Mon, 20 January, 2025
Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC) partners, TWI and Brunel University London, are currently working on the Innovate UK-funded SafeXtend project, to develop an adaptive training system in the form of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, virtual reality (VR) platform.
The SafeXtend training solution offers an immersive, interactive learning experience for construction workers, with the key deliverable of providing accurate simulations of construction sites, in which trainees can engage in realistic scenarios that include risk assessment, and health and safety protocol training.
The integration of AI into SafeXtend introduces novel functionality into construction and industrial training programmes including:
- An instructor avatar
- Evaluation of individual trainee performance
- Adaptation of training scenarios in real-time
- Data analytics and proficiency tracking, crucially enabling employers to monitor training effectiveness
- Assisted conversion of scanned point cloud data, from real construction sites into VR models
Watch the VR preview below to see an example of the type of training environment that construction operatives will be able to experience through the SafeXtend platform:
The innovative SafeXtend platform also aims to improve productivity and help mitigate labour shortages in the UK construction industry by providing scalable, skills-targeted training solutions to upskill both domestic and international construction workers. Training large numbers of personnel from varied backgrounds, and in different languages, can be challenging using traditional methods. SafeXtend addresses this by providing immersive, scenario-based simulations of real construction sites to efficiently train workers in a virtual environment.
Through 3D scanning and AI capabilities, SafeXtend automatically generates interactive, digital replicas of job sites. Embedded skills assessments determine the training needs of each individual user, with the system producing customised, 13-15 minute-long VR sessions, focused on the core health and safety requirements for that specific worker's role and skill level. The result is a much more engaging and effective learning experience in comparison to, for example, textbooks or videos, while simultaneously ensuring standards are met.
Joining BIC on the SafeXtend project consortium are the Correll Group, Tricore Technical Services Ltd, V-LAB and The Power Hub.
Visit the SafeXtend website to find out more about the project.