DataLabs Inc. Partners with Singapore-Based Construction-Related Service Provider RATEC Asia to Enter ASEAN Market

DataLabs Inc. has entered a partnership with RATEC Asia Pte Ltd. and will begin providing its 3D rebar inspection system “Modely” to construction companies in Singapore and the ASEAN region.

DataLabs Inc.
has entered a partnership with RATEC Asia Pte Ltd. and will begin providing its
3D rebar inspection system “Modely” to construction companies in
Singapore and the ASEAN region. DataLabs is a startup that provides products
utilizing automated 3D modeling (Scan to BIM) technology, and RATEC Asia is a
provider of sales and implementation support for specialized equipment and
solutions in the construction industry in Asia.

1. Background
and Purpose

Challenges in
Singapore’s Construction Sites and Expectations for “Modely”

Today’s
construction industry emphasizes sustainability and efficiency. The precast
construction method, where building components are prepared in factories and
assembled on-site, is gaining importance from the perspective of quality
control and time reduction.

The demand
for construction in Singapore has been on the rise in recent years, and the
precast construction method has become more prevalent and widely used for
various applications. However, this has also highlighted certain challenges. In
particular, the current situation requires thorough inspections by specialized
inspectors after the completion of rebar work. This often leads to
inefficiencies in the inspection process, causing delays that frequently affect
project timelines.

“Modely”
is a system expected to address these challenges. It utilizes 3D data to
capture comprehensive information and is the only 3D rebar inspection system
capable of automatically registering design values using rebar BIM and
conducting automated inspections by comparing with the as-built model. It will
support thorough inspections and BIM utilization in Singapore and allow for
remote inspections of rebar arrangements to ensure they meet design
specifications without requiring inspectors to be on-site, resulting in
benefits such as reduced timelines and improved quality.

2. Background
and Purpose

Expansion of
“Modely” in Singapore and the ASEAN Region

The
construction industry in Singapore has been actively promoting digital
transformation (DX) through collaboration with the government. The Building and
Construction Authority (BCA) has made the use of BIM mandatory for design and
delivery, indicating a strong foundation for the utilization of rebar BIM.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCA has also been promoting remote
inspections, and expectations for “Modely” have heightened toward
achieving further digital transformation.

“Modely”
received the Startup Encouragement Award at the 2023 Infrastructure DX Awards
and has been adopted by over 100 companies, establishing a strong track record
in Japan. Through its partnership with RATEC and collaboration with the BCA, the
company aims to further accelerate the deployment of “Modely” across
ASEAN countries. The company is working to register and standardize the system
as a remote inspection tool for rebar inspections, with the goal of expanding
not only within Singapore but also throughout the ASEAN region.

3. About
RATEC

RATEC Asia
Pte Ltd. was established in 2017 as a private limited company headquartered in
Singapore. It is a member of the globally recognized RATEC Group, known for its
magnetic formwork technology and other advanced precast concrete production
solutions. The company has a strong foundation in wholesale and distribution of
innovative solutions for the precast concrete industry and operates across
numerous Asian countries. It offers various products and services that
contribute to digital transformation (DX) in the construction industry.

4. Comment
from RATEC CEO Raymond

When we first
encountered Modely at CSPI 2024, it immediately stood out from other solutions
we’ve seen. The ability to create precise 3D models simply by scanning with an
iPad is incredibly appealing.

Experiencing
Modely’s capability to accurately measure and document rebar spacing, we
quickly recognized its potential as an invaluable tool for enhancing remote
inspection and supervision, which could elevate these processes to new heights
in Southeast Asia’s Built Environment.

While Modely is still in its
development and optimization phase in Southeast Asia, we’re confident that the
team at DataLabs Inc. will continue to refine it, improving the user experience
over time. This progress will be driven by end-user feedback, ensuring that
together, we make Modely even better for everyone.

5. Comment from DataLabs CEO Tajiri

From the moment we met, RATEC understood Modely’s values and spoke
enthusiastically about our partnership in the ASEAN region. Through our
multiple web and in-person meetings and discussions, we were able to build a
strong relationship of trust in a short period of time. They are willing to
work with us to develop the product by getting a variety of feedback, and I
believe that we share the same mindset.

We are very
excited to be partnering with RATEC, who are professionals in the construction
industry and have established relationships with key stakeholders in the ASEAN
region, and we look forward to further developing this partnership in the
future.