Digital Twin Project of the Year

The Ardara Digital Twin project exemplifies our commitment to revolutionizing mixed-use real estate developments through innovative digital solutions. Our approach involved integrating diverse datasets, including Geographic Information System (GIS), point cloud, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and Primavera data, into a unified 3D visualization layer using Unreal Engine. This integration enabled sophisticated what-if scenarios, empowering us to design, simulate, and analyze structures, façades, and infrastructure impact efficiently. Our robust platform facilitates dynamic decision-making and informed real estate development.

We adopted a competitive approach, pre-qualifying 11 digital twin companies for our Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The RFP evaluated participants based on technology, visualization, integration, and use-case development criteria. Selected companies deployed key use-cases, including urban planning, construction progress monitoring, virtual tours, and density analysis. Despite a planned 6-month timeline, the project concluded in 7 months, delivering comprehensive use-cases and VR walkthroughs. ARDARA's Digital Twin project surpassed initial aims, providing a versatile toolset for efficient and collaborative real estate development.

The project focuses on a 6-story medical facility in Abu Dhabi with approximately 11,400m2 of occupied space for patients, staff, and service. During the design and construction stages, EllisDon acted as the PMC, and their Innovation department created and implemented a digital twin solution for the facility called EKO. Beta testing began in Q3 2022, and by Q2 2023, the system was fully operational, with training provided to the facility managers' team. EKO is a bespoke digital twin solution developed in-house by EllisDon to allow full customization and control of functionalities and modules.

The implementation included advanced features like 3D/BIM integration, sensors, live asset performance monitoring, carbon emission monitoring, cloud integration, and fault detection and diagnostics algorithm implementation. These features helped optimize energy consumption and manage performance throughout the building. The main client requirement was to reduce maintenance costs and downtime, improve overall efficiency, and enhance ongoing operations and maintenance of the building. Using the latest technologies and methodologies, EKO integrated multiple building management systems (BMSs), including HVAC, elevator, lighting, and specialty medical equipment.

The fault detection and diagnostics (FD&D) algorithms were effective in identifying potential issues before they could lead to downtime, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving building reliability.

This project covers the development of a digital twin for one of the most iconic areas in Riyadh, with 50+ currently developed towers, and large community spaces, that include Offices, Retail, Hospitality, Entertainment & Residential spaces. The developed platform should cater to multiple stakeholders from Operations & development to Commercial, Marketing & security.

The first phase of the project included developing the 3D model based on as-built data, as well as more than 1500 scans for outdoor areas & utility tunnels to capture latest conditions. The Digital twin is being used by multiple stakeholders for operations (through integrations with Maximo), Development (integration with BIM), Commercial for sales & leasing, marketing, and security through integrations with CCTV. This digital twin will be integrated with a Command & Control Center for incident management as well as daily operations, and used as a basis for all smart city operations as a single source of data for navigation, way finding, and mobility.

KEO consistently leads the adoption of the latest digital technologies and the implementation of innovation within its business operations. In May 2023, we started a digital twin project for our office located in Rolex Tower, Dubai. Leveraging the power of digital twins, 3D data-rich models, data science, and custom parametric calculation algorithms, we utilized comprehensive technology that included Autodesk Tandem, IoT sensors, Revit, and Dynamo. The strategic aims of our digital twin included improving asset monitoring, preventing equipment failures, optimizing maintenance, and fostering employee wellbeing and productivity.

By evaluating 100,000 'what if' scenarios of workspace arrangements, the digital twin emerged as a crucial tool in designing workspaces conducive to employee comfort and enhancing overall wellbeing. What sets our digital twin objectives apart is the emphasis on enhancing employees' well-being through the application of custom algorithms. At the conclusion, it was evident our aims were exceeded, underscoring the profound impact of digital twins on operational efficiency and the holistic employee experience. The project implementation, concluded in September 2023, showcased the successful fusion of technological innovation and a human-centric approach. Our success was recognized in the global Autodesk University conference 2023 in Las Vegas, where we presented KEO's digital twin success story.

The Grand Egyptian Museum, a marvel of modern engineering, came to life through the magic of digital twins. Over 150 subcontractors using various software to create a virtual replica, reflecting the real-time construction site. This digital twin ensured smooth coordination and accurate quantity schedule extractions. Laser scanning, a game-changer, ensured the safe relocation of priceless artifacts. From the majestic Solar Boat to King Tut's treasures, they were meticulously scanned and transported using 3D models. This technology minimized risks and revolutionized the way historical wonders are handled.

The almost 1 billion-dollar project utilised cutting-edge technology to build the world's largest archeological museum. From planning the Ramses II statue's arrival to creating the breathtaking atrium, digital tools played a crucial role in its successful completion. The Grand Egyptian Museum stands not just as a testament to ancient wonders, but also as a beacon of innovation, showcasing the power of digital technology in shaping the future of cultural preservation.