{"id":121243,"date":"2023-03-14T10:46:34","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T10:46:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=121243"},"modified":"2023-03-14T11:21:30","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T11:21:30","slug":"smart-move-artificial-intelligence-and-3d-laser-scanning-for-mep-applications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/digital-construction\/construction-technology-news\/smart-move-artificial-intelligence-and-3d-laser-scanning-for-mep-applications\/121243\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart move: Artificial intelligence and 3D laser scanning for MEP applications"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this article, FARO Technologies explores the value of artificial intelligence and 3D laser scanning for MEP applications<\/h2>\n

Back in 2011, artificial intelligence experienced a major \u201cah ha\u201d moment when IBM\u2019s question-answering computer Watson stunned the world with its commanding victory over its human challengers<\/a> on the popular American quiz show Jeopardy<\/em>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Part publicity stunt, part proving ground, Watson in 2023 remains a proper noun synonymous with artificial intelligence \u2014 even if some of the supercomputer\u2019s lustre has worn off<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Today, other companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Boston Dynamics and Google have leapt ahead in the AI race. And in November, San Francisco-based OpenAI<\/a>, an AI research and deployment company, garnered global attention with ChatGPT, the company\u2019s natural language online chatbot.<\/p>\n

Which is to say that while AI is by no means omniscient, it\u2019s clear the technology is advancing fast. And it\u2019s a technology that\u2019s finding everyday use. This will be especially true when in the near-future AI systems are paired with already established technology like 3D laser scanning for mechanical, electrical and plumbing applications, the must-have innards of any building, new or retrofit.<\/p>\n

Intelligent input, intelligent output<\/h3>\n

Of course, what many don\u2019t appreciate is that artificial intelligence is still largely only as good as the quality of data fed into the system, either by human operators or through another piece of technology gathering and organising the data, like 3D laser scanners and cloud-based SaaS data platforms.<\/p>\n

In other words, artificial intelligence has yet to fully master what computing pioneer\u00a0 JCR Licklider <\/a>described as \u201cformulative thinking,\u201d or the technology\u2019s ability think beyond strict programming. But this is where humans and 3D laser scanning can assist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"artificial<\/p>\n

For MEP professionals, whether you\u2019re constructing something new or completing a redesign of a building for repurpose, enhancement or maintenance, the success and timeline of an entire project relies on accurate and comprehensive data of the site. Any inaccuracies or clashes in MEP installation can lead to unnecessary rework, higher costs and a subpar final result.<\/p>\n

3D capture technology ensures MEP designs are accurate, and that piping and plumbing and ductwork for HVAC fit narrow spaces with tight tolerances with ease. Even in more open spaces like mechanical rooms, the same benefits apply. Only once this data is captured and shared can sophisticated AI software like the ones currently being developed do its job.<\/p>\n

The advantages of 3D laser scanning<\/h3>\n

The advantages to working with 3D laser scanning hardware and software solutions as a necessary first step for MEP applications are many, including:<\/p>\n