Digitalization and Innovation

Likewise, in the case of digital platforms, observability services have been implemented to monitor the use and operation of applications and infrastructures in real time, also contributing to improve maintenance and evolution in a more proactive and efficient way. The latest digital assets provided by Ferrovial, such as AIVIA or NextPass, already feature this service.

Ferrovial has also progressed in its process transformation program, with new automation tools such as UIPath, PowerAutomate and PowerApps. This program, based on the opportunities detected, allows to improve the efficiency of certain procedures and reduce repetitive tasks, increasing employee productivity, for example, by issuing automated reports on control, auditing or management of financial or IT service requests. Process mining is being tested in some departments, such as accounting, to automate the identification of improvement opportunities through AI and facilitate their implementation.

The value of technological transformation is only possible through people. Ferrovial encourages this cultural change by implementing change management and training programs such as Digital Skilling, aimed at complementing and extending the skills of work teams through continuous training. In 2023, one of the most relevant initiatives was the Learning Days, a periodic event focused on the development of digital skills and the exchange of knowledge between employees and other external stakeholders.

Finally, it is fundamental for Ferrovial to leverage the capabilities of external partners through solid strategic alliances. In 2023, in addition to strengthening the alliance with Microsoft, other strategic agreements were reached with NTT Data and Salesforce for the digitalization of infrastructures, development of digital solutions for industry and the promotion of the launch of a Center of Excellence by NTT Data in Spain. Another of its main strategic alliances has been formalized with the Spanish technology company Sngular for the joint deployment of solutions through digital products based on artificial intelligence and IoT.

INNOVATION

Innovation in Ferrovial begins with priorities defined by the business units. Competitive advantages are generated through exploration and experimentation with new technologies and methodologies, and a sustainable impact is ensured thanks to the transformation of the business and the development of new products and services. Ferrovial therefore pursues an Innovation Strategy, framed within Digital Horizon 24 and aimed at creating impact in the following areas:

Generate efficiencies and competitive advantages

The search for competitive advantages by improving productivity through automation and robotization is one of the main strategic focuses. Ferrovial was the first infrastructure company in the world to provide its employees with MAIA (My Artificial Intelligence Assistant), a generative artificial intelligence tool that simplifies daily tasks, boosting productivity through solutions that incorporate the latest technological advances.

In addition, it has managed to add value by automating operations in infrastructure construction. One example is the stakeout robots, capable of autonomous and accurate measurements and stakeouts, saving time, increasing people’s safety and reducing costs in construction projects.

Sustainable infrastructure development is also a major priority for Ferrovial, and therefore solutions have been implemented to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects.

The company also continues to deploy parametric and generative design techniques that use algorithms and specialized software to create complex and customized 3D models, optimizing infrastructure design and improving its efficiency and competitiveness.

Transforming the business

Innovation is a backbone of the transformation process of Ferrovial’s different business units. This process affects every stage of the infrastructure management value chain, from the bidding phase, infrastructure design, construction, asset operation and maintenance.

Ferrovial operates an open innovation model. The Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Mobility, Asset Management and Energy and Sustainability, specialized units that lead the implementation of strategic innovation projects that are transversal to the different lines of business and generate added value with a range of projects.

AIVIA is one of the main Mobility CoE initiative, which consists of developing and implementing the physical and digital infrastructure needed for the toll roads of the future. Thanks to capabilities such as teleoperation, predictive maintenance or automation, it will be possible to ensure a correct transition where conventional, connected and autonomous vehicles can coexist in harmony, maximizing safety and traffic flow on Ferrovial’s toll roads.

In the Asset Management CoE, Ferrovial has designed Transversal Asset Management, an innovative and flexible platform that digitizes asset management activities and processes in Ferrovial’s business units and its core assets.

Finally, Ferrovial’s Sustainability and Energy CoE implements projects and carries out decarbonization solutions aligned with the company’s sustainability strategy. The use of renewable and alternative fuels to diesel, experimentation with new technologies for renewable and low-carbon generation, storage and smart grids are some of the lines of work.