Research

There are five thematic areas of study: Digital Twins, Smart Materials, Data Science, Automation and Robotics, all underpinned by Sustainability.

The vision is to move away from traditional road management, towards a system whereby the physical and digital aspects are considered together, in addition to product and process. This incorporates five key scientific areas of research: digital twins, smart materials, data science, automation and robotics, as well as sustainability.  Within the physical product component, this can be achieved by looking at inert materials and converting them to smart materials. These materials, aware of their state and properties, can assist their maintainers and users. The scope of this can be explored by looking at materials capable of self sensing and self healing, such as nano materials and flexible electronics. Within the physical component, automation and robotics advances have the potential to automate all routine inspection and maintenance. In addition, the data coming from the smart materials, through the robotics, and on to the digital twins can then be integrated. By using the correct data structures and operation mechanisms, the resulting information will help to inform design, construction, maintenance and operational decisions.