#Japan #Digital Twin #Construction Tech #Sakai City #Fukui Computer

Fukui Computer Announces New Digital Twin Service for Construction Industry

Fukui Computer Co., Ltd., based in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, has embarked on an ambitious development project aimed at revolutionizing the construction industry through a new suite of systems centered around digital twin services. This initiative is a key part of the company's strategy to accelerate digital transformation (DX) in the construction sector.

Background of the Initiative

The construction industry faces numerous challenges, including a dwindling workforce, deteriorating social infrastructure, and increasing natural disasters that demand urgent responses. In light of these pressing issues, Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is set to unveil 'i-Construction 2.0' in April 2024, with a goal to achieve a reduction in labor on construction sites by at least 30% by 2040. This initiative advocates for the digitalization of construction processes, emphasizing the principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the use of digital twins as national policy.

Fukui Computer has traditionally focused on supporting the digital transformation of construction tasks through local applications that run on personal computers. However, the company is now pivoting towards a future where it leads the charge in promoting and advancing construction DX by leveraging cloud technology and AI to create a robust digital twin service, ensuring compatibility across various devices, including PCs and smartphones.

Future Vision for Digital Twin Services

The company's vision involves the integration of a wide array of data and documents related to construction projects into a virtual digital space within the cloud. This integration will enable the precise replication of actual construction site models, serving as the foundation for various services that will catalyze operational reform in the construction sector.

Key Features of the New Systems

1. Seamless Digital Representation and Sharing of Real-World Spaces
The new systems not only facilitate the integration of original design and current condition data from next-gen point cloud systems and 3D CAD systems but also create a user-friendly environment for generating point cloud data and 3D Gaussian Splatting data from images and videos captured by drones or 360-degree cameras. The data, once generated, will be centralized in the cloud and can be easily shared via a single URL, allowing stakeholders without high-performance PCs to access site conditions, measurement, and annotation features through web browsers, promoting smooth consensus-building even across distant locations.

2. Transformation of Workflows Through AI
With a construction industry-specific AI embedded in the digital twin service, the new systems aim to streamline complex tasks that have traditionally relied heavily on human effort. Automation of analytics and simulations, alongside support for automatic 3D model generation from 2D drawings, will significantly lessen the burden on technicians, allowing them to focus on higher-level decision-making tasks.

3. Enhanced Scalability Through XR and API Integration
The 3D models and simulation results generated in the digital space will be visualized using XR (Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality) technologies, allowing feedback into the real world. This approach proposes new working styles, such as enhanced construction management and safety training by merging virtual and real environments. Additionally, by opening up APIs, the company enables flexible collaboration with partner enterprises providing XR devices and 3D scanning technologies, aiming to establish a standard platform for construction DX that transcends proprietary product boundaries.

Planned Release Schedule

Fukui Computer plans to introduce these innovative systems to the market in phases, with the first release expected in fiscal 2026, which will include three major systems:

• - New Digital Twin Service (cloud platform)
• - Next-Gen Point Cloud System (successor to 'TREND-POINT')
• - Next-Gen 3D CAD System (successor to 'TREND-CORE')

Anticipated Features

• - The ability to upload and display original data from the new point cloud and new 3D CAD systems in the new digital twin service.
• - Unified representation of point cloud, 3DGS data, and 3D models within the same space.
• - Development of an integrated model retaining shape, attribute, and scene information.
• - Real-time information sharing capabilities through measurement and annotation functions.
• - Direct utilization of centrally managed data from local applications.
• - Implementation of point cloud editing and cross-section trace support features using AI in the next-gen point cloud system.
• - Partial automation of 3D design data creation through AI in the next-gen 3D CAD system.

First Release Timeline

The first phase is planned for within fiscal year 2026. Note that adjustments to release content and timelines may occur as development progresses.

Exhibition at CSPI2026

Fukui Computer will showcase this new service at the 'CSPI2026: International Construction and Surveying Exhibition' to be held at Makuhari Messe from June 17 to June 20, 2026. Presentations are scheduled for June 17 to 19, with two sessions each day at 10:10-10:30 and 14:30-14:50.