Innovation Begins with Dialogue

Where experience meets new technology: At the 17th Project Dialogue on Microtunnelling, hosted by VMT GmbH and Jackcontrol AG, Switzerland, industry experts came together to discuss current developments, challenging projects and innovative technologies in trenchless construction.

Open exchange of knowledge and different perspectives creates new ideas and inspiration for the future of underground construction.

From Practice, for Practice

Five technical presentations offered insights into a wide range of microtunnelling applications and highlighted the diverse challenges involved in underground construction.
Topics included the construction of a pipe umbrella for an underpass in Bangkok’s busy metro network and challenging water crossings in Zurich. Other presentations focused on the growing role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and intelligent documentation in pipe jacking.

The discussions made one thing clear: the solutions of tomorrow’s underground construction industry emerge where practical experience meets new technology and different perspectives.

Digitalisation and AI in Tunnelling

A key focus of the discussions was how digital tools, AI-powered applications and intelligent documentation solutions can support day-to-day work in tunnelling and pipe jacking.
Particular attention was given to their potential to make documentation and information management more efficient, transparent and accessible. The open exchange between industry practitioners, planners and technology experts highlighted concrete approaches and potential applications for further advancing digitalisation across the industry.

Sharing Knowledge, Exchanging Experience

For 17 years, the Project Dialogue has served as a platform for professional exchange and knowledge sharing within the industry. In addition to the technical presentations, the event provided plenty of opportunities for questions, discussions and personal conversations.

The conversations continued over dinner in a relaxed atmosphere, providing an opportunity to deepen existing connections and make new ones.

A sincere thank you to all speakers and participants for the valuable insights, thought-provoking questions and open exchange.

Once again, the event demonstrated how important sharing knowledge and experience is in driving innovative solutions for underground construction.