The Fetch team attended AU 2024 in San Diego, an event that not only showcased new advancements in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) but also provided an invaluable platform for industry professionals to network and learn. The conference atmosphere was buzzing with innovation as we connected with industry leaders eager to share insights on AEC trends and technologies.
Our team had a fantastic experience, strengthening our team bonds, generating new leads, and returning home energized with fresh perspectives and ideas! From discussions to hands-on workshops, AU 2024 was a hub of inspiration and knowledge exchange. Keep reading to learn about our key takeaways and reflections from this year’s event.
Emerging trends
AI is here, almost
Picture this: a future where tech turns our wildest design dreams into a reality, with just a little "boopity bop" magic—yep, that was an actual quote from one of the speakers! There was no shortage of AI updates during the conference. Here are a few of the most noteworthy updates we have for you.
Autodesk assistant
First up, say hello to the AutoDesk Assistant. Imagine a tool that understands you when you ask it questions about your documents. It'll be utilizing natural language to query documents into docs. In the near future, it's like having a little helper who might even lend a hand in tweaking your models.
AI enhancements for Fusion
Goodbye, tedious documentation and sketch constraints! Auto-dimensioning and auto-constraining are rolling out to make Fusion effortless so you can keep your focus on what really matters.
Bernini
Coming to a (digital) canvas near you, Bernini is all set to wow us with its ability to create 3D geometry using natural language, images, and sketches. It's still in the works, but we can't wait to see this come to fruition.
AI transparency
Transparency is key, right? Enter the AI Transparency Card—think of it as a nutritional label, but for your AI. It’ll show you how each feature is built, what data fuels it, and ensures you have control. d
Autodesk is on board with the AI safety squad, teaming up with NIST to keep things safe and sound in the AI universe.
Autodesk acquires Wonder Dynamics
Ever dreamt of blending animated characters with live-action films seamlessly? Thanks to AI, those characters can now mimic human movements in real-time without hours of tweaking animations manually. Looks like the future of filmmaking just got a whole lot fishier—and we're here for it! Check out how Corridor Crew implemented Wonder Dynamics to make their short film.
While we’re still playing the waiting game to get our hands on these new features, we’re buzzing with excitement about the endless possibilities.
Cracking the Data Vault - Elevate Your Projects with a Common Data Environment
Now let’s talk about something that might just be the next big thing in AEC—using all that data we’ve been stashing away. Did you know that AECO creates more data than any other industry, but a whopping 95% of it never sees the light of day?
To combat this, Autodesk is encouraging everyone to use AutoDesk Docs, our soon-to-be superhero for data. AutoDesk wants to make Docs the go-to Common Data Environment (CDE) for everyone. What does that mean for you? Say hello to workflows that turn data into something truly magical—like using Tandem to whip up digital twins or diving into virtual realms with Workshop XR. Plus, Scan to BIM processes are integrated throughout BIM projects.
New data model APIs
Another cool tidbit is the newly released AEC Data Model API! Imagine a bridge connecting all your data dots, allowing you to share exactly what your collaborators need without handing over all of your intellectual property.
Connecting data from sources outside of Autodesk
And get this—Docs isn’t just playing nice in the Autodesk sandbox. It’s integrating with programs like Rhino, Power BI, Power Automate, SolidWorks, and in the future, even Tekla.
With all these tools at our fingertips, it's high time we put our data to work and craft designs smarter than ever!
Meeting and networking
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Networking was the name of the game at AU 2024, and our team was all in! The conference was buzzing with key events, giving us a golden ticket to connect with industry peers, share insights, and spark collaborations. We made the most of every moment, both in and out of the classroom, walking away with meaningful connections that strengthened our ties to the vibrant AEC community.
One major highlight? The Content Creator Meet-Up! It was a powerhouse of ideas where content creators like us dove into video generation strategies and scored one-on-one advice from the pros. We embraced our double-content creator status, tackling conversations on how to best present our information, streamline creation, and expand our reach across streaming platforms. With plans for live sessions and more informal videos, we’re ready to amp up our content game and keep the momentum going!
Our team’s favorite learning opportunities
There were lots of workshops and interactive sessions for every person on our team. Both our newer team members and experienced designers felt there was a space for them!
Our favorite sessions included:
- Fabricating with Families - This session explored family model-making and its implications for VDC, and classes on the role of big data in building models.
- Toward Safe and Inclusive Urban Landscapes: Bringing BIM and GIS together- This session focused on project building, using ArcGIS, to see how a new build can affect the community it is being placed in. You can import a Revit file into the ArcGIS platform. It is a way to use topography and exact coordinates to place a project being built in Revit and then transferred to ArcGIS.
- Autodesk AI: AutoCAD Smart Blocks and Markup Import and Assist -We learned how using AutoCAD AI allows the user to convert exploded blocks into groups. The new AI feature also converts handwritten notes into text in AutoCAD.
- Artificial Intern: Let the Robots Get the Coffee - Practical uses for AI so that you can spend time designing and not the other stuff
Although the conference is over, your schedule should be filled with the most of the fantastic resources and follow-up materials waiting for you. Including detailed session notes, video recordings, and handy guides—everything you need to keep the learning vibes rolling and level up your professional skills. You can also visit Autodesk's website to view select on-demand sessions!
Moving forward
As we look ahead, it's clear the future of AEC design is brighter than ever! With the Content Catalog now available via Unifi Pro, storing your creative gems in the cloud is a breeze. We’re excited about the potential to make Fetch content accessible through this platform—stay tuned! And with Autodesk Docs and Collaborate Pro getting FedRAMP authorization, our military projects in Revit just got a whole lot smoother. Plus, Informed Design is here to bridge the gap between Inventor models and Revit families, letting manufacturers keep their content precise and build-ready. Let's not forget Forma is leveling up with embodied carbon analysis, Dynamo integration, and slick facade design tools. The path forward is paved with innovation, and we’re ready to take the next leap with all these game-changing tools at our disposal!
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