Next up in our speaker Q&A series, we chat to Dr Max Mallia-Parfitt, director of applied technologies at Fulcro. He’ll be taking to the stage at DCW 2019 to share his expertise on topics including virtual reality and digital twins.
We caught up with him ahead of the show to find out more.
Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at Fulcro.
My background is mainly based in Computer Science, Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Realities as well as Robotics.
I moved into the construction industry with Fulcro six years ago and since then I’ve helped develop and launch the FULmax ‘BIM CAVE’ designed for and used across a wide spectrum of construction and infrastructure projects. My work at Fulcro has also included the development of next generation technology and software specifically for BIM workflows and understanding of complex datasets found within construction projects, from small housing schemes, large scale general construction builds to multi-billion-pound infrastructure projects.
What is the most exciting thing about your role?
Two points both as important, working with the latest technology and innovating the processes behind how the construction industry interacts with its projects. The second having the day by day interaction of the Fulcro multi-disciplines team using this technology across a wide cross section of projects. Lastly, being at the forefront of industry innovation is an incredibly exciting challenge for me and our team, especially when we can see tangible benefits such as certainty around project delivery and cost reduction.
And the most challenging?
Driving positive change in an industry that is traditionally very risk averse. It’s been encouraging to see a pattern of improvement in approach in recent times, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of embracing the full potential of innovation in the industry.
Can you tell us a bit about the projects you’re working on and what role innovation and technology is playing?
My team and I are currently working on a number of multi-million & billion-pound construction and infrastructure projects, which are heavily influenced by our innovation and technological capabilities. This innovative approach, utilising collaborative digital twins, ensures Fulcro can deliver real-world return on investment by creating project certainty for our clients. We have seen project teams gain a greater understanding of challenges on site, whilst also seeing better training and induction retention on-site when using the FULmax.
What challenge in your work life would you most like a technology or process to help solve?
The existing mandate for the industry to use and rely on 2D drawings, when the majority of projects have the capability to utilise 3D modelling software; it’s a no brainer to change our required deliverable from 2D to 3D, and then we might see the required improvement in software and collaborative tools which are currently limited by BIM mandates!
Tell us about a recent innovation or technology that you’ve been most impressed by.
My work with the FULmax technology allows me to experience first-hand some of the fantastic innovations that are taking place in Construction. Personally, I see the revolution and application of AI technology into on-site health & safety analysis as being extremely impressive, as it has dramatically helped improve standards across the board when deployed on an active site, helping drive and inform more efficient and effective training methods.
Can you tell us a bit about your session at Digital Construction Week 2019?
I’ve got three sessions across the entirety of the event, which will include a spotlight on the value of digital twins and the real-world benefits of using immersive VR technology. I’ll be also highlighting key examples of how the FULmax technology; improved construction site standards, reduced risk, confirmed the 4D schedule and ensured positive public and stake holders’ engagement.
We will also be showing a preview of the world’s first tool for real-time immersive visualisation of models, and data, from Revit with a very special partner organisation; make sure you are at the Visualisation Theatre on Day 2 at 13:30 for this session and join us on stand C42 for drinks at the end of Day 1 to have a go!
How important is Digital Construction Week to the industry?
As Fulcro are founding members of Digital Construction Week, it is certainly a significant date in our calendar. DCW is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage up close with a broad base of the construction industry in an environment that actively promotes innovation and pioneering technology. We believe DCW will continue to grow over the coming years and continue to be the flag-bearer placing innovation at its heart.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know.
Back in 2009, I ‘unicycled’ from John o’ Groats to Land’s End for charity and helped raise £30,000 for the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
How is VR already impacting the industry and what do you think is its potential in the future?
VR, whilst becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry, is still somewhat limited by perception and the experience of head mounted displays. Moving forward, VR has to become life-size, more immersive, interactive and collaborative, as demonstrated by the FULmax VR BIM cave.
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out on a career in digital construction?
Don’t get bogged down by standards and ‘red-tape’. Learn on the job, ask our team at Fulcro for advice because we have done it before, enjoy your work and constantly try to push the boundaries and innovate each and every day. Innovation is the key to bringing the construction sector into the 21st century!
See Dr Max at Digital Construction Week 2019
Managing Large Infrastructure using Immersive VR Technology: ROI at Last! in the Tech Stage at 11.45am on Wednesday 16 October