Using drones and AI, engineers create virtual copies of bridges and buildings to predict risks

As reported by CCTV+, the coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong Province is adopting high-tech "digital twin" technology — creating virtual copies of urban spaces. This helps authorities improve safety by predicting potential risks and enhancing infrastructure.

As cities grow, digital twins help urban planners tackle new challenges. Engineers use real-time data and artificial intelligence to create digital models of city landscapes. Drones are often used to survey terrain from above and generate accurate images of buildings and infrastructure.

Zhu Yuanlin, chief architect of Hainayun (a Haier subsidiary), said digital twin technology can cover everything from individual neighborhoods to entire city systems. Recently, his team used a drone to collect key data about a bridge in Qingdao.

"There are two extremely dangerous conditions for bridges. The first is insufficient load-bearing capacity, which could lead to collapse. The second is the risk of overturning. Therefore, we need to collect all relevant data," he explained.

Li Kai, deputy director of the Qingdao Urban Property Management Information Center, added: "Once an alarm is triggered, an early warning system will be activated, and we will dispatch personnel to re-inspect the bridge structure."

According to Zhu, the profession of digital twin engineer is becoming increasingly sought after. He described a three-tier structure: at the first level, engineers focus on modeling; at the second, they integrate and analyze data; and at the third, they become digital twin forecasting engineers.

Beyond bridges, digital twins are now being used to monitor water supply, manage drainage systems, and prevent gas leaks. China's digital twin solutions market grew from 4 billion yuan in 2020 to nearly 15 billion yuan in 2024, and is projected to reach nearly 70 billion yuan by 2029.