SPECIALIST INSIGHT
Could you provide us with an overview of the joint development between Hexagon and Fujitsu for digital twin solutions ? What challenges had the partnership been born from ?
The business alliance between Hexagon ’ s Safety , Infrastructure and Geospatial division and Fujitsu Limited was initiated in June 2022 to support both companies ’ ongoing efforts to realise resilient and disaster-resistant cities . The partnership aims to help make urban areas more sustainable and liveable by monitoring and mitigating challenges that have negative impacts on society .
A major challenge faced by city officials and agency leaders is how they can make the most out of the data that they have . Data often sits in silos across different organisations , making it hard to put together and gather insights . Through digital twin technology , we can help them draw meaningful insights and bring data to life that can be used to inform actions .
Essentially , city leaders want to optimise the public services they are providing , such as improving the flow of traffic and enhancing public safety . The joint development of these digital twin solutions , in particular , aims to support disaster mitigation by tackling issues such as flooding and developing safer and more resilient transportation networks .
With the rise in extreme weather events causing disruptions in critical services and infrastructure , how do digital twin solutions empower decision-makers to make more informed and timely choices , especially in sectors like public safety , utilities , and transportation ?
Digital twins can empower decision-makers in a number of ways by leveraging the power of data . Real-time and historical weather data and digital elevation models are used to better understand and predict natural incidents like flooding , landslides and more . For places such as industrial complexes , ageing buildings , bridges and public transit lines , a digital twin transforms data into insights that include safety , sustainability , traffic flow and impact and investment justification , among others .
Additionally , decision-makers are able to detect flaws within systems and allocate resources strategically , increasing the efficiency of emergency responses and minimising downtime in utilities and transportation . With remote operation capabilities , digital twins enable infrastructure control even when physical access is restricted due to inclement weather . A more collaborative
Delve into insights from Mattias Tidebrink , SVP , APAC , Hexagon ’ s Safety , Infrastructure and Geospatial Division , as he discusses the collaborative efforts with Fujitsu to advance digital twin solutions for resilient urban environments . approach is possible with the seamless exchange of real-time data , simulations , and insights amongst many stakeholders , such as governmental organisations , utility companies , transportation authorities and emergency services .
This improves overall response capability and guarantees a coordinated effort to lessen the impact of severe weather occurrences on vital infrastructure and services .
In the context of Southeast Asia , where climate change is expected to cause havoc , how do Hexagon ’ s solutions specifically address the challenges faced by governments and cities in the region ?
Southeast Asian countries must invest in climateproofing and building resilience to address the challenges posed by climate change . Through digital twin solutions , decision-makers can see how certain changes might impact the city before any actions are taken , drastically reducing costs .
One of the issues faced by cities is water management . As global climate change exacerbates heat waves and air pollution in the region , several cities in Southeast Asia saw blistering temperatures earlier this year with some experiencing record-high temperatures . For instance , Bangkok , the capital city of Thailand , recently experienced a dangerously high heat index of 50.2 ° C , according to the Thai Meteorological Department .
With climate change triggering heat waves across Southeast Asia , the optimisation of rainwater collection becomes more important . The issue with doing so is that towns and cities have built up concrete pavements preventing adequate rainwater absorption . This leads to overwhelmed drains and urban flooding during heavy rainfall causing potential damage to homes and businesses . Cities can use Hexagon ’ s digital twin technology to automate yearly inspections to track changes and locate areas of concern that could be modified or replaced with green solutions . These tools may also be used to quickly find illegally built paved constructions that need to be torn down .
To determine flood-prone areas and mitigation options , sensors can detect water flow and determine where obstructions and leaks are located . The urban digital twin also allows officials to determine which homes are at risk and their insurance values by combining data from insurance firms . This is beneficial for estimating potential financial loss from floods .
Beyond the technological advancements , could you share a story or example that illustrates how Hexagon ’ s solutions have directly impacted the lives of individuals or communities , helping them better cope with the challenges posed by natural disasters or climate change ?
Hexagon and Fujitsu recently collaborated to develop a digital twin platform to assist the urban digital twin project in the German city
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