COLLABORATION, not competition is needed to speed up infrastructure development even as artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the future of infrastructure design, construction, and operations.
For Bentley Systems, leading infrastructure engineering software company, this vision was further amplified by a significant partnership with Google Maps, bringing geospatial data and AI together to enhance Bentley’s software capabilities, and increased by Bentley’s recent acquisition of Cesium, a geospatial open source information platform last September 6.
Bentley Systems CEO Nicholas Cumins, in his keynote address highlighted the company’s commitment to integrating AI across its software solutions and pushing collaboration by various industries by emphasizing that openness is key to rapid industry development.
“AI is not just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental technology that will unlock the true potential of data and revolutionize how we approach infrastructure,” Cummins said as he showcased several AI applications already in development. He said this during his keynote at Bentley Systems’ annual Year in Infrastructure (YII) conference in Vancouver, Canada.
Cumins explained how AI algorithms are being used to analyze data from infrastructure assets, enabling predictive maintenance to prevent costly downtime and ensure long-term safety. He also highlighted the growing role of AI in optimizing construction sequencing and enabling the use of robotics and automation on site, leading to improved efficiency, reduced delays, and enhanced safety for construction workers.
Bentley is leveraging generative AI to optimize designs for various infrastructure projects. This includes tools like OpenSite+, which allows users to quickly generate site layouts that consider terrain, zoning, and environmental factors. Cumins also demonstrated how AI can automate the design of road networks and bridges, optimizing for safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
At a special immersive experience at the event, AI algorithms are being used to analyze data from infrastructure assets, enabling predictive maintenance and proactive risk assessment. This helps prevent costly downtime and ensures the long-term safety and resilience of infrastructure.
The Bentley CEO also discussed how AI can optimize construction sequencing, leading to improved efficiency and reduced project delays. He also touched on the growing role of AI in enabling robotics and automation in construction, improving safety and productivity on site.
In a move to further enhance its AI capabilities, Cumins also announced a strategic partnership with Google Maps.
“Google’s massive scale of geospatial data is unmatched,” said Cumins. “When this data is combined with Bentley infrastructure engineering expertise, the result is an ecosystem where data can flow seamlessly, providing users with the most comprehensive and actionable geospatial insights available.”
This partnership will allow Bentley software users and developers to access Google Maps Platform’s geospatial content, including Google’s Photorealistic 3D Tiles, to provide real-world context and immersive 3D experiences within their digital workflows.
“All of this information is available in Google Maps platform and in products like Google Earth and Google Earth Engine, which help researchers and organizations track and measure changes on the earth surface,” explained Yael Maguire, Google’s vice president and general manager of geospatial applications.
Maguire emphasized the transformative potential of this collaboration: “It can transform workflows for architects, engineers, and urban planners. We’re excited to partner with Bentley to bring powerful geospatial context and capabilities that can dramatically improve how infrastructure is designed, built, and operated with data.”
The partnership with Google aligns closely with Bentley’s recent acquisition of Cesium, a leading platform for creating 3D geospatial applications and the creator of the 3D Tiles open standard used by Google. This acquisition further strengthens Bentley’s commitment to open standards and interoperability in the geospatial domain.
Bentley is also collaborating with Google Cloud to deliver AI-driven insights for asset analytics. This collaboration will leverage the platform’s machine learning capabilities to provide deeper insights into infrastructure asset performance, enabling more effective maintenance and operational decision-making.
Finally, for the first time in the two decades of the YII Awards, the Philippines won the prestigious Year-in-Infrastructure Awards. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secured the top prize in the Roads and Bridges category besting entries from two huge Chinese construction conglomerates.
The DPWH was recognized for its groundbreaking use of digital twin technology in the 8-kilometer elevated NLEx-SLEx Connector Road Project, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Metro Manila.
