What can an engineer or town planner learn from a computer game Viking? In this episode, we look at how one design team is using real time simulations, or gaming engines, to develop accessible ways of communicating engineering proposal to the public.

Games such as Valheim challenge players to survive in a world of richly detailed physics; others, such as Red Dead Redemption 2 present realistic natural environments. Engineers can use these tools to show how flood prevention measures might work, or to help decide whether a line of trees is a suitable acoustic barrier for a new road.

Cutting edge technologies like AR/VR and AI promise even more engineering uses. Gaming engines can allow planners to model complex crowd behaviour in public spaces; they can be used to practise safety procedures in the most hazardous environments; and they may even allow the public to view planning proposals, in digital form, in their real world setting.

Guests
Thomas Greener, principal realtime developer, Atkins
Jack Strongitharm, solutions engineer, Unity
Mike Dunlop, senior immersive producer, Atkins

Partner
Atkins, part of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Employing over 18,000 people across the UK, North America, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe, Atkins utilities the latest technology to deliver major capital projects, and provide expert consultancy for clients across the energy, transportation and infrastructure sectors.