BAM Nuttall is set to explore how 5G can support the construction industry by testing 5G-powered cameras, drones and sensors at construction sites in Kilsyth, Glasgow and Shetland. 

One of nine projects across a number of areas of society, the BAM initiative - working as 5G AMC 2 (Accelerate, Maximise and Create for Construction) - seeks to explore how 5G can enable the use of data to maximise productivity of construction processes. 

The innovative project will set up a private 5G network at BAM Nuttall’s regional office in Kilsyth, Scotland and a construction project in Shetland, using cameras, drones, mixed reality and IoT sensors to monitor construction process and track assets.

The project has been described as an enabler for digital solutions that improve construction productivity within BAM Nuttall and the wider UK construction industry. Additionally, it will help grow UK technical capability in the field of 5G. 

The £1,692,733 project will be delivered by a consortium led by BAM Nuttall partnered with AttoCore and Building Research Establishment with £846,365 funding coming from the UK government.

Colin Evison, head of innovation at BAM Nuttall, said: “We are really excited to join the 5G Create programme and have the opportunity to further develop our digital capability that will help us in our mission to build sustainable environments that enhance people’s lives. We believe the project outcomes will benefit our business and the wider construction industry in its drive to improve productivity.”

Iain Stewart, UK government minister for Scotland, said: “5G is an exciting technology, with higher connection speeds and capacity having potential to enable the use of innovate technology, transforming industry. I’m delighted this significant UK government investment is funding such an important project in Scotland.”

Matt Warman, minister for digital infrastructure, said: “The government has put £200m behind some of the UK’s most enterprising innovators to explore how 5G can accelerate growth in key industries. I look forward to seeing how this new era of mobile technology can empower construction firms to work smarter, shorten delivery times and cut costs.”

5G Create is part of the UK government’s £200m investment in testbeds and trials across the UK to explore new ways that 5G can boost productivity, grow existing businesses or spark new ones. In the competition’s second round, DCMS has provided £15.2m to be shared across the nine projects with the remaining £13.1m coming from project partners.

The BAM Nuttall initiative is one of nine projects to receive funding as part of a £28.3m joint investment between government and businesses to test how the country can seize the full benefits of 5G and help British industries capitalise on the power of modern technology.

Other government-funded test projects include improving fan experiences at O2 arena and MK Dons stadium, trialling 5G-powered cargo ports and boosting tourism sites such as the Eden Project. 

One scheme will see David Attenborough swap the TV airwaves for 5G to show people the wonders of the natural world through modern technology More than half of the projects will use new Open RAN technology as the government drives greater diversification in the 5G supply chain.