Skanska is partnering with Volvo Construction Equipment, research organisation SINTEF and construction software company Ditio to develop artificial intelligence (AI) for construction equipment to achieve less emissions, faster production and lower costs.

Due to logistical challenges in the construction industry, equipment can sit idle waiting on other equipment, causing both unnecessary costs and carbon emissions. The consortium that Skanska Norway is entering will explore methods as machine learning, route optimisation and AI to optimise the operation of heavy equipment, such as multi-tonne excavators, loaders and haulers.

The research project begins in early 2020 and is expected to continue until the end of 2022. “This research aims to bring about significant reductions in time, emissions and construction costs, and the goal is to make the solution commercially available to everyone. If our industry is to achieve its sustainability goals, we need to work together,” said Jo Mortensen, executive vice president of technology and operational efficiency at Skanska Norway.