Sweco’s AI Innovation Lead, Shah Muhammad, envisions a future where artificial intelligence is instrumental in crafting smarter, more sustainable cities. He details how AI is revolutionizing urban development by optimizing processes, refining decision-making, and bolstering environmental consciousness within Sweco’s construction and engineering projects.
By leveraging AI’s prowess in analyzing massive datasets and simulating complex scenarios, Muhammad’s team is tackling pivotal questions about the design of future urban environments. This includes optimizing neighborhood layouts, mitigating traffic congestion and pollution, and engineering energy-efficient structures.
A significant challenge lies in managing the intricacies of real-world conditions. Sweco addresses this through stringent data governance, standardized formats, and interoperable software, ensuring data integrity and seamless collaboration. Notably, AI is being used to promote biodiversity in urban planning. Muhammad cited an AI-driven initiative that identifies endangered species, providing valuable insights to researchers and city planners.
Looking forward, Muhammad anticipates that predictive analytics and automation will unlock significant opportunities, leading to enhanced infrastructure safety, reduced costs, and improved project outcomes. He is scheduled to present on “Leveraging Generative and Agentic AI for Intelligent Process Automation” at the AI & Big Data Expo Europe in Amsterdam on September 24-25, 2025.