YII 20224 | Bentley Systems: Open data ecosystems to advance infrastructure engineering

At Bentley Systems’ Year in Infrastructure conference, the company unveiled its vision for open data ecosystems to advance infrastructure engineering. Bentley’s CEO, Nicholas Cumins, emphasized the need for flexibility, collaboration, and secure data sharing to address global infrastructure challenges. According to Cumins, the future of infrastructure engineering lies in open ecosystems that allow for seamless data integration across tools, platforms, and stakeholders, breaking away from siloed, proprietary systems.

Key Announcements and Themes:

Open Data Ecosystems

Bentley is committed to promoting openness across the infrastructure lifecycle. Its Base Infrastructure Schema structures and organizes data, enabling integration and interoperability among various platforms. This foundation allows professionals to unlock more value from their data, supporting collaboration and efficiency across the industry.

Partnership with Google

Bentley’s partnership with Google was highlighted as a demonstration of the power of open ecosystems. Integrating Google’s extensive geospatial data with Bentley’s engineering software allows for better data flow and more comprehensive insights. This partnership builds on Bentley’s acquisition of Cesium, a platform for 3D geospatial applications, further enhancing geospatial capabilities for digital twins, and providing real-world context in infrastructure projects.

One practical example is the HS2 high-speed railway project in the UK, where Bentley’s iTwin platform is used for visualizing infrastructure in full context with 3D geospatial data from Google and Cesium. This collaboration enables better navigation and asset monitoring.

AI as a Paradigm Shift

Cumins emphasized the transformative potential of AI in infrastructure. Bentley has applied AI in its digital twin solutions to improve asset operations, using AI to detect and recommend preventive maintenance actions. AI can also be used in the design phase, automating tasks like documentation and annotations, allowing engineers to focus on higher-value activities.

At the conference, Bentley introduced OpenSite+, a generative AI-powered application for civil site design. This tool includes a design copilot that enhances productivity and accuracy by automating repetitive tasks and enabling better design decisions through AI.

Bentley Asset Analytics

Bentley also announced the launch of Bentley Asset Analytics, a new product portfolio combining AI and recent acquisitions to improve asset performance. This portfolio includes tools like Blyncsy, which automates roadway maintenance using crowd-sourced imagery and AI, and OpenTower iQ, which automates the lifecycle management of telecom towers through drone imagery and AI.

The goal is to help owner-operators ensure their existing infrastructure remains resilient and efficient. Bentley’s vision is to incorporate diverse data sources, including IoT sensors and drones, to provide deeper insights and reduce manual processes.

Sustainability and the Future of Infrastructure

Cumins also addressed the importance of using data and AI to create more sustainable infrastructure. As much of the world’s infrastructure in 2030 already exists today, ensuring these assets are optimized for future needs is critical. By promoting open ecosystems and AI, Bentley aims to enable more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, improving the quality of life for future generations.

Overall, Bentley Systems is focused on leading the way in infrastructure engineering by fostering openness, leveraging AI, and integrating geospatial data to meet the industry’s evolving needs, particularly as it works toward more sustainable and efficient infrastructure solutions.

WATCH: TECHSABADO and ‘TODAY IS TUESDAY’ LIVESTREAM on YOUTUBE