Discussion explores AI

The role of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalisation in the future of infrastructure was put under the spotlight at the Fidic Global Infrastructure Conference on Tuesday 23 September at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Experts warned that while technology promised faster and smarter delivery it also raises urgent questions of ethics, access and ownership.

- NAMHLA MONAKALI

Organised by Fédération Internationale Des Ingénieurs-Conseils (Fidic), an international federation of consulting engineers that represents more than a million engineering professionals and 40 000 firms in over 100 countries, the annual conference is a flagship gathering for engineers, policymakers and industry leaders shaping the future of the built environment.

The organisation is best known for its global standard contracts used on major projects, but it also provides thought leadership on infrastructure, sustainability and professional practice.

This year's panel, which engaged on the theme “AI, Digitalisation and Sustainability in Infrastructure”, featured Mark Coates of Bentley Systems, Nicolas Miravalls of Oris, Stacy Sinclair of Fenwick Elliott, Rob Morson of Pinsent Masons and Martina Hess of CES Consulting Engineers Salzgitter.