Q&A: Driving Innovation for Integrating AI and Sustainability in Transportation Solutions for a Greener Future
In the last decade, there has been a significant focus on digital technology and artificial intelligence worldwide. Bentley Systems, a leading company in infrastructure engineering software, recently held the 2024 Year in Infrastructure and Going Digital Awards in Vancouver, Canada. This event brought together prominent industry leaders and users from around the globe to discuss advancements in the digital infrastructure engineering sector. The event also welcomed esteemed journalists from various countries around the globe, including a representative from Cambodia. Construction & Property Magazine was truly honored to participate and learn about the exciting advancements Bentley Systems is making in technology.
During the event, Construction & Property Magazine had the privilege of conducting a one-on-one interview with experts from Bentley Systems to discuss the latest advancements in digital technologies related to the transportation sector. Mr. Kaushik Chakraborty, Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan at Bentley Systems, provided valuable insights into the importance and impact of digital innovations in transportation. Here are some of the key questions and answers:
1. What is Bentley Systems’ role, and how it intersects with the transportation industry?
Bentley Systems plays a vital role in transportation by engaging in various activities, including designing transportation networks and providing support for construction projects. This includes roads, highways, rail systems, airports, bridges, and tunnels. We develop software that enables our users to carry out design work and construction tasks efficiently. Additionally, we assist in the operations and management of assets for the owners of these infrastructure projects.
Our solutions also support seaports and airports, which are crucial for shipping and transportation. The construction of these facilities requires the development of related infrastructure, such as roads and terminals. Consequently, Bentley Systems’ solutions address all types of infrastructure, encompassing seaports and airports.
2. How is Bentley Systems supporting the digital transformation of transportation infrastructure?
As engineering has evolved and projects have become larger and more complex, we have transitioned from paper-based processes to 2D designs, then to 3D models, and now to true digital project delivery. In Indonesia, notable examples include the Uttamacarya, Vijayacarya, Jakarta Metro, and Nusantara projects, which demonstrate the execution of very large and intricate projects within tight timeframes and budget constraints.
Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and providing better visibility to minimize waste in these projects. Traditionally, the design phase was separate from construction; one team would create the designs, and then another team would carry out the construction. This disconnection often led to inefficiencies when issues arose during construction, necessitating redesigns or on-the-fly adjustments in the field.
Digital transformation seeks to integrate these processes. We are moving from working with isolated files to utilizing common data sources that allow everyone involved to access the same information. This means that if changes occur during construction, updates are accurately reflected in the shared data. The Jakarta Metro, Nusantara, and various highway projects in Indonesia showcase the advancements made possible through digital technology.
3. With the rapid advancement of technology, especially AI, how does Bentley Systems ensure its software solutions meet the evolving needs of the transportation industry?
Today, in Year in Infrastructure 2024, we showcased AI-based software called OpenSight Plus, which focuses on site design. This involves planning the areas surrounding buildings, including road design, parking lots, and community layouts—not just the buildings themselves. When creating a new section of a city, factors like road layouts and housing placements are crucial components of site design, which is a fundamental aspect of civil engineering.
Our software incorporates AI to automate design processes, making them more creative and intuitive. As we demonstrated in the 2024 Year in Infrastructure breakout session, OpenSight Plus can automate tasks based on user requirements, offering options for cost-effective and efficient design solutions. It has the potential to reduce the time spent on repetitive and manual tasks by a factor of five to ten.
We have included a co-pilot feature similar to ChatGPT, which utilises a large language model tailored to the customer’s specific data. Importantly, this data remains local to the customer. For instance, if a user named Vijayakaryan is developing a new section of a city in Indonesia, the software will consider local standards, such as spacing requirements between houses or dimensions needed for parking areas, as different standards may apply in that context.
Moreover, when we design highways, it’s important to analyze local regulations to determine the appropriate lane widths and numbers. The organisation using the software provides standard operating procedures and rules that help train the model.
Once trained, the model becomes highly effective. Similar to how ChatGPT learns from user interactions, this AI model improves as civil engineers continually use it, refining its capabilities and knowledge. This ongoing use enhances its effectiveness over time, just as long-established platforms like Google have become increasingly intelligent through user interaction and data accumulation.
4. How does Bentley Systems integrate sustainability and environmental considerations into its solutions for the transportation sector?
At the 2024 Year in Infrastructure event, we have discussed sustainability, particularly focusing on embedded carbon in transportation projects. Linear infrastructure such as roads and highways has a significant amount of embedded carbon. We offer our users carbon analysis tools that allow them to evaluate their projects, determine the necessary carbon offset credits they need to purchase, and identify where to source them. This analysis is crucial during the design phase of a project.
Moreover, we can enhance sustainability by incorporating improved drainage and water management systems into road and highway designs. By embedding effective flood management strategies, we can collect and recycle rainwater for future use. This approach minimizes water waste, especially in areas like highways and bridges, where a large amount of water is often mismanaged. Considering these practices during the design process promotes sustainable water management and contributes to a more sustainable future.
5. What are some of the biggest challenges facing the transportation industry today, and how is Bentley Systems addressing these challenges?
In Southeast Asia, one of the primary challenges is the availability of land for constructing roads and railways. For instance, the alignment for the high-speed rail from Jakarta to Bandhu faced multiple adjustments due to the densely populated nature of the region. Many areas lack open land, making it difficult to build the necessary infrastructure quickly and efficiently without significant impacts. To address these challenges, Bentley Systems is leveraging AI, digital project delivery, and various workflows now utilised by our users. This ensures our users can create effective solutions, and they are actively working on them.
6. What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career at the intersection of technology and transportation? How can they prepare for such a role at Bentley Systems?
It’s essential to study engineering rather than solely focusing on information technology. If you’re interested in programming, that path is definitely worthwhile. In general, it’s beneficial to study science, engineering, technology, and related fields. Mathematics, in particular, is becoming increasingly important with the rise of data science, which is fundamentally based on mathematical principles.
Consider how you can use this knowledge to make a positive impact in the world and enhance software effectiveness. We can learn from companies like Google and Microsoft, which exemplify how to leverage technology to solve real-world problems.
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