University of Waterloo engineers have developed a cutting-edge system called the Smart Infrastructure Metaverse that uses augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) to help inspectors better maintain Canada’s aging critical infrastructure. This innovative technology allows on-site and off-site inspectors to collaborate in real-time, leading to more comprehensive and accurate assessments. With much of Canada’s vital infrastructure nearing the end of its lifespan, this research offers a promising solution to extend the life expectancy of these structures and address public safety concerns. Infrastructure, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality
Bridging the Gap
Canada’s critical infrastructure, including bridges, roads, towers and pipelines were built in the mid-20th century and now at the end of or have exceeded their lifespan. This raises a serious concern to public safety, given the increasing threat from these older structures on the verge of collapse.
A research team at the University of Waterloo, led by Professor Dr. Chul Min Yeum has created the Smart Infrastructure Metaverse to tackle this pressing issue. This state-of-the art system creates a new level of quality by merging augmented and virtual reality (AR / VR) technologies for more effective collaboration between physically present inspectors and their remote counterparts in the field during structural inspections.
Mutual Outlooks, Enriched Learnings
Augmented Structure Diagrams — Here, the Smart-Grid Infrastructure Metaverse enables both reality inspection on-site and virtual inspection off-Site. This was achieved through the use of AR headsets by the on-site inspectors, which allowed for a holographic display of the actual bridge or infrastructure as well as virtual locations of off-site inspectors and additional information from a digital map.
At the same time, off-site inspectors put on a VR headset and can fly through their digital representation of the structure like it is a game. Having this common view allows field and desk appraisers to work in unison, hand-in-hand confirming on-site data information collected is accurate produces a more complete and precise inspection.
Keeping Critical Infrastructure Alive Longer
A solution to this problem is of high importance as Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure Survey already housed the grave estimation that it would cost $264.7 billion to replace the country’s long in the tooth critical infrastructure. The Smart Infrastructure Metaverse is something that can help, working to elongate the life of such structures.
The system will also analyze the images taken with AR headsets by on-site inspectors using AI, so it can detect structural damage beyond what a human is able to immediately see. These advanced-tech superpower combination, same for problems get solved much faster with lesser dependency of expensive and interruptive infrastructural overhauls. Canada will save costs and lives in the future to come with Smart Infrastructure Metaverse.
