Elly Yates-Roberts |
Bentley Systems, Microsoft and Schneider Electric have created a digital twin of Microsoft’s new regional headquarters at Frasers Tower in Singapore. The “living blueprint” uses intelligent sensors, data, artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud to improve energy efficiency and employee productivity and optimise space usage, and ultimately realise a ‘smart office’.
Data is collected from 179 Bluetooth beacons and 900 lighting, air quality and temperature sensors from Schneider Electric. These 2,100 data points are then consolidated on the Microsoft Azure cloud to monitor facilities, energy and utilities usage.
“The workplace of the future is about embracing innovation into the very fabric of our space, so that we create multiple touchpoints of connectivity, are intentionally inclusive and accessible, while being very mindful of sustainability and the environment,” said Ricky Kapur, vice president for operations at Microsoft APAC. “At Frasers Tower in Singapore, we worked closely with Bentley Systems and Schneider Electric to implement sensors and telemetry to create a connected workplace, that allows us to adjust the space based on usage, therefore improving energy efficiency.”
Lighting and room sensors reflect room bookings on the Microsoft’s Smart Building CampusLink app, which helps staff determine room occupancy and book facilities in real time. These sensors could also monitor carbon dioxide levels in the air and noise levels, which negatively affect work performance.
“Digital twins are redefining how we manage infrastructure, from individual equipment installations to large facilities and entire cities,” said Kaushik Chakraborty, vice president of Bentley Systems Asia South. “While smart buildings were developed to better manage energy consumption, we have come to realise additional strategic roles of dynamically allocating space, increasing utilisation, reducing costs, improving competitiveness and enhancing collaboration and productivity.”