moving forward , we ’ ve recognised that our logistical challenges have shifted from underground to the surface . Ensuring the swarm has the necessary materials and power is crucial . Speaking of power , we aim for a transition to entirely renewable sources , though this is a gradual process . This all ties back to current technology , computing capabilities and data transmission . Our ultimate goal is to manage our fleets remotely , no matter where they operate globally .
Can you explain how hyperTunnel ’ s use of robotics and 3D printing contributes to more sustainable and efficient construction practices , particularly concerning wildlife conservation ?
Two aspects of 3D printing are important to hyperTunnel because the technology we are developing needs rapid prototyping . We try to keep the engineering in its early days before it moves through to a project as simple and quick as possible . We often say that if you need to make the prototype out of duct tape and cardboard that ’ s fine provided it proves the point that this idea or this concept is going to develop .
We use a lot of 3D printing in-house . I could even argue that has a positive environmental impact too as in the past , the prototyping process would have involved taking diagrams or instructions to third parties , manufacturing parts and then shipping them to you , you working out what ’ s wrong with them and shipping them back . This short circuits all of those processes and gets you to that end goal more quickly . Again , for hyperTunnel , it ’ s all about that low impact , low footprint . �
The possibilities are amazing . Whether that ’ s moving future fuels or storing water , all these things lead us towards a sustainably managed environment that can last .
What role do digital twins and AI play in optimising construction processes to reduce their ecological footprint ?
We ’ re in a situation today where everything I ’ ve described to you is only possible because of the technological developments that we ’ ve made . The capacity to store , access and manipulate data and turn it into the instructions and the outcomes that you need . Using the AI and Machine Learning techniques that we are starting to become familiar with , enables what we ’ re doing .
When considering fleets of robots , such as in the case of HS2 , there will be around 20,000 worker robots in addition to the 2,000 hyperCast robots . These worker robots handle tasks like bringing materials , managing waste and replacing power supplies within a swarm robotics framework we ’ ve developed . Each robot operates independently , only coordinating with others when necessary for traffic management . They rely on simple , on / off instructions to efficiently manage the large numbers involved , avoiding the
www . intelligentbuild . tech 61