How are AI and automation shaping the next generation of tunnelling? Dr Rich Laver, AI Lead at Maxwell GeoSystems, joined the panel at the British Tunnelling Society Conference 2026 to explore what comes next.
The Maxwell GeoSystems team at Booth F13, BTS Conference 2026.
Artificial intelligence is already changing the way tunnels are designed, delivered and operated.
Leading experts from client, contractor and consultant organisations explored real-world applications, future opportunities and the risks that cannot be ignored. From AI as today’s productivity tool to tomorrow’s autonomous project teams, the interactive panel examined how the technology could reshape underground infrastructure.
NOVA gives tunnelling teams a human-language interface to their instrumentation data - ask a question, get an answer.
The industry has moved past asking if AI belongs in underground infrastructure.
The harder questions the panel took on:
Where is AI delivering real value versus inflated expectations?
What happens to procurement, risk allocation and skills when project teams start becoming semi-autonomous?
How industry leaders are using AI to transform major infrastructure projects.
Where AI is delivering measurable value today — and where expectations may exceed reality.
How AI could transform design, construction, asset management and project delivery.
The impact on skills, jobs, risk, procurement and decision-making.
How to prepare your organisation for the next generation of tunnel delivery.
Panel Expert
AI Lead, Senior Technical Manager
Maxwell GeoSystems
Rich brought a technical, applied perspective to the conversation — grounded in what AI can and can’t yet do on live projects.
Technical Excellence Lead Tunnels
Mott MacDonald
Leading experts from client, contractor and consultant organisations.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by Booth F13. If you'd like to explore how AI is being applied in geotechnical and tunnelling workflows today, and what it could mean for your projects, our team is happy to continue the conversation.
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