Augmented reality guides USD $400m AI data centre build in US
XYZ Reality is partnering with Applied Digital to support the construction of a 400 megawatt (MW) artificial intelligence data centre campus in Ellendale, North Dakota. The firms are using augmented reality (AR) tools to monitor and deliver precision throughout the development of the site.
Digital monitoring
XYZ Reality is providing its AR-driven construction platform for the project. This system allows project teams to track progress, validate installation work, and ensure quality standards are being met in real time. The platform is backed by a team of on-site engineers responsible for quality control and validating the accuracy of construction activity on the ground.
The 400 MW campus is designed to take advantage of North Dakota's cool climate and renewable energy assets as part of its approach to sustainable data centre operations. The project aims to set new standards in both energy efficiency and construction control, according to the companies involved.
On-site expertise
Site engineers from XYZ Reality are working directly alongside Applied Digital's staff. Their tasks include reporting on the progress of the build, verifying that installations match design plans, and providing feedback to maintain adherence to predefined schedules and quality measures.
"Applied Digital is redefining what's possible in AI infrastructure, and it's exciting to be part of that journey. From day one, our teams have clicked through a shared drive to push boundaries and use technology differently. Together, we're proving that transparency, precision, and data-led delivery can transform how these massive projects come to life - and this partnership is only getting started," said David Mitchell, Founder & CEO, XYZ Reality.
Data-centre scale
XYZ Reality's construction delivery solutions are used for major infrastructure projects, and the company reports its technology has already supported over 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of data centre builds globally. The partnership with Applied Digital marks a further application of its system to mission-critical sites requiring complex controls and real-time data capture.
The AR platform delivers regular updates on build status, allowing for earlier detection and resolution of potential faults or deviations from plans. Its use on the Ellendale site is intended to provide all stakeholders with up-to-date information to support project management and risk mitigation throughout the process.
"Working alongside Tier 1 developers like Applied Digital, we're demonstrating the true impact of data-led construction. Our platform gives project teams complete visibility and confidence from the ground up - driving precision, accountability, and measurable performance improvements across delivery. Having already been deployed on more than 2.5GW of data centers, we're proud to be setting a new standard for how mission-critical infrastructure is built," said Waleed Zafar, CRO, XYZ Reality.
Sustainability focus
The site will benefit from available renewable energy and the region's naturally lower temperatures, which can help manage cooling requirements associated with intensive AI workloads. The use of AR in construction is expected to keep work on track and minimise errors or delays that typically drive up costs and resource consumption.
The companies state that this combination of sustainable siting and construction precision aims to meet both the performance expectations of modern data centre operators and the environmental requirements increasingly sought by hyperscale cloud and technology firms.
