The link between research, industry and institutions in the field of civil engineering was discussed during We Make Future 2026 on the thematic stage “AI for Civil Engineering”, co-organized by the Italian Institute of Artificial Intelligence, ReLUIS and ARtIStE.
Sebastiano Panichella, Head of the IDeaLS Research Lab (Intelligent Development and Large-Scale Systems), opened the session with a keynote highlighting the increasingly central role of artificial intelligence in the construction and infrastructure sectors, showing how AI is moving from a support tool to a structural component of complex systems. In particular, he explored key topics such as data-driven design, intelligent monitoring, and the development prospects of adaptive and resilient infrastructure.
A specific focus was dedicated to predictive maintenance, with concrete examples of AI use, including applications for monitoring and managing critical infrastructure such as bridges and complex networks, confirming how these technologies are already being adopted by companies and industry operators.
The program then featured a contribution from the President of the ReLUIS Consortium, who illustrated the state of the art of AI applied to civil engineering, followed by a series of roundtables involving experts and industrial stakeholders.
The discussion developed across several levels:
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concrete applications of AI in companies
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innovation opportunities throughout the infrastructure life cycle
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limits and concerns related to large-scale adoption, including aspects of responsibility, safety and impact on work
The initiative also strengthened the collaboration between AI4I, ReLUIS and ARtIStE, including within the framework of European projects, confirming their shared commitment to promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for the civil engineering sector.
