A 3D-printed pedestrian smart bridge designed in the UAE made its debut at Autodesk University 2022 conference in New Orleans last month, the 3D Printing Media Network reported. The 5m bridge prototype — which utilizes AI, robotics and digital twin technology — was designed by Lebanese engineering company Dar Al-Handasah in partnership with the USD-based software company Autodesk.

It’s not only 3D-printed — it’s also smart: Digital twin technology allows the companies to use real-time data to track how the bridge will perform and deal with strains over time. “The smart bridge [combines] evolutionary designs, recyclable materials with a low carbon footprint, and the latest technology that can create and transform a state structure into a smart one, linked to an interactive artificial intelligence system with the ability to monitor, report, and take action,” director of the structures and IT departments at Dar Al Handasah Charles Malek said.