Smart DCU is a collaborative smart city research project which explores the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive digital twin technology using Dublin City University’s (DCU) campus to test innovative smart city solutions, creating sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable urban spaces worldwide. The project presented voluminous siloed data, IoT sensors, and radar devices, requiring integration for intelligent monitoring. To maximize data capture and analysis potential, the team needed a user-friendly platform to integrate and leverage the multisourced data for an efficient, comprehensive smart city solution.

Bentley’s open 3D and reality modeling technology was selected to create a campus model integrated with IoT data and generated an immersive digital twin on the iTwin Platform. Through AI-powered analysis and a user-friendly interface for visualizing complex analytics, the team created an interconnected, smart DCU campus, facilitating proactive problem solving, resource optimization, and informed decision-making for improved urban functionality and sustainability. The DCU digital twin serves as a catalyst for numerous environmental and sustainability initiatives. It democratizes data visualization, and empowers agencies and individuals to implement intelligent process, actively shaping the future of their cities.

Smart DCU is a collaboration between Dublin City Council and partners Enable, Insight and DCU Alpha. The Smart DCU Digital Twin project is a collaboration between Bentley Systems, DCC and KTU.

The Smart DCU Digital Twin project team is Dr Ali Intizar, Lead Principal Investigator, Kieran Mahon, Smart DCU Project Facilitator, and Dr Jaime Boanerjes Fernandez Roblero, postdoctoral researcher and lead developer for the Smart DCU Digital Twin project.

Bentley Founders’ Honors, chosen individually by Bentley Systems’ founders, are presented to a small number of exemplary projects, individuals, and organizations which particularly align with the mission of advancing the world’s infrastructure while sustaining both the global economy and environment.