NHS using AI technology to build UK hospital

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) has announced that the new Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Bournemouth, UK is the first hospital facility in the UK to be built using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology.

BEACH main entrance visual (Photo: University Hospital Dorset)

The technology, Buildots, automatically analyses data captured at the site via helmet-mounted 360-degree cameras. The platform then generates true-to-life progress reports supported by visuals, providing managers and stakeholders with accurate, objective data and in-depth analysis.

The Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s new BEACH building (Births, Emergency And Critical Care, Children’s Health) is said will include a new purpose-built maternity unit, purpose-built children’s unit, enhanced emergency department and critical care unit. 

The BEACH Building is planned to open in early 2025 and forms part of the £250 million transformation of UHD’s hospitals, including Poole and Christchurch Hospitals.

The project is being undertaken by UHD’s main contractor for transformation, Integrated Health Projects (IHP) – an alliance between Vinci Construction UK and building and civil engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine.

Bruce Preston, Project Director at IHP, said,  “We’re proud that the BEACH building construction is the first NHS transformation project to use this great system. By embracing Buildots smart technology, we’re able to use AI and 3D model vision to efficiently track build progress compared with design and schedule to help ensure we remain on course.”