Table of Contents

• OpenAI’s New AI Agent Tools: A Game-Changer for Automation

• Partnership with PMG

• Google’s Gemma 3: Powerful AI on Your Phone and PC

• Presented by Cogram

• The Pentagon Embraces AI Agents for Military Operations

• Claude’s ‘Harmony’ Feature: AI That Syncs—and Works With Your Files

• Podcasts of the Week

• AI: The New Rulers of Earth? Harari Warns of a Species Takeover

• Meet Project Flux: About Us

OpenAI’s New AI Agent Tools: A Game-Changer for Automation

OpenAI has unveiled a new suite of tools designed to help businesses build AI agents capable of performing real-world tasks, not just engaging in conversations. The platform includes three built-in tools—Web Search, File Search, and Computer Use—alongside two powerful developer tools: Responses API and Agents SDK. These innovations promise to make AI more useful, proactive, and adaptable.

While many of these tools are geared towards developers, they are a critical part of the shift towards agentic work, enabling AI agents to take on more complex tasks and operate independently in ways that will transform how businesses function. Read more here.

What Does This Mean for Me?

For professionals these new tools offer exciting possibilities:

• AI-powered assistants that automate admin-heavy tasks, freeing up time for strategic work.

• Smarter project tracking and management through AI that remembers conversations and interacts with databases.

• Real-time access to crucial information via AI capable of web searching and document retrieval.

• Enhanced collaboration with AI-powered teams that can delegate tasks between specialist agents.

Key Themes or Details

• AI Agents for Real-World Tasks – Moving beyond chatbots, OpenAI’s tools help AI handle practical, complex workflows.

• Responses API – AI can search the web, process files, understand images, and interact dynamically.

• Agents SDK – Developers can build AI “teams” to manage specialised tasks and collaborate efficiently.

• Productivity Boost – AI agents could automate research, documentation, and compliance checks, streamlining project delivery.

Down the Rabbit Hole

 • OpenAI’s official announcement

 • TechCrunch’s breakdown of the new tools

Partnership with PMG

We’re thrilled to announce a collaboration between Project Flux and Project Management Global, combining expertise in AI and project management. This partnership aims to keep professionals informed with weekly AI insights, practical tools, and broader project management strategies.

Together, we’ll deliver expert analysis, hands-on resources, and thought leadership to help project managers integrate AI effectively into their workflows. As Nicola Benjamin of PMG says, “AI is a tool to embrace.” Stay tuned for exclusive content, joint research, and actionable strategies that will revolutionise how you approach project management.

Explore more at Project Management Global.

What’s new: Tech

Google’s Gemma 3: Powerful AI on Your Phone and PC

Google has launched Gemma 3, its most advanced open AI model yet, designed to run efficiently on consumer hardware—from smartphones to high end PCs. Built on Gemini 2.0 technology, Gemma 3 offers multimodal capabilities, meaning it can understand both text and images while running locally. This breakthrough could eliminate the need for expensive cloud AI services, making AI faster, more private, and cost-effective. Read more here. 

What Does This Mean for Me?

For professionals in project delivery, Gemma 3 unlocks new possibilities by enabling companies to build AI functionality while reducing the risk of sharing data with the cloud:

• AI-powered visual analysis – Scan blueprints, identify objects, or translate site signage instantly, even without internet access.

• On-device AI for security & privacy – Keep sensitive project data offline, reducing cybersecurity risks.

• Faster AI tools on everyday devices – No need for expensive hardware—Gemma 3 runs on consumer-level PCs and mobile phones.

• Cost savings – Reduce reliance on cloud services, cutting operational costs for AI-driven workflows.

Key Themes or Details

• Gemma 3 is lightweight but powerful, ranging from 1B to 27B parameters.

• Multimodal capabilities – It can process both text and images, enabling advanced real-world applications.

• On-device AI – Runs efficiently on smartphones, laptops, and gaming PCs.

• Real-world applications – Expect AI-powered offline visual search, instant camera translations, and smart object recognition.

• Developer-friendly – Available via Google AI Studio, self-download, or cloud deployment.

Down the Rabbit Hole

 • Google’s official announcement

 • Simon Willison’s deep dive on Gemma 3

 • Technical report on Gemma 3

Gemma 3 could be a game-changer for professionals who need fast, private, and cost-efficient AI tools. How will you use it?

💙 Other tech news we’re loving

• _{ChatGPT’s Growth Doubles, DeepSeek Surges Past Milestones OpenAI’s ChatGPT has doubled its user base in six months, hitting 175M mobile users, while DeepSeek gained 10M users in just 20 days, outpacing ChatGPT’s early growth. Read more.}

• _{Microsoft and Sony Battle for AI-Powered Consoles Next-gen gaming is about to get smarter as Sony and Microsoft develop rival AI assistants for their upcoming consoles. Could AI change how we play? Find out more.}

• _{Gemini Brings AI Image Generation to the Masses Google’s Gemini AI now offers multimodal image generation, making high-quality AI art accessible to everyday users. How will this impact design, marketing, and content creation? Learn more.}

• _{Anthropic’s AI Collaboration Tool is Here Anthropic just launched a new platform that allows entire companies—not just tech teams—to collaborate on AI. A step toward AI-integrated workplaces? Read more.}

• _{Cohere Drops Ultra-Efficient AI Model for Business Cohere’s Command R is a new AI model optimised for businesses, offering fast, cost-effective AI solutions without sacrificing power. Explore its potential.}

• _{AI Policy Wars: OpenAI and Google Push for Weaker Copyright Laws Both Google and OpenAI are lobbying for reduced AI regulations, prioritising rapid innovation while raising concerns about China’s AI dominance. Get the details.}

• _{DeepSeek Rejects VC Funding—But Why? DeepSeek is holding off on venture capital investment, choosing independence over external control. What does this mean for the AI landscape? Find out here.}

• _{AI Voice Cloning in Just Three Seconds A new model from Cartesia AI can clone your voice from a three-second sample. A game-changer for accessibility—or a deepfake disaster? Listen for yourself.}

• _{OpenAI’s US AI Action Plan Unveiled OpenAI has laid out policy proposals for AI governance in the US, tackling safety, competition, and global leadership. Read their plan.}

• _{Apple’s AI Struggles Continue Apple’s AI push is faltering, with iPhone 16’s AI features still incomplete and Siri’s overhaul delayed until 2026 or later. Is Apple falling behind? See the analysis.}

• _{Why MCP Is the Hottest New Acronym in AI Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP) is changing how AI models interact with third-party apps—no custom integrations required. A breakthrough for AI-driven project workflows?}

Presented by Cogram

Cogram is an AI assistant specifically designed for AEC to help professionals save time on documentation and prevent disputes. 

• Automated meeting minutes: Cogram drafts meeting minutes directly in your company’s template with tailored levels of detail, format, and style.

• Works for virtual and in-person meetings: Cogram works across Zoom, Teams, and in-person meetings, such as site inspections and kick-off meetings. 

• Field reports in minutes: Cogram’s mobile app combines site photos with minutes from on-site discussions to draft field reports in minutes.

• Project-wide insights: Ask questions about your projects and get answers drawn from every relevant meeting and email chain from that project for the most up-to-date information. 

Learn more and schedule a 15-live demo of Cogram.

What’s new: Projects

The Pentagon Embraces AI Agents for Military Operations

The US Department of Defence is integrating AI agents into military decision-making, collaborating with Scale AI to develop and deploy advanced AI models. These AI systems will assist with data analysis, battlefield insights, and operational efficiency, aiming to enhance both speed and accuracy in military operations. This move underscores the growing role of AI in high-stakes, real-world applications. Read more here.

What Does This Mean for Me?

While this development is focused on military applications, the same AI advancements could revolutionise project delivery:

• Faster, AI-driven decision-making – AI can process vast amounts of project data, offering real-time insights for risk management and planning.

• Automation of critical workflows – AI agents can monitor safety compliance, track resources, and streamline operations.

• AI-powered simulations – Just as AI models predict battlefield outcomes, they could optimise project logistics and scheduling.

• Stronger cybersecurity – Military-grade AI security could enhance data protection in critical infrastructure projects.

Key Themes or Details

• AI-powered military decision-making – The Pentagon is embedding AI into operational processes.

• Partnership with Scale AI – AI models will help analyse data and improve battlefield efficiency.

• Real-time insights & automation – AI agents will assist in planning, logistics, and threat assessment.

• Civilian applications – These advancements could shape AI-driven project management and risk analysis.

Down the Rabbit Hole

 • The Register’s full report

With AI rapidly advancing in high-stakes environments, businesses should take note—AI-driven project intelligence is the future.

💙 Other project news we’re loving

• _{ICE Event: Building a Culture for Digital Transformation - The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is hosting a must-attend event on how to foster the right culture for digital transformation in business. Want to future-proof your projects? Join the discussion.}

• _{AI, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy in the ‘Drill Baby Drill’ Era - Are we prioritising rapid AI deployment over security and data privacy? A key APPG AI evidence session debates the risks and rewards of unchecked AI growth. Explore the insights.}

• _{AI is Revolutionising Quantity Surveying & Cost Management - AI is transforming quantity surveying, enhancing cost estimation, risk assessment, and procurement. How can professionals leverage AI-driven insights for smarter decision-making? Find out here.}

• _{AI-Powered Safety Cameras on Construction Sites -Developer Dandara is rolling out AI-driven safety cameras on telehandlers, reducing site accidents and improving compliance. A step towards a safer, tech-driven construction industry? Read more.}

• _{VR in Construction: Bringing Designs to Life Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming construction design reviews, allowing stakeholders to experience projects before they’re built. Could VR cut costly reworks and improve collaboration? See how.}

What’s new: Productivity

Claude’s ‘Harmony’ Feature: AI That Syncs—and Works With Your Files

Anthropic is introducing Harmony, a new feature for its Claude AI assistant that enables real-time cloud sync across devices. But the real game-changer? Claude will soon be able to access and work with files in a local directory, allowing AI to research, analyse, and operate on your documents directly. This raises a big question: Is Harmony Anthropic’s first true AI agent? Read more here.

What Does This Mean for Me?

For professionals managing complex projects, Harmony could be a major AI breakthrough:

• AI-powered document processing – Let Claude review contracts, reports, and blueprints without manual uploads.

• Seamless file-based workflows – AI can now track, summarise, and reference project files dynamically.

• Sync across devices – Keep AI-generated insights accessible whether you’re at your desk, on-site, or on the go.

• First steps towards true AI agents? – With direct file access, Claude moves closer to autonomous AI assistance.

Key Themes or Details

• Cloud sync for AI – Claude remembers interactions across devices.

• Direct file access – AI can work with local files, enabling deeper automation.

• AI-powered research & analysis – Claude could sort, summarise, and extract insights from documents automatically.

• Towards AI agents? – With full directory access, Claude is evolving beyond chat into active AI assistance.

Down the Rabbit Hole

• Claude’s Harmony feature preview

• Anthropic’s broader AI updates

• TestingCatalog’s breaking news on Harmony

With AI now able to sync, access files, and work with documents, Claude’s Harmony could redefine how professionals integrate AI into daily workflows. Are we seeing the first true AI agent from Anthropic?

💙 Other productivity news we’re loving

• _{Real-World AI Use Cases in One Place - Want to see how AI is transforming industries? Context Windows has compiled a collection of real-world AI implementation cases, offering valuable insights for businesses and professionals. Explore them here.}

• _{Gemini Brings Multimodal AI Image Generation to All - Google’s Gemini AI Studio now makes multimodal image generation accessible to businesses and creators alike. Expect faster, high-quality AI-generated visuals with just a few clicks. Try it now.}

• _{How AI Agents Will Change the Internet -From automating shopping to managing online interactions, AI agents are set to redefine how we browse, buy, and interact online. Are we ready for a fully AI-driven internet? Find out more.}

• _{92% of UK Students Use AI—Universities Told to Adapt -AI is revolutionising education, with 92% of UK students using AI tools. Universities are now urged to stress-test assessments to keep up. Read the debate.}

• _{90% of Code Will Be AI-Generated Soon, Says Anthropic’s CEO -Anthropic’s CEO predicts that AI will generate 90% of code within the next 3-6 months. What does this mean for developers and businesses? See the full story.}

• _{DeepMind has launched Gemini Robotics, a set of AI models designed to help robots interact with objects, navigate spaces, and follow voice commands. Built on Gemini 2.0, these models aim to make robots more adaptable, interactive, and dexterous—handling tasks they haven’t been specifically trained for.}

Podcasts of the Week

AI, Automation & Productivity Hacks

Delegation, Automation & Eliminating Time Wasters

On our lates Project Flux Spotlight podcast, William Christensen shares his secrets on automation, delegation, and elimination, revealing how he hasn’t checked his email in a year! From spreadsheet automation to AI-powered workflows, this episode is packed with practical hacks for project managers and business leaders. Listen here.

We're merging with AI.. You won't be able to tell from yourself, what's AI and what's part of you.

Meet Project Flux: About Us

At Project Flux, we're committed to pioneering the future of construction and project delivery through the lens of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence insights. Our vision is to be at the forefront of integrating AI into the fabric of project delivery, transforming how projects are conceptualised, planned, and executed.

Our Mission Project Flux aims to not only inform and educate but also to inspire professionals in the construction industry to embrace the transformative potential of AI. We believe in the power of AI to revolutionise project delivery, making it more efficient, predictive, and adaptable to the dynamic demands of the modern world.

What We Offer Through our insightful newsletters, podcasts and curated content on LinkedIn, and engaging discussions, Project Flux serves as a resource for professionals seeking to stay ahead in their field. We offer a blend of practical advice, thought leadership, and the latest developments in AI and construction technology.

What People Say…