EConoM – Edge computing, AI and 5G campus networks in nomadic application for construction site management

Another project was successfully launched in 2023 at the Reference Construction Site in Aachen: Together with the project sponsor TÜV Rheinland and seven other consortium partners, we are working on the EConoM research project – funded as part of the “Innovative Network Technologies” programme by the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport. In the EConoM project, 5G, AI and edge computing are being further developed on the basis of the requirements of the construction industry, with the aim of advancing or enabling the optimization and automation of the construction site.

Compared to the development of other sectors, the construction industry is still characterised by a low level of digitalisation. With a construction volume of 488 billion euros in 2021, the construction industry has the highest development potential in the areas of digitalisation and automation (source: German Institute for Economic Research). However, the use of digital tools on the construction site itself often fails due to non-existent or insufficient IT infrastructure. This is where the use of edge computing in conjunction with nomadic networks can bring a breakthrough, as they enable the real-time processing of large amounts of data generated on the construction site.

In order to secure the German and European construction industry and to advance Germany as a location for technology and innovation, research into and development of the automation of construction sites are indispensable. The combination of key technologies from 5G campus networks, edge computing, artificial intelligence and Digital Twin enables the automation and further optimisation of processes within the construction site.

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We are looking forward to the collaboration with Fraunhofer Fokus, Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut, HOCHTIEF Vicon GmbH, planen-bauen 4.0 GmbH, Uniberg GmbH, Zeppelin Rental, IP Lehrstuhl der RWTH Aachen University and TÜV Rheinland