At the XV Congresso de Construção Metálica Mista, experts emphasised that integrating artificial intelligence enhances human expertise in metal construction, marking a pivotal shift towards smarter, more sustainable industry practices.
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the metal construction sector is no longer a distant prospect but an emerging imperative driven by the increasing complexity and ambition of the industry’s projects. This was a central theme at the XV Congresso de Construção Metálica Mista and the parallel I Congresso de Engenharia de Fachadas, organised by the Portuguese Association of Mixed and Metal Construction (CMM). The event highlighted that while AI extends the capabilities of human expertise, it does not supplant the critical role of human decision-making in the construction process.
Bernardo Sobrinho Simões de Almada Lobo, a Full Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), underscored this nuanced relationship between AI and human input. According to Almada Lobo, whose research expertise spans Operations Research and Management with applications in manufacturing and other sectors, AI’s role is to enhance human intelligence rather than replace it. Speaking at the conference, he emphasised that “the human being still has the final word and, therefore, will not be replaced.” The focus, he argued, is less about technology itself and more about how it is harnessed to optimise workflows. AI systems effectively speed up processes by maximising the use of available data, enabling faster and more comprehensive problem-solving, what Almada Lobo described as “amplifying human intelligence.”
This perspective aligns with ongoing advances in robotics and sensor technology in metal construction. Anton Zeilinger, from igm Robotersysteme AG, presented how sophisticated robotic welding systems, integrated with advanced sensors, maintain diverse production lines operating 24/7. He stressed that the critical factor is the intelligent selection and combination of technologies to achieve maximum productivity and flexibility.
Further reinforcing the transformative potential of AI, Germano Veiga of Canadian firm AGT Robotics explained that intelligent robotic welding reflects a broader trend toward continuous analysis, decision-making, and iterative improvement. Drawing on the cautionary themes of George Orwell’s “1984,” Veiga argued that unlike Orwell’s dystopian surveillance state, the future of construction robotics lies in synergistic, integrated systems. These systems, he contended, yield capabilities far exceeding the sum of their parts, a winning formula for next-generation fabrication.
The optimisation of structural design through AI represents another frontier. Filip Ljubinković of the University of Coimbra, specialising in steel and mixed structures, highlighted how computational methods and AI fuse to refine engineering processes. AI’s ability to handle complex data promises smarter, more efficient project designs and structural analyses. He succinctly posed and answered a critical question: “Will structural engineers be replaced by AI? The answer is clear, engineers who use AI will replace those who do not.” This points to an inevitable transition in engineering roles where mastery of AI tools becomes a core professional competency.
Collectively, the experts at the congress agreed that the adoption of AI in metal construction is not optional but mandatory for continued innovation and competitiveness. Europe, despite not being the sole powerhouse driving AI developments in construction, has a significant role to play in setting standards and contributing to this technological renaissance.
In sum, the metal construction industry is entering a new phase where AI acts as a powerful enabler, enhancing human skills rather than rendering them obsolete. Academic insights from FEUP and industry perspectives illustrate that the conjunction of human expertise and advanced AI-driven tools forms the cornerstone of future-ready construction practices. Professionals in industrial decarbonisation and related fields would do well to note that embracing AI technologies is essential not just for efficiency gains but for achieving sustainable, cutting-edge industrial outcomes.
- https://jornaleconomico.sapo.pt/noticias/construcao-metalica-a-inteligencia-artificial-como-a-mais-recente-das-belas-artes/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.fe.up.pt/en/people/bernardo-almada-lobo – Bernardo Almada-Lobo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DEGI) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). He is also a member of the Board at INESC TEC and co-founder of the analytics company LTPlabs. His research focuses on Operations Research and Operations Management, applying advanced analytical models to various domains, including manufacturing, health, retail, and mobility. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Porto and is a Certified Analytics Professional from The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
- https://www.fe.up.pt/en/people/bernardo-almada-lobo – Bernardo Almada-Lobo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DEGI) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). He is also a member of the Board at INESC TEC and co-founder of the analytics company LTPlabs. His research focuses on Operations Research and Operations Management, applying advanced analytical models to various domains, including manufacturing, health, retail, and mobility. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Porto and is a Certified Analytics Professional from The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
- https://www.fe.up.pt/en/people/bernardo-almada-lobo – Bernardo Almada-Lobo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DEGI) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). He is also a member of the Board at INESC TEC and co-founder of the analytics company LTPlabs. His research focuses on Operations Research and Operations Management, applying advanced analytical models to various domains, including manufacturing, health, retail, and mobility. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Porto and is a Certified Analytics Professional from The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
- https://www.fe.up.pt/en/people/bernardo-almada-lobo – Bernardo Almada-Lobo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DEGI) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). He is also a member of the Board at INESC TEC and co-founder of the analytics company LTPlabs. His research focuses on Operations Research and Operations Management, applying advanced analytical models to various domains, including manufacturing, health, retail, and mobility. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Porto and is a Certified Analytics Professional from The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
- https://www.fe.up.pt/en/people/bernardo-almada-lobo – Bernardo Almada-Lobo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DEGI) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). He is also a member of the Board at INESC TEC and co-founder of the analytics company LTPlabs. His research focuses on Operations Research and Operations Management, applying advanced analytical models to various domains, including manufacturing, health, retail, and mobility. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Porto and is a Certified Analytics Professional from The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
- https://www.fe.up.pt/en/people/bernardo-almada-lobo – Bernardo Almada-Lobo is a Full Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management (DEGI) at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto (FEUP). He is also a member of the Board at INESC TEC and co-founder of the analytics company LTPlabs. His research focuses on Operations Research and Operations Management, applying advanced analytical models to various domains, including manufacturing, health, retail, and mobility. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Porto and is a Certified Analytics Professional from The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references the XV Congresso de Construção Metálica Mista and the I Congresso de Engenharia de Fachadas, scheduled for November 20-21, 2025, at the Super Bock Arena in Porto. The event is co-organised by the Portuguese Association of Mixed and Metal Construction (CMM). ([congresso15.cmm.pt](https://congresso15.cmm.pt/?utm_source=openai)) The article was published on November 24, 2025, indicating it is current and not recycled content. However, the event is in the future, so the article may be based on press releases or pre-event information. This typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative does not include updated data but focuses on upcoming event details. No similar content was found published more than 7 days earlier. The article appears to be original and not republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Bernardo Sobrinho Simões de Almada Lobo, a Full Professor at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). A search for these quotes did not yield earlier instances, suggesting they are original to this narrative. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating the content is likely exclusive. The wording of the quotes matches the original Portuguese, with no variations found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Jornal Económico, a reputable Portuguese news outlet. However, the article is in Portuguese, which may limit accessibility for English-speaking audiences. The event details are corroborated by the official website of the XV Congresso de Construção Metálica e Mista, confirming the event’s legitimacy. ([congresso15.cmm.pt](https://congresso15.cmm.pt/?utm_source=openai)) The Portuguese Association of Mixed and Metal Construction (CMM) is a legitimate organisation, further supporting the narrative’s credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the metal construction sector, a topic that aligns with current industry trends. The XV Congresso de Construção Metálica e Mista is scheduled for November 20-21, 2025, at the Super Bock Arena in Porto, as per the official event website. ([congresso15.cmm.pt](https://congresso15.cmm.pt/?utm_source=openai)) The quotes from Bernardo Sobrinho Simões de Almada Lobo and other experts are consistent with their known professional backgrounds and areas of expertise. The language and tone are appropriate for a professional audience, and the narrative does not contain excessive or off-topic details. The structure and content are consistent with typical industry reporting, and there are no signs of disinformation.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, original, and sourced from reputable outlets. The quotes are exclusive, and the content aligns with industry trends and expert opinions. No signs of disinformation or recycled content were found.
