See the Future of Construction with These Innovation Sessions at AU 2024

The construction industry wouldn’t be where it is today without the bold visionaries who chose to challenge the norm. These are the people who refused to accept things as they were; those who came up with creative solutions to problems and found new ways of doing things.  

Innovators move businesses—and ultimately entire industries—forward. Their ideas innovations enhance our efficiency, allowing us to accomplish tasks more effectively and swiftly. 

AU 2024: The Design & Make Conference is the premier event for innovators in architecture, design, and construction. This highly anticipated in-person function will be held in San Diego between October 15-17, so mark your calendars! 

Why Driving Innovation in the AEC Industry is Vital 

Innovation is one of the key reasons why so many industry professionals have attended Autodesk University in the past. And this year, we fully expect it to be top of mind, given the pace of change in the construction sector, particularly when it comes to digital transformation and tech. 

Staying on top of these changes is necessary for success. Research shows that digitally-savvy firms outperform non-savvy companies by as much as 48% on revenue and 15% on net margin.  

If you want to stay ahead of the competition, then you must keep up with the innovations happening within the AEC industry.  

Learn About the Latest in Innovation at AU 2024 

AU 2024 is packed with resources and opportunities that can help you drive innovation at your firm. From informative classes to networking functions, you’ll be sure to gain new ideas and perspectives at every turn.  

Innovation-focused topics for you to discover at AU 2024 include: 

  • AR, VR, and mixed reality 
  • Digital twins  
  • Robotics 
  • Laser scanning 
  • Industrialized construction 
  • and more. 

A Look at Some Innovation-Focused Sessions at AU 2024 

(Please note, this session list is a preview only and is not comprehensive. Check out the full session catalog here.)  

CS1436 | Blockchain-Driven iPaaS for Revolutionizing Construction Management with ACC 

This session will explore the groundbreaking blockchain technology based on Autodesk Construction Cloud that unlocks today's unused construction data to the streamlined inspection process, boosting 20% of productivity aiming to alleviate labor shortages. This project has more than two dozen stakeholders and serves as a prime example of strong collaboration across the industry, contractors, technology startups, and academics. Features of our construction management software not only authenticate data but also ensure smooth integration of various data through device and applications, enabling the direct use of construction data as an integration platform as a service (iPaaS). A key element of our approach is the integration of design data because it is critical to ensure that the construction result meets the client's requirements. This key element is consistently achieved by using the API integration (Autodesk Platform Services) with Autodesk Construction Cloud. 


CS1890 | How Model-Driven Robotics Power Collaborative Intelligence on the Jobsite 

Model-based technology can virtually identify and eliminate clashes. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always translate to accurate, conflict-free layouts on the jobsite, especially when done separately by each trade contractor. New research from Dodge Construction Network shows that this traditional non-collaborative approach to jobsite layout is inherently inefficient, and frequently generates cross-trade conflicts and construction errors that cause multiple construction quality, safety, productivity, cost, and schedule issues. The research further shows that more-coordinated and collaborative multitrade processes greatly improve outcomes for everyone involved, especially when taking advantage of exciting new automation technologies that use model data. 


CS2820 | Cloudy with a Chance of Innovation: Crafting Custom Solutions with Autodesk Construction Cloud and Platform Services 

Join us on a journey through the cloud as we explore the innovative solutions crafted by Keltbray using Autodesk Construction Cloud and Autodesk Platform Services. In this session, we'll dive into the realm of infrastructure projects, including highways and energy, where Autodesk Construction Cloud has been successfully deployed and implemented. Discover how Keltbray uses Autodesk Platform Services to bridge the gaps within Autodesk Construction Cloud and enhance project workflows. From automated data extraction to seamless user access management and beyond, we'll unveil the custom tools developed by Keltbray, including the ingenious TIDP Placeholder Uploader. Furthermore, learn how Autodesk Construction Cloud serves as the cornerstone for implementing the ISO 19650 standard, revolutionizing project management practices. Get ready to soar to new heights with cloud-based innovation!


CS3443 | Construction Strategy Insight: How Autodesk Partners with the Construction Technology Ecosystem to Accelerate Innovation 

Throughout the last six years, Autodesk has been active in the construction technology space, having spent more than $1.5 billion in acquiring innovative solutions such as PlanGrid, BuildingConnected, and, most recently, Payapps. In parallel, we continue to be the leading strategic investor in construction technology startups, with investments such as Aurigo, Bridgit, and Eyrus. We’re committed to playing a pivotal role in the identification of innovative solutions to address the challenges of today's construction industry. In this session, you'll hear directly from the Autodesk Construction Strategy Team on the latest state of the startup ecosystem in construction and how this continues to evolve. The team members will share why they believe that a connected technology stack is a non-negotiable for contractors looking to future-proof their businesses. In addition, you'll hear from several of our leading customers about their approaches to connecting both platforms and point solutions to drive their desired project outcomes.  


CS1570 | What’s New, What’s Next in Autodesk Construction Cloud for Preconstruction 

Step into the forefront of innovation with Autodesk's preconstruction portfolio that spans across quantity takeoff, estimating, bid management, and qualification. Engage directly with our product experts as they discuss recently released functionality across our Autodesk Construction Cloud preconstruction portfolio that helps you focus on winning business, reducing risk, making sustainable choices, and protecting your bottom line. But that's not all. Get an exclusive sneak peek into the upcoming features on the road map. Products covered will include Autodesk BuildingConnected Pro, Bid Board Pro, TradeTapp, Autodesk Takeoff, and ProEst software. 


TH4929 | Building Tomorrow: The Future of Construction 

Explore industry trends and pioneering ideas from leaders in the Design and Make community. Theater sessions feature short talks on critical themes, from AI and the future of work to business resiliency in a time of digital transformation. Walk-ins are welcome. 

What we build is changing—and so is how we build it. Once tradition-bound, construction is becoming more connected, more efficient, and less tolerant of the waste and rework that were once hallmarks of the industry. From new, sustainable ways to use carbon-sequestering timber to new approaches that help us design, fabricate, and assemble our built world with levels of efficiency with a manufacturing mindset, explore what’s possible in construction today and what innovators are making possible tomorrow. 


CS2861 | Augmented Reality and BIM-Based Progress Tracking on the Jobsite for General Contractors 

Capturing progress data directly from the construction site is essential for streamlining the daily responsibilities of project superintendents. The availability of building information modeling (BIM)-based data in the Autodesk Build Assets tool, together with augmented reality (AR) progress reporting from sites through GAMMA AR, now provide an intuitive and reliable approach to progress tracking. Our case study will focus on the successful implementation of these technologies in a hospital project led by Batson-Cook Construction, a KAJIMA Company. We'll detail the strategies employed to effectively organize site teams for optimal data collection, the structuring of intelligent models to facilitate accurate progress tracking, and the automated processes we developed to maintain project schedules and timely payments. The presentation will conclude with a summary of best practices and essential insights gained from the experience. 


Experience Innovation in the AU Expo 

In addition to these sessions, you’ll have plenty of other opportunities to discover the latest innovations in construction. Don’t forget to stop by the AU 2024 Expo, which features offerings from Autodesk’s most trusted partners.  

The Expo will allow you to: 

  • Discover emerging technologies and trends  
  • Meet Autodesk product experts face-to-face  
  • Connect with hundreds of trusted partners 

See You at AU 2024! 

Innovation doesn’t just happen. It comes from the conscious effort of forward-thinking individuals who are committed to building a better future.  

AU 2024 empowers you to be more innovative by giving you the opportunity to experience the latest and greatest developments in the industry.  

Don’t miss your chance to attend! Register today, and we’ll see you in person in San Diego October 15-17! 

Alexa De La Parra Ramirez

Content & Communications Coordinator, Autodesk Construction Solutions