Bentley Systems has introduced a suite of new artificial intelligence capabilities embedded within its next-generation software applications, designed to transform how infrastructure projects are designed, built, and operated. The updates center on integrating a context-aware AI assistant into tools that create and manage infrastructure digital twins, aiming to boost engineering productivity and streamline complex workflows across the entire lifecycle of an asset.
The core of the announcement is a fundamental shift away from traditional, file-based engineering processes toward a cloud-centric model where data is continuously updated within a digital twin. This allows multiple stakeholders to collaborate in real-time on the same project, from substation design to construction management, guided by an AI co-pilot that automates tedious calculations and provides intelligent suggestions. The initiative represents a significant step toward creating a more connected and intelligent infrastructure ecosystem, where data flows seamlessly from the initial design phase through long-term maintenance.
Core Technology Enhancements
The new generation of applications is built around a fundamentally different architecture organized by a digital twin rather than individual design files. This cloud-based persistence of data enables multiple engineers to work concurrently on a project, a significant change from siloed, single-user file systems. Leading the new releases is OpenUtilities Substation+, which brings these AI-powered, collaborative digital twin capabilities to the complex domain of substation design, helping to minimize errors when multiple teams are involved.
Another key application, SYNCHRO+, reimagines 4D construction modeling by integrating AI to improve project management and scheduling. This follows the 2024 rollout of OpenSite+, which leverages AI for civil site design. The common element across these tools is the Bentley Co-pilot, an AI assistant that understands the context of the infrastructure project. It assists users with natural language prompts, streamlining workflows and handling complex calculations that were previously done manually. This AI assistant is being deployed across Bentley’s entire portfolio of engineering applications as well as the Bentley Infrastructure Cloud.
The Nature of an Infrastructure Digital Twin
A digital twin, in the context of Bentley’s ecosystem, is a virtual replica of a physical asset that evolves throughout its lifecycle. It is more than just a static 3D model; it is a dynamic, data-rich environment that provides a holistic view of infrastructure both above and below ground. These twins achieve this by combining and federating several distinct types of data into one unified view.
Data Integration
The first layer is engineering data, which includes the detailed design and modeling information created in applications like OpenRoads Designer or OpenRails Designer. The second layer is “reality data,” which captures the real-world conditions of a project site or existing asset, often gathered using technologies like drones and laser scanning. The third critical layer is IoT data, which involves information collected from sensors connected to the physical object, providing real-time performance metrics. By integrating these disparate data sources, the digital twin becomes a comprehensive and continuously updated source of truth.
AI-Powered Analytics and Operations
With a comprehensive digital twin in place, artificial intelligence and machine learning can be applied to unlock powerful new insights and automate demanding tasks. By analyzing the vast datasets contained within the twin, AI algorithms can identify patterns, perform predictive analytics, and isolate anomalies that might indicate potential failures or maintenance needs. This allows infrastructure owners and operators to move from a reactive to a proactive approach, anticipating and avoiding issues before they arise.
One of the most significant applications is in asset inspections. Using AI-based computer vision, the system can analyze imagery from drones and robots to automate inspection tasks. This allows human experts to conduct detailed inspections remotely, increasing their productivity and reducing the risks associated with sending personnel into hazardous environments. These AI-driven analytics, branded as Bentley Asset Analytics, provide actionable information for remediation and maintenance planning, ultimately optimizing the performance and longevity of infrastructure assets.
A Vision for Connected Infrastructure
Company executives emphasized that these technological advancements serve a broader vision of creating a fully connected digital ecosystem for infrastructure. CEO Nicholas Cumins stated that the goal of AI is to empower infrastructure engineers, not to replace them. This human-centered approach is built on a concept called the “digital thread,” which is a digital representation of an asset’s entire lifecycle, from manufacturing and construction to operations and maintenance. This thread ensures that data is accessible and consistent for all teams at every stage, breaking down the information silos that often hinder large-scale projects.
This integrated approach helps bridge what Cumins described as a global productivity gap in the industry. By embedding intelligence directly into the infrastructure lifecycle, project teams can make better, more informed decisions. Julien Moutte, Chief Technology Officer, noted that connecting people and data more effectively allows teams to deliver superior solutions. The ultimate goal is for the infrastructure of the future not just to be designed, but to learn and adapt based on a continuous flow of data.
Strategic Platforms and Collaboration
Bentley’s strategy is not being executed in isolation. The company is leveraging partnerships with major technology firms to build the foundation for its digital twin ecosystem. The cloud-based infrastructure for these solutions is built on Microsoft Azure, which provides the necessary platform for applying AI and advanced analytics to the federated datasets within the digital twins. Bentley and Microsoft are also founding members of the Digital Twin Consortium, collaborating to advance industry best practices.
Furthermore, the company has partnered with Google to integrate advanced geospatial data into its platform. This allows for the inclusion of photorealistic 3D tiles and other capabilities from Google Maps within Bentley’s software suite, enriching the context and reality data layers of the digital twins. These collaborations are essential for creating a robust, secure, and scalable environment capable of handling the immense complexity of modern infrastructure projects.
