Balfour Beatty, Microsoft and AI's Potential in Construction
In an era where technological innovation is reshaping industries, the construction sector has been slow to adapt.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) research revealed the UK's built environment sector is lagging behind in AI readiness.
Yet in a development that may be about to buck that trend, international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, has taken a significant step towards AI to boost productivity and streamline operations.
The company has collaborated with Microsoft to see how to integrate AI into construction practices.
Collaborative innovation in action
Kicking off with the 'Big AI Challenge', held at Microsoft's flagship Experience Centre in London's West End, this brought together 70 employees from both organisations.
This event was not just a meeting of minds, but a concerted effort to harness the power of AI and data analytics to address some of Balfour Beatty's most pressing business challenges. The initiative aimed to transform enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology into practical, productivity-enhancing solutions for the construction industry.
The 'Big AI Challenge' was designed to channel the collective expertise of Balfour Beatty and Microsoft towards solving real-world construction problems.
"We came together to test out how we could use data and AI to generate solutions for six business-generated ideas," says Jon Ozanne, Balfour Beatty's Chief Information Officer.
These ideas were not plucked from thin air but sourced through 'My Contribution', Balfour Beatty's enterprise-wide programme for employee-led business change. This approach ensured that the challenges addressed were grounded in the day-to-day realities of the construction industry.
Winning ideas
The event produced several innovative solutions, with two winning ideas selected for further development. The first focused on automating the creation of inspection and test plans (ITPs), critical quality control documents in construction projects.
"ITPs are to quality what method statements are to safety – every activity requires one, meaning we produce thousands each year," says Jon. "One of the six teams created a prototype tool which automatically populates the required information into a template, reducing human error, improving quality, and saving time".
The second winning idea addressed the challenge of optimising highway repair schedules. With Balfour Beatty Living Places repairing approximately 220,000 potholes annually, this solution has the potential for significant impact.
"The other winning team worked out that by developing and teaching the AI tool to 'cluster' the jobs, you can reduce mileage and travel time," Jon explains.
This approach could potentially increase the number of jobs a team can complete, leading to a 20% productivity gain, reduced carbon emissions, and less disruption for road users.
From concepts to solutions
Following the success of the 'Big AI Challenge', Balfour Beatty is not resting on its laurels. The company plans to further develop all six ideas generated during the event.
"We came together to test out how we could use data and AI to generate solutions for six business-generated ideas."
This process will involve mapping and planning resources, testing technology, and determining the steps needed to progress from proven concepts to scalable solutions.
"The Big AI challenge is a hackathon using Microsoft AI technologies," says Melanie Page, Balfour Beatty's Head of Group Innovation Programmes.
"We're working together to solve problems that have come through as ideas into our Contribution Platform. It's so inspiring to see how some of our top talent from across really threw themselves into this event."
As the construction industry continues to evolve, initiatives like the 'Big AI Challenge' demonstrate the potential for AI to revolutionise traditional practices.
By harnessing the power of technology and fostering collaboration, companies like Balfour Beatty are paving the way for a more efficient, productive, and innovative future in construction.
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