Ayesa head of ground engineering and tunnelling Cláudio Cabral Dias is pushing wider adoption of subsurface 3D ground modelling to de‑risk next‑generation tunnelling, but warns that success depends on structured retraining rather than simply buying new software. He points to integrated 3D geological models that combine borehole logs, geophysics and historical excavation data to predict fault zones and variable rock mass behaviour ahead of TBM drives. Dias stresses that design teams, site engineers and contractors must all learn to interrogate and update these models in real time if they are to influence alignment, support classes and construction sequencing.

AI tools that auto-generate options for 2D drawings, BIM models and outline design calculations in hours instead of weeks are forcing consultants to rethink fee structures built around the billable hour. Senior engineers may shift from producing drawings to curating AI outputs, validating load paths, checking code compliance and managing design risk, while fewer junior staff are needed for repetitive drafting and quantity take-off. Competitive advantage is likely to hinge on proprietary workflows, training data and QA processes, rather than simply having access to generic AI design software.

Moxa has launched its UC-3400A and UC-4400A 64-bit Arm-based industrial computers with integrated 5G/LTE and Wi-Fi 6, targeting edge deployments in harsh mining environments. The fanless units support wide operating temperatures, DIN-rail or wall mounting, and multiple serial/Ethernet ports for connecting legacy PLCs, sensors and IP cameras across pits, plants and remote haul roads. For mine operators, the combination of cellular and Wi-Fi backhaul enables more resilient telemetry, condition monitoring and fleet data capture where fibre or fixed networks are sparse.