AI factories are being designed around tightly integrated systems, where a change made during construction can have consequences beyond the immediate on-site work. Procore Technologies, a construction management software provider, is integrating its Procore Platform with NVIDIA Omniverse DSX Blueprint to connect construction data and BIM and CAD models with 3D digital twins.
The technology targets the construction of AI factories and other essential infrastructure. Joint customers, including Switch, a provider of AI, cloud, and enterprise data centres, can use the integration alongside other builders.
Procore will act as a central hub for project information, translating and synchronising complex 3D models from more than 15 BIM and CAD formats into a live digital twin using NVIDIA Omniverse libraries. This connects the company’s construction management and collaboration platform with NVIDIA Omniverse’s 3D simulation capabilities.
Bringing BIM data into construction digital twins
The NVIDIA Omniverse DSX Blueprint provides a reference framework for creating digital twins of AI factories. Through the integration, construction data can be connected with 3D models and simulation in the same environment.
OpenUSD, the open-source standard for 3D interoperability, is part of the framework. SimPacks are also being integrated so that the digital twin can contain physical and behavioural information about assets within an AI factory.
Procore says geometry changes and metadata updates can be synchronised, giving project stakeholders a common view of information associated with the facility.
Procore is also incorporating the framework for Owners. According to Procore, this provides stakeholders with visibility across the construction process and helps ensure owners receive an asset with information suited to its operational requirements at handover.
Simulating changes before they reach the site
SimPacks and Procore AI will also integrate with NVIDIA Omniverse for applications including simulations of construction scenarios, design changes made during construction, and contractor scheduling.
Teams can use the digital twin environment to examine complex builds and identify errors before they reach the physical site. This proactive approach helps project managers and BIM specialists feel more in control and prepared, with applications involving budgets, schedules, and requests for information that can be assessed against real-world constraints and simulations.
Safety and automation are part of the planned applications. High-risk operations can be simulated before they are carried out, while a virtual “Dojo” can train construction robotics.
Procore also plans to develop AI agents with NVIDIA to help address issues such as project delays.
Digital twins for AI factory delivery
The technology is being applied to a type of construction project where changes can affect interconnected systems. Procore says even a minor field change at an AI factory can affect factors such as airflow or GPU performance.
NVIDIA is using Procore’s continuous digital thread capabilities to build its own AI factories, according to Procore. Joint customers such as Switch and other builders can also use the integration.
By linking construction project information with 3D models and simulation, teams can examine changes within the digital environment before they affect physical work. Procore identifies reduced rework, a shared project record, and predictive planning as key benefits.
At handover, the project information can support the transfer of the facility to its owner, including data intended to help with its operation.
