Giatec is a world leader in concrete testing technologies. Recently, its artificial intelligence (AI) program, Roxi, has been trained with the help of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) funding to reduce cement usage on construction job sites during concrete testing. This AI technology takes aim at reducing CO2 pollution on construction sites.
Traditionally, concrete producers do not have thorough visibility into the rate at which their concrete hardens on job sites or in specific ambient conditions. As a result, they often add more cement than necessary to their mixes to ensure specified strength targets are met. Now, Roxi provides more insights regarding the amount of cement needed. This includes the amount marked for removal without compromising either the concrete’s setting time or strength development. As a result, CO2 emissions resulting from the manufacturing of concrete will also decrease. This new feature will help decrease the cost of concrete mixtures and improve profitability for producers.
Giatec received funding of $2.4 million from SDTC to help with the training, research and development of Roxi. This is as part of a $58.6 million investment SDTC made in Canadian clean technology companies to help bring clean technologies to market.
“Roxi is the type of cutting-edge technology that has the power to make significant environmental impacts. It does this by reducing cement usage while also being a cost-effective tool for construction jobs. We are proud to support the development of this novel AI-enabled cleantech, and to make sure Roxi gets the best training!” says Leah Lawrence, President & CEO, SDTC.
Funding of $800,000 was also received from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP). The funding will support the research and development of AI applications for predictive concrete analysis.
“Our government is proud to support Canadian cleantech innovators like Giatec. With these investments through SDTC and IRAP, we’re helping businesses lead the way in building a clean and prosperous future for all Canadians.” says The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Roxi is the first AI program with concrete testing as its main priority. It is for use with Giatec’s patented, award-winning SmartRock wireless concrete sensor. Over 6,200 construction projects across 45 countries have used SmartRock. As a result, this gives Roxi access to millions of data points to analyze. As the first truly wireless sensor on the market since 2015, SmartRock is the leading concrete maturity sensor for accurate monitoring of both concrete curing and hardening. Unlike time-consuming and error-prone break tests, or cumbersome wired sensors, SmartRock uses a highly accurate ASTM-approved testing method. Together with the Giatec 360 platform and SmartHub remote monitoring device, this has enabled faster, safer, and more economical concrete construction.
About Giatec Scientific Inc.
Giatec Scientific Inc. is a global company revolutionizing the construction industry. They do this by bringing smart testing technologies and also real-time data collection to the forefront of every job site. Giatec’s suite of both hardware and software products has also leveraged advanced technologies such as; Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT), including; wireless concrete sensors, mobile apps, and advanced non-destructive technologies (NDT) to drive innovation throughout concrete’s lifecycle. For more information visit www.giatec.ca.
