Earlier this month, on 6 March, SafeXtend consortium partners Brunel Innovation Centre (BIC) and V-Lab attended the Transforming the Glazing Supply Chain with AI and VR Innovations webinar hosted by the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB), the UK's trade association for architectural aluminium in construction. Demos were shown for the audience to see the VR environment supported by AI tools.
The webinar explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies are revolutionising processes across the glazing supply chain, from flat glass manufacturing and aluminium extrusion to system design, fabrication, and installation.
Central to the discussion was SMART-SAM (3D Segmentation, Meshing, and Region Treatment using the Segment Anything Model), an advanced AI tool designed to optimise 3D modelling and segmentation. Attendees got to learn how SMART-SAM can tackle key challenges in glazing, such as improving design precision, enhancing on-site safety, and reducing project timelines.
The session highlighted real-world applications relevant to all sectors of the supply chain, including:
- Streamlining curtain walling and façade design
- Integrating with Building Information Modelling (BIM) for enhanced project coordination
- Leveraging VR for installation planning and training
- Quality assurance through AI-enhanced inspection processes
This webinar provided valuable insights for professionals seeking to embrace innovation and enhance efficiency throughout the glazing supply chain.
An invitation to a technical conference has been issued for 15 May, 2025, at Loughbrough University, where the SafeXtend project will be presented.