Can we imagine our skyscrapers being built on sand? Thanks to geotechnical engineering, we can ensure that doesn’t happen. As the silent force beneath urban life, geotechnical engineering is crucial, especially with increasing climate risks and urban density—particularly in vertical cities like Hong Kong.
We extend our gratitude to AECOM, a global leader in GeoTech engineering, for inviting our Founding Chairman Dr. Charm to join a panel with experts from engineering firms, government, and academia. Together, we explored how AI can drive smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure. Special thanks to Thomson Lai, Dr. Ryan Yan, and Yvonne Cheu from AECOM for facilitating this insightful gathering.
Analytical, generative, and agentic AI are redefining how we analyze, simulate, and design our underground world, making Hong Kong a global testbed for AI-powered geotech innovation.
Highlights:
- AECOM employs AI tools for slope stability, tunnel monitoring, and ESG-integrated designs.
- The Road Defect Detection System (RDDS) utilizes GeoAI for real-time pavement diagnostics.
- PolyU & BOKU collaborate to simulate subsurface behavior and train AI-native geotech talent.
- Startups like Geotica.ai provide AI toolkits (GeoGPT, MapCPT, GeoLens) to empower engineers.
From smart slopes to underground resilience, the GeoTech revolution has begun—and it’s transforming infrastructure from below the surface.
