Construction giant Balfour Beatty and tech leader Microsoft join forces to drive AI innovation and productivity in the infrastructure sector.
International infrastructure group Balfour Beatty has partnered with global technology corporation Microsoft to leverage the power of AI in a bid to unlock productivity gains at the company.
The ‘Big AI Challenge’ event brought together 70 employees from both organisations to tackle some of Balfour Beatty’s most pressing business challenges using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics.
The event took place at Microsoft’s flagship Experience Centre in London’s West End. The aim was to channel enthusiasm for data analytics and AI into practical solutions that could drive productivity gains across the business.
Balfour Beatty Chief Information Officer Jon Ozanne says: “We came together to test out how we could use data and AI to generate solutions for six business-generated ideas.”
Ideas were submitted through ‘My Contribution’, Balfour Beatty’s enterprise-wide programme for employee-led business change.
Harnessing AI for construction challenges
The event produced several innovative solutions, with two winning ideas selected for further development. One of these focused on automating the creation of inspection and test plans (ITPs), which are critical quality control documents in construction projects.
Ozanne elaborates: “ITPs are to quality what method statements are to safety – every activity requires one, meaning we produce thousands each year. 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. Balfour Beatty Living Places, a subsidiary of the company, repairs approximately 220,000 potholes annually.
“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,” Ozanne says.
He adds that 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.
Balfour Beatty Big AI Challenge
Following the success of the ‘Big AI Challenge’, Balfour Beatty plans to further develop all six ideas generated during the event. This process will involve mapping and planning resources, testing technology, and determining the steps needed to progress from proven concepts to scalable solutions.
Ozanne emphasises the importance of collaboration in driving innovation: “The ‘Big AI Challenge’ taught me that with the right mindset, knowledge and tools, the sky’s the limit.”
He adds that the event is just the beginning of a broader initiative to leverage AI and data analytics in the construction and infrastructure sector.
“Here’s to a future where collaboration combined with data, technology and AI continues to help us problem-solve and convert ideas into outcomes,” Ozanne concludes.
Melanie Page, Balfour Beatty’s Head of Group Innovation Programmes, added: “The Big AI challenge is a hackathon using Microsoft AI technologies.
“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.”
About Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty is an international infrastructure group based in the UK. It specialises in construction services, support services and infrastructure investments.
Founded in 1909 by engineer George Balfour and accountant Andrew Beatty, the company has evolved from its initial focus on tramway construction to a broad portfolio that includes civil engineering, building, and facilities management.
With approximately 26,000 employees across the UK, US, and Hong Kong, the company plays a significant role in delivering complex infrastructure projects that support national economies and enhance local communities. It operates in various sectors, including transportation, energy, water, and social infrastructure.
- Balfour Beatty’s operations are organised into three segments: Infrastructure Investments, which focuses on developing and financing public and private projects
- Construction Services, which encompasses civil engineering and building across various markets
- Support Services, which involves the management and maintenance of critical infrastructure like electricity networks and highways.
The company has a undertaken iconic projects globally, such as the London Olympics’ Aquatic Centre and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Balfour Beatty continues to adapt to industry challenges by integrating advanced technologies into its operations, aiming to improve efficiency and sustainability in infrastructure delivery.
