Gamuda: AI application is a strategic move to compete

Gamuda (Malaysia) is a pioneer in applying artificial intelligence (AI) to construction projects. Because AI contributes to improving quality, ensuring progress and safety for the project.

Malaysia's Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Google Cloud Regional Director Serene Sia sign a plaque commemorating the establishment of Gamuda AI Academy, witnessed by Gamuda Group's Chief Digital Officer John Lim Ji Xiong - Photo: Gamuda

AI improves construction quality

According to technology experts, AI has opened a new era of productivity and value, where machines can support humans in all areas of life, including the construction industry.

With the power of AI, machines like autonomous wall-building robots, excavators, and tunnel boring machines are transforming the way humans build giant structures.

These machines not only improve efficiency but also reduce errors, making projects faster, safer and more cost-effective.

In the field of high-rise construction, China's automatic wall-building robot has impressed by being able to place thousands of bricks accurately in just a few hours, speeding up construction at large construction sites in Shenzhen and Shanghai.

These machines work tirelessly, creating sustainable, modern structures that bear the mark of the advanced technological era.

Not only that, the construction industry is becoming the latest sector to benefit from the explosion of AI-technology as it allows machines to "learn" and operate without human intervention. At the same time, machines can analyze huge amounts of data beyond human capabilities.

According to Upmetrics, the value of the global construction industry will reach $12.74 trillion by 2023, with more than 738,000 companies operating as of 2020.

The construction industry is expected to reap the benefits of disruptive technologies like AI. Huge infrastructure needs, shortage of skilled labor, and pressure from stakeholders for transparency and data integration have driven the digitalization of the sector.

According to construction experts, construction and engineering firms in Malaysia are using the second highest average amount of digital technology in the region, after India, with new technology investment accounting for about 23% of their budgets.

AI plays a key role in Gamuda's construction sector

Gamuda Bhd, one of the pioneers, has been aggressively digitizing, not only in Malaysia but also across the region. The company sees digitalization as a strategic move to stay competitive by adding value across the entire project lifecycle – from design, tendering, financing to procurement.

Notably, when participating in the construction of the MRT system in the Klang Valley, Gamuda used a fleet of automated tunnel boring machines, integrating AI to speed up progress and control risks, including safety and cost.

Gamuda started adopting building information modelling 10 years ago, before it became the industry standard in Malaysia.

Gamuda recognized the need for a common platform that would allow all team members, regardless of location, to collaborate and analyze project data seamlessly.

This step forward is marked by the company's adoption of Autodesk Construction Cloud from September 2022, integrated into the Gamuda digital operating system - a platform that exploits the outstanding potential of artificial intelligence.

At the launch of Gamuda AI Academy on October 11, Chief Digital Officer John Lim Ji Xiong affirmed that the construction industry is very suitable for digitalization, as many factors are operated based on data.

GDOS is now the standard ecosystem for all Gamuda projects, consolidating business data and supporting with cloud platforms from Google Cloud.

“We focus on value-creating solutions that improve efficiency from design, engineering, supply chain, to procurement and field operations, all managed through a dashboard that provides a comprehensive and near real-time view,” said Mr. Lim.

Not only does this technology reduce the reliance on information update calls, it also enables the use of AI in handling information requests, managing customer change orders, and processing payments.

AI is the 'secret' that helps Gamuda become a technology company instead of just a construction business.

The application of AI has opened up new avenues in managing organizational knowledge by converting it into digital repositories.

“AI in construction helps the industry overcome tough challenges such as cost overruns, schedule delays, safety concerns, skilled labor shortages and changing business models,” added Mr Lim.

Malaysia's Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo experiences hands-on demonstrations of AI technologies, including the Unify Bot, Building Information Modelling Augmented Reality (BIMAR), the newly launched GL Connect Portal and the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) simulator - Photo: Gamuda

Setting a new standard for digital construction

At the Autodesk University 2024 event in San Diego, Lim and Autodesk Senior Vice President Jim Lynch shared Gamuda's digital transformation story with a global audience of more than 30,000.

He stressed that AI will continue to play an important role as machines become increasingly able to mimic human cognitive functions, such as problem solving and pattern recognition.

AI is now assisting engineers and architects in designing and managing buildings more efficiently, especially in complex infrastructure projects, helping to reduce risks and design conflicts at the planning stage.

With the involvement of multiple subcontractors, AI allows the main contractor to monitor and manage risk factors, focusing resources on the most important issues.

Additionally, AI also supports realistic timeline predictions, helping to prevent cost overruns and delays.

AI has also contributed to improved productivity and safety on the construction site, from Gamuda's autonomous excavators to autonomous construction machines that perform repetitive tasks more efficiently.

Microsoft's $2.2 billion investment in AI and cloud computing development in Malaysia demonstrates the country's strong appeal to major investors, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said in May.

Microsoft is committed to contributing to the building of AI and cloud computing infrastructure, enabling domestic companies like Gamuda to make the most of AI technology.

With Gamuda actively applying AI in construction, this investment will significantly support the development of AI and cloud infrastructure, opening up opportunities for businesses to continue their digital transformation.

Applying AI not only helps Gamuda improve its competitiveness but also creates conditions for the company to flexibly implement complex projects in many countries and territories such as Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan (China) and the UK.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gamuda-ung-dung-ai-la-buoc-di-chien-luoc-de-canh-tranh-20241101183123574.htm