Hanyang University ERICA unveils digital twin framework for relocatable modular buildings

Ansan, South Korea, August 19, 2025

News Summary

A research team at Hanyang University ERICA developed a digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT-FMS) to improve tracking, management and reuse of relocatable modular buildings. The platform integrates BIM, IoT sensors and GIS to create a real-time virtual model that supports monitoring, logistics and decision support across three layers: physical, digital and service. Tested on a relocatable modular school in South Korea, the framework improved module distribution, reuse and operational efficiency. Researchers say the approach can support circular construction by extending component life, though wider adoption needs data standards, sensor investment and manager training.

Hanyang University ERICA unveils digital‑twin framework to manage relocatable modular buildings across their full lifecycle

A research team from Hanyang University ERICA has published a new digital‑twin facility management framework designed to improve how relocatable modular buildings (RMBs) are tracked, reused and moved between sites. The framework aims to support a more circular approach to modular construction by linking physical modules to live virtual models and decision tools that cover the entire building life cycle.

Key takeaway

The new system, called a digital twin–enabled facility management system (DT‑FMS), combines Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enable 3D modelling, sensor‑based monitoring and location‑aware logistics planning. The team’s case study on a relocatable modular school in South Korea showed measurable gains in module distribution, reuse and management efficiency, with associated reductions in operational costs and energy use.

What the framework does and why it matters

Relocatable modular buildings are built from prefabricated units that can be assembled, taken apart and transported to new sites. That flexibility reduces upfront cost and environmental impacts compared with many conventional builds, but it also creates a practical problem: keeping track of modular units, their condition, where they have been used and how best to reuse them.

The DT‑FMS addresses that challenge by creating a tight link between the physical asset and a real‑time virtual replica. That link supports ongoing condition monitoring, predictive analysis and logistics decisions such as where to deploy a unit next, when to refurbish components, and when reuse is no longer viable. These capabilities are intended to help operators make economically and environmentally smarter choices across many reuse cycles.

How the system is built

The framework is organised into three layers:

• Physical layer: sensors, tags and people on site that gather data from modules and communicate status to the digital layer.
• Digital layer: BIM models, integrated data stores and analytics engines that create and update the virtual replica and run condition and lifecycle algorithms.
• Service layer: interfaces and decision tools that allow facility managers and stakeholders to monitor, control and plan actions across a module’s life.

Combining BIM, IoT and GIS gives the system 3D modelling for component geometry, sensor feeds for real‑time condition data, and location data for logistics and site planning. Together, these elements support both day‑to‑day operations and longer term reuse strategies.

Research, validation and publication

The research was led by Associate Professor Yonghan Ahn and the team published the framework earlier in the month in a peer‑reviewed construction automation journal. The project included a case study of a relocatable modular school system in South Korea that tested the framework’s practical performance. The case showed improvements in distribution and reuse planning that translated into lower operational costs and improved energy efficiency.

Implications for a circular construction model

The research team positions the DT‑FMS as a tool to support circular economy goals in construction. By improving visibility into each module’s condition, location and history, the system makes reuse and reconfiguration more predictable and cost‑effective, reducing waste and increasing value captured over many lifecycles. The team also notes that digital twin approaches are already expanding in other industries but have been underused in modular construction to date.

Limitations and next steps

While the case study results are promising, the researchers highlight implementation hurdles that remain. These include standards for data formats between manufacturers and operators, upfront costs for sensor and tagging systems, and organisational shifts needed to treat modules as long‑lived assets rather than single‑use units. Wider field trials, interoperability work across suppliers and pilot projects with different module types are listed as logical next steps to validate scalability.

Who led the work

The project was led by an academic team at Hanyang University ERICA and included co‑authors who emphasise the framework’s potential to reduce waste and make modular use more efficient. The research appears in a recognised engineering journal where full technical details and data are available for peer review and adoption.

Practical takeaway for builders and asset managers

For organisations using or planning relocatable modular buildings, the DT‑FMS approach points to three practical steps: add unique digital identity and sensor tracking to modules, integrate BIM and GIS for combined geometric and location context, and use analytics to plan reuse and relocation based on condition and demand. Taken together, these steps can lower operating costs, reduce energy use and extend the useful life of modular assets.

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FAQ

Key features at a glance

Feature	Purpose	Benefit
DT‑FMS	Integrates physical assets with virtual models	Real‑time monitoring and lifecycle decision support
BIM + IoT + GIS	Provides geometry, condition data and location context	Improved planning, tracking and logistics
Three‑layer architecture	Separates physical, digital and service concerns	Clear roles for data collection, analytics and use
Case study: modular school	Field validation of distribution and reuse strategies	Lower operational costs and improved energy efficiency
Circular economy focus	Enables reuse, reconfiguration and optimal relocation	Reduced waste and higher value across lifecycles

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Additional Resources

• KoreaTechDesk: E8 – Leading Korea’s digital-twin revolution with deep-tech innovation
• Wikipedia: Digital twin
• GIM International: Seoul Metropolitan Government collaborates on hyper-realistic digital twin project
• Google Search: relocatable modular building
• DroneLife: A model of Korea — the ambitious project to make a digital twin of a country
• Google Scholar: digital twin modular construction
• GeoWeek: Techtree Innovation & Seoul government digital twin project for urban safety services
• Encyclopedia Britannica: modular construction
• PR Newswire: LG Innotek collaborates to drive its digital-twin technology
• Google News: digital twin modular building South Korea