This was the central theme of the conference "New digital technologies applied to design/construction: the new era of artificial intelligence and robotics in construction," which concluded the final day of Edilespo 2024 at the Lugano Exhibition Center. Moderated by journalist, writer, and IT communicator Paolo Attivissimo, the conference also featured contributions from Securitron SA of Taverne and the Conference of Technical Associations of the Canton of Ticino (CAT) of Bellinzona.
The event brought together some of the most authoritative experts in the field of digital applications. Professor Andrea Emilio Rizzoli, director of the Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence Studies (IDSIA USI-SUPSI), opened the discussion, illustrating the potential of next-generation generative artificial intelligence. This technology, in addition to synthesizing information, elaborates responses in human-like language, proving particularly useful "because it allows for simplified access to databases and the ability to summarize the main concepts of highly complex documents," a crucial aspect for construction activities requiring specific skills. Among the many examples in this sector are: parking lot design to integrate building applications; analyzing proposed siting for a development; and assessing the risks associated with siting a property in a specific geographic area, the importance of which is highlighted by the extreme weather events that have affected our region in recent weeks. But there's more: the planning of architects and construction managers, the planning of construction and energy efficiency, the construction of building interiors and exteriors, the generation of image drafts, and the visualization of building exteriors and interiors—all these activities are crucial for enhancing a property's value and positioning it on the market. But let's not be caught off guard, Professor Rizzoli commented, by the progress of these applications: "This is just the beginning of a series of dynamics that will surely surprise us in the future." This opinion was shared, albeit in a personal capacity, by Architect Loris Dellea, director of the Conference of Technical Associations of the Canton of Ticino (CAT). Davide Plozza, a researcher at ETH Zurich, went on to emphasize the complexity of coordinating robotics with physical activities on construction sites, a crucial aspect of real estate design. Alessandro Marrarosa, representing Digitalswitzerland, then highlighted how, according to a recent ranking by the Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland ranks second globally in digital competitiveness, just behind Singapore and ahead of Denmark and the United States. This result is attributable to collaboration between academia and industry. Specifically, Marrarosa noted, in the construction sector, the Trend Radar of the Swiss Construction Industry Association (SSIC) has shown that it is now even possible to predict the obsolescence of machinery and anticipate risks to personnel, as well as organize all construction site activities in advance.
Christian Righinetti, UAS DroneAir expert, reminded the audience in the room of the importance of aerial surveys for building and urban planning, made possible and almost error-free thanks to the use of drones.
The conference ended with a piece of news of great importance for our territory. During Edilespo 2024, a fundraiser was held to support the areas of Vallemaggia hit by the flood last June, promoted under the coordination of Studio Mazzantini of Lugano. Thanks to the generosity of the participants and the subsequent tripling of donations guaranteed by Eventmore SA and Rotary Club Lugano, 12 francs were raised. This result demonstrates that, alongside the evolution of digital skills in construction techniques, human solidarity also continues to be an essential and concrete element for the support and development of our territory.
