Innovation

Autodesk and Rockwell extending value of factory layout tools; strengthening foundation for digital twins Collaboration will streamline data flow between their respective solutions, writes Ken Foo As manufacturing becomes increasingly complex, more efficient engineering workflows are required to ensure timely deployment of critical manufacturing assets on the factory floor. To address this need, Autodesk and Rockwell Automation are working together to streamline data flow between their respective solutions to enable customers to more effectively, design, lay out and virtually commission factory systems for better optimisation and less risk. Autodesk offers powerful 2D and 3D digital factory layout tools as part...

Ten ways 4D BIM can transform projects and construction sites Building information modelling (BIM) refers to an intelligent model that collects graphical and non-graphical data to build 3D models, while sharing this information on a common platform. Linking extra layers of information to the existing model gives stakeholders a deeper understanding of the project and is referred to as nD BIM, which describes the complex hierarchies of data. So, what is 4D modelling? “Put simply, 4D modelling particularly in the construction phase is focused on how 3D models that are coming from the design phase or realty modelling are turned...

Bentley Systems enters into agreement to acquire Seequent for $1.05bn Acquisition is expected to deepen the potential of infrastructure digital twins Bentley Systems has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with investors led by Accel-KKR to acquire Seequent. The firm is said to specialise in software for geological and geophysical modeling, geotechnical stability and cloud services for geodata management, visibility, and collaboration. The deal is said to be for $900m in cash, subject to adjustment, plus 3,141,361 BSY Class B shares. The acquisition is expected to deepen the potential of infrastructure digital twins to help understand and...

Doosan Infracore introduces world-first ‘transparent bucket’ mounted wheel loader    Doosan Infracore has introduced the industry’s first ‘transparent bucket’ mounted wheel loader allowing drivers to see blind spots in front of the bucket. The transparent bucket is a system that allows the wheel loader driver to see blind spots in front of the bucket through the monitor in the cockpit. The innovative system records images in front of the wheel loader with cameras installed at the top and bottom of the equipment and shows combined images in real time using a curved projection method. The front of the wheel loader has...

Hitachi unveils first next-gen wheel loader Hitachi has unveiled the ZW220-7, it first Stage V-compliant wheel loader. The new machine is said to put operators in complete control of their workspace with industry-leading safety features and comfort in the cab. With an operating weight of 18,190–19,450kg and net power of 157kW (210hp), the ZW220-7 has a heaped bucket capacity (ISO) of 2.8–10.0 cubic metres. Described as the safest machine in the market, the ZW220-7’s aerial angle camera system provides operators with a 270° bird’s-eye view of the job site, while the rear obstacle detection and warning system alerts them immediately...