As the construction sector stands at a digital crossroads, AI, robotics, and data are no longer on the horizon – they’re already reshaping how we design, build, and deliver
At this year’s UK Construction Week Birmingham (30 Sept – 2 Oct, NEC), the Digital Construction Hub will spotlight the critical conversations, technologies, and ideas driving this transformation.
From cutting-edge robotics and cyber forensics to simulation-driven planning and AI-powered collaboration, here’s a day-by-day preview of the must-attend sessions at the hub.
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Top speakers already confirmed:
- Andrew Johnson, Founder – Okana (Formerly BIM Academy)
- Robert Claridge, European Lead – Laing O’Rourke
- Colin Bell, Digital Construction Director – Kier
- Robert Norton, UK Director – Plan Radar
- Mairead Gallager-Morgan, BIM Lead (Europe & Middle East) – Grimshaw Architects
- Hadeel Saadoon, Principal Consultant, Real Estate – Turner & Townsend
Tuesday 30 September – From Human-AI Synergy to Smarter Project Delivery
10:30 – The Human in the Loop Advantage: How AI and People Build Better Together
In a time of fast-evolving AI, human insight remains essential. This session dives into how people and AI can work in tandem to improve outcomes – ethically, creatively, and sustainably.
11:30 – Protecting Your Digital World: Cybersecurity, Forensics & the Truth Behind the Data
With digitisation comes risk. Experts from IntaForensics share how construction firms can manage cyber threats, digital disputes, and forensic investigations, ensuring trust in a connected industry.
12:30 – Building Smart: Rethinking Digital Twins for the Built Environment
Discover how AI-powered 4D digital twins are providing a more dynamic, accessible way to manage site complexity and risk – without the steep learning curve of traditional tools.
13:30 – Robotics in the Built Environment: From Drones to Dynamic Worksites
Explore how robotics is reshaping modern construction – what’s working, what’s not, and how to deploy tools that support (not replace) human capability.
14:30 – Connected by Design: Building a Digital Foundation for the Future of AEC
This session will unpack how interoperability, open systems, and cross-discipline collaboration can support better decision-making and more resilient built environments.
15:30 – Building Smart: From Connected Teams to Intelligent Environments with KIER
Gain first-hand insight from Kier and partners on the cultural and technical shifts required to successfully deliver smart buildings – through more connected teams and smarter workflows.
Wednesday 1 October – Simulations, Sustainability & Smarter Housing
11:30 – From Sandbox to Site: Simulation-Driven Construction Control
Learn how early-stage digital simulations can evolve into powerful project-wide control systems, helping reduce delays, waste, and risk across every project phase.
12:30 – How Housebuilders Can Meet Government Targets AND Improve Quality
Hear practical advice from PlanRadar on how housebuilders can balance rapid delivery with quality outcomes – through better site management, QA, and compliance.
13:30 – Automation & the Circular Economy: Driving Material Traceability and Reuse
Discover how digital IDs, blockchain, and IoT are enabling circular construction – tracking materials across their lifecycle to support sustainability and resource efficiency.
14:30 – Building Smarter: Why Data is the Ultimate AI Enabler in Construction
AI can only succeed with solid data. This panel explores how industry leaders are tackling data management across functions to unlock meaningful AI-driven outcomes.
15:30 – Crafting Business Brilliance by Keeping One GenAI Open – Women In BIM Panel
Generative AI is transforming every corner of the built environment. This panel explores how GenAI is enabling design innovation, operational agility, and smarter business strategies.
Explore the future, shape it with us
These sessions are just a glimpse of what’s happening at the Digital Construction Hub. Whether you’re a contractor, architect, developer, or digital strategist, you’ll leave with ideas you can act on.
Join the leaders, thinkers, and doers shaping the next chapter of construction.
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