Deswik, part of Sandvik Mining, has launched Deswik NOVA, an integrated surface mine planning platform that combines mining, blending and haulage in a single environment. The tool is aimed at data-intensive open pits where planners must rapidly test multiple scenarios, linking block models, stockpile balances and truck haulage routes without exporting between separate packages. For geotechnical and mining engineers, this promises tighter coupling between pit designs, material movement schedules and plant feed quality control, with fewer manual hand-offs and version risks.

Prolec’s SiteGuard Pro virtual barrier system is now integrated into Trimble Earthworks, combining a height and slew limiter with automatic motion‑inhibit to stop excavators when 3D site‑referenced ceilings, walls, floors or surfaces are at risk of being breached. Avoidance zones can be defined in Trimble Business Center and enforced directly from the Earthworks cab display, preventing boom, stick, bucket and counterweight from entering restricted envelopes during normal excavation workflows. The system targets high‑risk environments such as nuclear sites, work near overhead cables and high‑value infrastructure, enabling contractors to meet motion‑inhibit tender requirements in the UK.

Australia’s transport infrastructure sector is being pushed to deliver more road and rail projects, faster, despite chronic shortages of experienced designers, modellers and project managers. Autodesk argues the practical AI opportunity is using tools such as automated clash detection, generative alignment options and machine‑assisted quantity take‑offs to extend the capacity of scarce senior engineers rather than replace them. For geotechnical and civil teams, this points to AI handling repetitive corridor design, drainage iteration and documentation, freeing specialists to focus on constructability, risk and stakeholder constraints.