Infrastructure and AI in 2025
(Mid-year observations)
As artificial intelligence continues to develop rapidly, the infrastructure industry is exploring ways to effectively incorporate AI beyond basic tasks like wordsmithing technical documents.
This raises an important question: “How can AI be leveraged in a practical and effective manner?”
There remains a sizeable gap between the potential of artificial intelligence and the clear understanding of its practical applications and the accessible tools which will provide users with access to the power and abilities of AI without having to be software programmers or full-time AI technologists. Clients frequently express concerns regarding limited guidance on utilizing AI to enhance project performance, design accuracy, consistency, and other aspects.
Many organizations share these challenges, indicating that this issue is widespread across the industry. Currently, emerging applications of AI are apparent in technology like AutoCAD 2026. For example, artificial intelligence within AutoCAD 2026 can provide value today by learning from user activity through Predictive Design Intelligence, suggesting commands based on user behavior to optimize performance within the software. In addition, AutoCAD 2026 enables AI-driven features like Smart Block Replacement, also identifying user patterns to enhance efficiency. These examples are the tip of the iceberg.
While these developments represent significant progress, fully automated solutions, such as generating comprehensive drawing sets from simple chatbot instructions, have not yet been realized. However, these early integrations signal ongoing advancement in combining design engineering with artificial intelligence. Current examples demonstrate how AI can aid designers in utilizing design technology more efficiently, and further developments are on the horizon.
Given the current trajectory, additional practical applications of AI in software by companies such as Autodesk and IMAGINiT technologies are expected sooner than later. Continued efforts are required to further align these technologies and develop accessible AI add-ons or third-party tools for more advanced applications, but rest assured, it IS in progress.
Additional advancements are likely in the near future.
Stay tuned. . .
About the Author
Professional Services Director, Civil <br> Kevin began working in the civil engineering and survey industry in 1985 and has continually built on this foundation to become an expert in civil design and infrastructure data management software. He has been involved in every aspect of the industry from field surveying to transportation systems, as well as managing a CAD design group within a civil engineering firm.
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Kevin's passion for technology combined with his unique insights to the business processes of engineering firms makes him an accomplished leader for the infrastructure solutions team.
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