Mastering AI exploration in construction

Ammara is currently in her final year of a Master’s degree on the engineering of data-intensive intelligent software systems, and it was during an exchange program with Mälardalen University (MDU) in Sweden that she spent the summer of 2024 working at Volvo CE’s state-of-the-art technology hub in Eskilstuna.

It is a partnership designed to benefit both parties – bringing AI expertise that is at the forefront of research and innovation into the company while also providing Ammara with valuable insights into industry applications.

“Construction was not on my radar at first,” says Ammara. “But when I saw the opportunity to work with Volvo CE come up, I was excited to get started on a totally new area and apply my work in a real-world setting for the first time.”

Her objective was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different 2D and 3D sensors – LiDAR, and RGB and fisheye cameras – on construction sites by conducting a thorough comparative study across various visual conditions. The sensors were analyzed via simulations across different weather types and different ranges to see which ones performed best. 

The goal was therefore to see how perception sensors could make the operation of construction equipment even safer, tools that Ammara believes will be integrated as standard within the industry.

“It was a significant task that was of course specific to Volvo CE, but I was given enough freedom to explore the technologies in the way I wanted,” she says. “It was the perfect balance between guidance and experimentation, so whenever I needed to discuss a way forward I always had a manager on hand to guide me.

“The culture of the business was what really impressed me. I was given a tour of the facility on my first day, which allowed me to make connections and friendships (with both employees and other students) which has continued throughout my time here.”

Originally from Pakistan and following a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in software engineering, Ammara moved to Finland to start a two-year Erasmus Masters’ program in 2023. 

“I had been working as a software developer in Pakistan, but decided that I really wanted to focus on AI instead,” she said. “I knew that I needed that industry focus so made a choice to move to the Nordics where there were more opportunities to focus my studies and gain from industry experience.” 

Thanks to the international focus of her Erasmus program, she was able to study first in Finland and then Sweden – during which she took part in the internship at Volvo CE. While in Europe, she has also been able to take advantage of shorter programs, such as a week of lectures in Italy.

The colder weather and shorter days in the Nordics may have been a big change from the sunny climate of her home country, but she fully immersed herself into the local culture of Eskilstuna. 

In particular, she noted the exceptional work life balance, the cleanliness of the cities and of course Swedish fika. Traditional fika takes place every day and is a chance to chat with people outside of the day-to-day work over a coffee and a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun). Not only is it a chance to make friends, but it also serves as a great way to network and expand knowledge about the company.

The team at MDU was also very supportive in setting her up for success. “I did not have any connections with Sweden before I started so there were some logistical concerns that I needed help with, but MDU were great supporting me with all the arrangements, such as regarding permission to study abroad.

While her studies are currently dedicated to the broader topic of software engineering, it was this summer research that has inspired her to potentially delve deeper into AI for the future. And she is excited to see where that might take her.

Her advice for others looking to take part in an internship? “Go for it”, she says. “It might seem like a lot to get to know at first because there are so many buzzwords and new terminology, but your peers help you a lot. You’ll quickly find you develop the skills you need and that you really enjoy it.”

Helena Jerregård, deputy vice-chancellor cooperation at MDU, says: "We are delighted with our collaboration with Volvo CE. Real project opportunities enhance the relevance and quality of our education, and we continually strive to improve our cooperation. Students like Ammara inspire both faculty in academia and serves as role models for other students."

Johanna Huggare, Head of Operator & Electronic Systems at Volvo CE, says: “Innovation in AI technologies and smart software development are key drivers in transforming the future of construction, and collaborations like this are essential to driving progress. By working with talented students like Ammara, we not only gain fresh perspectives and expertise but also contribute to the future of our industry. AI-powered solutions have the potential to make construction equipment safer, more efficient, and more sustainable, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this journey.”