RMIT secures funding for drone research in Spain

RMIT Europe in Barcelona helped to secure the funding for the project, which is named WALLABY and is focused on the use of drones for construction progress monitoring.

The funding was awarded by Spain's Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI) within the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. 

RMIT's project lead Associate Professor Kevin Zhang said the funding enabled the expertise of Australian researchers to be leveraged by the industry leader in Spain. 

"Researchers from RMIT's School of Engineering, School of Science, and the School of Property, Construction and Project Management will deliver on the needs of Ferrovial," he said. 

"The expected research impact will include an assessment on the use of drones for earthworks monitoring, construction phases as well as early assessment of potential occupational accidents. 

"As drones are increasingly being employed by contractors worldwide, this timely research collaboration will be of immense value to the construction industry as well as for other sectors such as architecture and design."

RMIT's involvement will extend on work with drones already undertaken by Ferrovial in Spain and will be supported by RMIT's European Hub in Barcelona. 

RMIT Europe Executive Director Marta Fernadez said that technological advances across construction such as the use of drones are increasingly important as companies seek to stay relevant in the era of digitally-connected infrastructure.

"Over the next five years, it's expected engineering and construction companies plan to invest five percent of annual revenue in digital operations solutions," she said. 

"Outcomes of RMIT's collaboration with Ferrovial will have a broader industry impact including options for companies to implement technologies for easier planning, design, monitoring and execution of construction projects as well use in repairs and maintenance activities."

Story: Karen Matthews