UAE-based construction group ASGC has announced that it has joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) for mutually beneficial relationships to help develop smart cities.

The move by the company is seen as expanding its digital roadmap and in applying technological innovations across the UAE’s construction sector.

Bishoy Azmy, CEO at ASGC said: “The construction industry today has an opportunity to do things differently—to be even more efficient and more effective in delivering outstanding work to clients. Our own clients can expect more from (us) as we explore new ways to share knowledge across all segments of the global construction ecosystem.”

“Joining MIT’s Industrial Liaison Program will help us in this pursuit, as we work to bring added-value to our clients around the world,” he added.

The company said in the statement, that their digital exploration journey has already included tapping into cloud-based technologies and end-to-end integrated cost control systems, as well as using BIM modelling and deploying drones for full coordination of the construction activities.

Other areas it is exploring include radio-frequency identification and biometrics, optimisation of labour safety and productivity, and asset management by using IoT systems, artificial intelligence, and analytics.

The agreement will be providing ASGC with greater access to MIT’s faculty, labs and technical expertise, as well as conferences, training, and the potential for collaborative research in new technology arenas, said the statement.