SafeCon3D presentation of pioneering research results to improve safety in track construction

On November 9, 2023, 50 representatives from industry and research gathered in the TU Dresden machine hall to gain an insight into pioneering technological solutions that will increase safety on track construction sites in the future.

The project consortium presented, through a diverse program comprising presentations, live demonstrations at four stations, a panel discussion, and smaller demonstration booths, the outcomes of the SafeCon3D project. This project, initiated by TU Dresden and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, involves partnerships with companies such as tp management and ECO Fahrzeugsysteme from Dresden, along with the Chairs of Construction Management and Fluid Mechatronic Systems Engineering at TU Dresden.

In his keynote address, Mr. Krausche, head of the "Work and Safety Measures in the Railway Area" division at BG Bau, emphasized the urgency of technological solutions for enhancing safety in railway construction. This message was reaffirmed by representatives from construction firms including Leonhard Weiss, Spitzke, Strabag, Schweerbau, and Wolff & Müller, who were present at the event.

© Felix Schmitt, TU Dresden

SafeCon3D relies on digital twins of machines within a 3D environment, integrating planning data and georeferenced environmental models without relying on camera-based solutions. Benjamin Beck from TU Dresden stated, "The SafeCon3D System will not replace camera-based solutions but will strategically complement them where appropriate."

Key prerequisites include machine twins within the 3D environment and real-time connectivity to machine sensors via a reliable wireless network, enabling the digital twin to synchronize with the actual machine. The consortium relies on solutions from the Dresden-based startup, fünfeinhalb, for the wireless technology. Additionally, the digitalization of the environment and the integration of planning data are essential components of SafeCon3D. Only through the combination of machine and environmental twins collision checks can be conducted in 3D space, allowing for the implementation of corresponding limitation functions in machine movement. A machine-readable database within the SafeCon3D system ensures compliance with standard safety distances.

A highlight of the event was the impressive demonstration of the solution using an 18-ton mobile excavator on a replica railway construction site. Participants witnessed the effectiveness of the SafeCon3D solution firsthand.

This success led to discussions regarding the initiation of pilot projects for implementation in railway construction. The project outcomes will be further developed and industrialized through the Construction Future Lab established by TU Dresden.

Download the presentation slides: Project demonstration SafeCon3D.pdf

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