Arup and IESVE win Design Innovation trophy at the Digital Construction Awards
19 March 2026
NavLive wins Best Use of AI at the Digital Construction Awards
19 March 2026
NavLive won Best Use of AI, sponsored by DC+, at the Digital Construction Awards 2026 last night (18 March).
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NavLive set out to develop a handheld, AI-powered scanner to generate usable building data – including 2D floorplans, elevations and 3D point cloud models – in minutes, directly on site.
The goal was to democratise high-quality spatial data capture, giving architects, surveyors and construction professionals the ability to verify as-built conditions instantly, without manual processing or cloud dependency. Early research involved testing sensor fusion methods and edge AI models using the NVIDIA Jetson platform.
NavLive’s innovation lies in the seamless integration of AI, LiDAR and high-resolution photography, processed on-device through a proprietary algorithm. The system recognises and aligns spatial features, automatically reconstructing outputs such as point clouds, floorplans and elevations.
What the judges said
“This delivers exceptional, practical AI innovation. This is a well-executed example of integrated technology delivering measurable value to BIM processes and project delivery.”
The handheld scanner precisely tracks its position while mapping the surrounding environment as the user walks. Using edge computing, the system processes camera imagery in real-time to detect and classify objects such as walls, windows and doors. These objects are then integrated into an AI-generated floorplan. Deep learning is applied to the point cloud data, segmenting up to 20 object classes to enhance understanding.
The resulting floorplan can be exported directly in DXF format for compatibility with Autodesk, Revit and other CAD applications. It also produces LOD 300 3D models that can be used in SketchUp and Revit to support the creation of BIM models.
Object recognition is performed directly on the device, eliminating the need for internet connectivity or cloud servers. The model was trained on hundreds of real-world building datasets. It enables real-time, in-field validation.
During development, NavLive upskilled its engineering team in deep learning optimisation, AI model compression and sensor fusion.
NavLive’s AI-driven scanner has already delivered measurable improvements for early adopters in the UK, including AWW Architects and BW: Workplace Experts. Projects that once required days of surveying and manual data processing can now be completed in under an hour.
Other finalists
- BidLevel | ProcurePro
- District One | Ramboll
- Scaling information management in the AI era | Hoppa/AtkinsRéalis
- The Knowledge Hub AI: redefining how Willmott Dixon wins with intelligence | Tribus Digital/Willmott Dixon
- Transforming inspection test plans with AI | Taylor Woodrow
For example, using NavLive’s scanner and AI software, BW scanned an eight-storey bank in London in under 30 minutes, generated floorplans instantly, and produced a BIM model within hours. Previously, this process required multiple surveyors and a two-week turnaround. The project alone saved BW around £50,000 in time and cost.
The Digital Construction Awards are organised by Digital Construction Week, the Chartered Institute of Building, DC+ and Construction Management. Read about the rest of the winners.
To find out more about the Awards and enquire about sponsorship or entering next year’s event, visit digitalconstructionawards.co.uk.
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