AECOM launches AI Innovation Centre in Singapore to transform underground infrastructure planning

AECOM Launches AI Innovation Centre for Underground Infrastructure in Singapore

Global infrastructure firm AECOM has established an Underground Infrastructure AI Innovation Centre in Singapore, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). This initiative focuses on advancing sustainable urban development by optimising the use of underground spaces.

The centre is staffed by digital experts with backgrounds in urban planning and infrastructure. Their primary goal is to develop AI-driven solutions that enhance data quality and improve the mapping of underground utilities. These efforts will help safeguard underground spaces for ongoing and future infrastructure projects.

Collaboration is key. AECOM plans to work alongside educational institutions, industry partners, and government agencies to apply its digital tools for training and skill building.

Practical Benefits and Software Development

The centre is creating software to automate workflows involved in underground utility design and surveying. This software aims to:

• Reduce the need for manual checks
• Support regulatory compliance
• Prevent project delays and avoid unnecessary work

These tools assess the accuracy of current underground data, pinpoint areas with severe space congestion, and offer recommendations for optimising underground space use. They also consider constructability, maintainability, and overall feasibility.

This approach streamlines work on utility corridor studies, which often rely on multiple utility plans and trial trench reports. The efficiencies gained will support large infrastructure projects across Singapore.

Industry Perspective

Jee Yi Ying, managing director of AECOM Singapore, noted, “Infrastructure planning in dense urban environments like Singapore demands innovation. The Underground Infrastructure AI Innovation Centre represents a bold step forward in how we use digital tools to solve complex underground design challenges. With EDB’s support, we’re accelerating infrastructure delivery and building capabilities that benefit Singapore and beyond.”

Junie Fo, vice-president and head of EDB Professional Services, added, “AECOM’s AI Innovation Centre shows the potential of AI-powered engineering for smarter urban planning and development. It will help develop local talent with advanced digital skills, strengthen Singapore’s position as a global AI hub, and drive innovation in the built environment sector.”

Looking Ahead

The centre’s software development and collaborative efforts reflect a wider trend toward digital transformation in infrastructure planning. For professionals interested in AI applications within urban development and utility management, this presents valuable insights into practical AI integration.

Last month, AECOM also secured a contract to redevelop the Albert Park Pit Building in Melbourne, Australia, illustrating its ongoing commitment to infrastructure projects across the Asia-Pacific region.

For those interested in expanding their AI skills in infrastructure or related fields, exploring targeted AI courses can provide practical knowledge on deploying AI tools effectively. See Complete AI Training’s latest AI courses for relevant options.