A key message from the presentation was clear: in construction, the challenge is not data availability, but fragmented information across systems, formats, and stakeholders. That is why BIM alone is not enough. Better data flow requires more standardized design and product data, a more machine-readable foundation, and practical ways to move and enrich information across organizations.
The presentation also emphasized that even with better standardization, construction’s digital infrastructure will remain imperfect to some degree. This is exactly where AI agents may have real value as translators and intermediaries between formats, systems, and workflows.
At the same time, the opportunity is real. AI capabilities are improving fast, and access to advanced AI is becoming increasingly commoditized. AI is also lowering the cost of software development, thus making the renewal of digital infrastructure more economically feasible than before. But the main bottlenecks still lie in renewing workflows, governance structures, organizational capabilities, and legacy operating models. AI-enabled quantity take-off was discussed as one concrete example where the field now needs measurable, traceable, and systematically tested workflows instead of more hype and demos.
The discussion clearly resonated with the audience. AI Champion is not only about new solutions, but also about building long-term capability for the sector through research, industry collaboration, and the AI in AEC doctoral school with 13 doctoral researchers.
Read the presentation by downloading the pdf: Standardized Data and Artificial Intelligence as Enablers
More information:
Piia Sormunen
- apulaisprofessori (Associate Professor)
- Talotekniikka
- Rakennetun ympäristön tiedekunta
- Tampereen yliopisto
- +358504766731
- piia.sormunen@tuni.fi
Osku Torro
- tutkijatohtori
- Rakennetun ympäristön tiedekunta
- Tampereen yliopisto
- osku.torro@tuni.fi
In the Business Finland funded AI Champion Co-Innovation project, we aim to find out the design and construction challenges in Building Services and create a 100 AI Agents to solve these challenges and enhance the supply chains. Co-operators and funders in AI Champion are Tampere University, University of Oulu, Granlund, Fira, Koja Chiller, ETS NORD, Kiilto, GF BFS, Nimlas, LVI-INFO, Sähköteknisen Kaupan Liitto ry and Airlyse.