The Digital Construction Hub stage, hosted by Build in Digital at UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham, delivered three days of compelling insights, case studies, and forward-thinking discussions on how technology is transforming construction and the built environment.
From artificial intelligence in construction and cybersecurity in the built environment to digital twins, robotics, sustainability, and digital skills development, the packed programme highlighted how innovation and collaboration are accelerating the industry’s digital transformation.
Day One: from AI to smart buildings
Human in the loop: AI in construction
The opening session set the tone with a full house exploring the theme of “human in the loop” in the age of AI. Andrew Johnson from Okana demonstrated how artificial intelligence is revolutionising construction, but crucially reminded attendees that it is the combination of human expertise and AI-driven processes that produces the most accurate, ethical, and sustainable results.
Cybersecurity in construction: beyond IT’s problem
Cyber threats in the built environment are escalating rapidly, and cybersecurity in construction emerged as a central theme. Lisa Washer, Head of Cyber at IntaForensics, underscored that cybersecurity is now a business risk, not just an IT concern.
Lisa’s presentation explored the rise of ransomware, supply chain vulnerabilities, and deepfake-enabled fraud, with real-world case studies revealing the financial and reputational risks. Her key message was clear:
- Cyber resilience must be embedded into company culture.
- Contractors and suppliers are directly accountable for cyber breaches. Practical, non-technical measures can be adopted today to improve resilience.
Building smart with digital twins
Session three featured Wayne Brown (Cupix) and Steve Rudge (Symetri Europe) unpacking the transformative potential of AI-powered digital twins in construction. Moving beyond static models, the speakers showcased how immersive 3D digital twins enhance real-time visibility, reduce risk, and support lifecycle collaboration.
A case study of Stockholm Central Station demonstrated tangible results—proving digital twins are not abstract concepts but working solutions that can deliver smarter, more efficient outcomes.
Robotics in construction: from research to reality
A standout panel brought together robotics experts, academics, and contractors to discuss the role of robotics in construction. Topics ranged from aerial drones capturing real-time site data to autonomous ground-based systems improving logistics and safety.
Speakers: Henry Fenby-Taylor ( Athenophilia), Danny Williams (Visible Aspect Services Lid) Shirin Dora (Loughborough University) and Eva Magnisali (DataForm Lab) highlighted how robotics are enhancing safety, risk management, and decision-making. The consensus was clear: robotics are already augmenting human skill on UK construction sites, rather than replacing it.
Digital twins as the foundation of AEC/O
Another highlight came from Andreas Steyer of Nemetschek dTwin, who emphasised that digital twins will be the backbone of a connected, intelligent built environment. He outlined how interoperability, openness, and data continuity are critical to maximising value from digital twins across the project lifecycle.
Kier Group: building smart, connected teams
Day one concluded with a panel from Kier Group exploring what it really takes to deliver smart buildings and intelligent environments. The session reinforced that:
- Collaboration between people is the true infrastructure for transformation.
- Culture and digital capability must evolve together.
Practical lessons from Kier’s projects show smart construction is not just theory, it’s business as usual.
The takeaway: smart buildings require ecosystems of people, processes, and purpose, not just technology.
Day Two: digital transformation, data, and generative AI
McLaughlin & Harvey’s digital transformation blueprint
The second day began with an inspiring case study on digital transformation in construction, delivered by Glenn McCaffrey BSc Arch (Digital Construction Director, McLaughlin & Harvey) and Satyam Verma (AEC Practice Leader, Construction, Egnyte).
By aligning ISO 19650 standards, deploying digital collaboration tools, and embedding a people-led strategy, McLaughlin & Harvey demonstrated measurable improvements in safety, productivity, and project certainty across more than 40 live sites.
Simulation-driven construction control
Jonas Wolpold of BII GmbH delivered a live demonstration of process twins and simulation-driven construction control. Attendees saw how sandbox simulations can evolve into real-time project control tools, proving digital construction is no longer about design alone, but about live project intelligence across the construction lifecycle.
Housing delivery and digital platforms
Housing targets remain a key UK policy issue. PlanRadar’s Angel Georgiev discussed how digital platforms support housebuilders in meeting Future Homes Standard and Building Safety Act requirements. Demonstrations showed how tools reduce defects, streamline quality assurance, and improve collaboration across stakeholders.
Circular economy and structured product data
Shervin Yousefzadeh (Head of Construction, GS1) and Stephen Hamil (Innovation Director, Hubexo) presented on integrating GS1 standards with NBS tools to enhance construction workflows through structured product data. This approach improves accuracy, traceability, and interoperability—critical foundations for a connected and circular built environment.
Data as the foundation for AI in construction
A dynamic panel discussion, comprising Alex Hall (Director, The Access Group), Steve Higgins (Construction Director, Ascia Construction), Adeel Mirza (Consultant, Emberon) and Lilian Ho (Programme Director, ZIGURAT Institute of Technology) addressed why data management is the ultimate enabler for AI adoption in construction. The experts agreed that AI requires robust, reliable data to drive outcomes across procurement, finance, and project delivery. Without strong data infrastructure, AI cannot deliver meaningful value.
Generative AI and the future of construction
The day closed with a Women in BIM panel on Generative AI in construction. Chaired by Mairéad Gallagher Morgan Gallagher (BIM Lead, Grimshaw Architects), with panellists Lilian Ho (Women in BIM Regional Lead), Hadeel Safaa Saadoon (Turner & Townsend), and Emma Rees (Wates Group), explored real-world applications of GenAI, from design automation to agile project planning.
While enthusiasm for AI was clear, the session cautioned against uncritical adoption, stressing the importance of governance, security, and responsible use.
Day Three: sustainability, skills, and human-centred BIM
Driving Sustainability in Construction
The final day opened with an exploration of sustainable construction and energy innovation. The Energy Innovation Agency presented case studies showing how partnerships and low-carbon technologies are driving measurable cost and carbon savings across property portfolios.
David Schiele (BSc, MAPM, MCIWM, Director, Energy Innovation Agency), Kevin Aisbitt (Innovation Project Manager, Energy Innovation Agency) and Kevin Clarke ( Account Delivery Manager, Procure Plus) showed how collaboration emerged as the key enabler of scalable sustainability solutions.
Construction Leadership Council: digital skills framework launch
A landmark session saw the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) launch a new digital skills framework, providing practical tools for organisations to assess digital maturity and identify training needs.
The panel comprising Dr Bola Abisogun (OBE (Hon DUniv, Hon MBA), Founder & CEO, Digital Twin Skills Academy CIC), Paul Drayton (Head of Digital Europe, Laing O’Rourke), David Emery (Consultant, Supply Chain Sustainability School (UK)), Dr Robert Illes (Director, Opal Flame Consultancy) and Lucy Davies (Director, 2 Counties Construction (Midlands) Ltd) stressed that without digital upskilling, no contractor, large or small, can remain competitive in the modern built environment.
Preparing the workforce for a digital future
Building on the CLC’s launch, BRE Academy hosted a panel on addressing the digital skills gap in construction. The discussion highlighted the importance of upskilling today’s workforce, embedding digital skills in education pipelines, and overcoming cultural barriers to adoption.
Chaired by Polly Wilkinson, (Head of BRE Academy)the session brought together leading voices to tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the digital skills gap.
The panelists were Mike Tofton (BIM & Digital Construction Lead, BRE), Gaynor Tennant (from the Offsite Alliance), and Paul Woddy (Vice Chair for Upskilling and Education – WeAreNima.im) who highlighted that digital capability is as much about people and mindset as it is about tools.
Practical AI in construction
Andrew Whyatt-Sames, AI Psychologist and co-founder of uptakeAI, delivered live demonstrations of AI tools in action. His practical approach tackled concerns about trust, data systems, and skills gaps, showing that with just 16 hours of upskilling, professionals can save a full working day per week.
The message was clear: AI in UK construction must be embraced with confidence, responsibility, and transparency.
Human-centred Collaboration in BIM
Closing UKCW’s Digital Construction Hub, Monika Filusch (CEO of FRESCON), reminded attendees that BIM success depends on people, not just technology.
Her session on human-centred collaboration in BIM projects used a real-world residential development case study to demonstrate how empathy, flexibility, and trust can transform fragmented delivery into meaningful, collaborative outcomes. Her key takeaway was that though technology is powerful, it is people that make it work.
Key themes and takeaways from the Digital Construction Hub
Across three days of high-impact sessions, several recurring themes emerged:
- AI in Construction: AI is already reshaping workflows, but human expertise remains central to ensuring ethical, accurate, and sustainable outcomes.
- Cybersecurity in the Built Environment: the construction sector faces escalating cyber risks, requiring cultural as well as technical resilience.
- Digital Twins in AEC/O: beyond static models, intelligent, interoperable digital twins are enabling real-time visibility, risk reduction, and lifecycle collaboration.
- Robotics and Automation: far from replacing humans, robotics are augmenting skills, improving safety, and streamlining project delivery.
- Digital Transformation and Skills Development: from ISO 19650 adoption to workforce upskilling, digital maturity is now a survival requirement for contractors and consultants alike.
- Sustainability and Energy Transition: collaborative innovation is essential for delivering low-carbon, cost-effective, and future-proofed infrastructure.
- Human-Centred Digital Adoption: whether through BIM collaboration or AI-enabled processes, people, culture, and governance remain the backbone of successful digital construction.
The Digital Construction Hub at UK Construction Week 2025 showcased a construction industry in the midst of profound transformation. Across AI, cybersecurity, robotics, digital twins, sustainability, and digital skills, the sessions revealed both the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
One clear message resonated throughout: technology alone cannot transform construction. Real progress requires collaboration, skills development, governance, and a people-first approach.
As UK construction accelerates its digital journey, the insights from the Digital Construction Hub will be essential for industry professionals seeking to adopt innovation, mitigate risk, and build a smarter, more sustainable future for the built environment.
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