Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work—but until recently, its capabilities were limited by context. Enter Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new standard that’s changing the game by enabling AI agents to connect directly with external tools and data sources.

In this episode of Digital Builder, host Eric Thomas sits down with Ben Cochran, Vice President of Engineering at Autodesk, to demystify MCPs and explore what they mean for construction workflows. Recorded live at Autodesk University 2025 in Nashville, this conversation dives into why MCPs are generating so much buzz and how they’re unlocking new levels of efficiency across the industry.

We discuss:

• What MCPs are and how they differ from traditional APIs
• Why MCPs are accelerating AI adoption across connected ecosystems
• Practical use cases for MCPs in construction, from BIM validation to design optimization
• How MCPs reduce repetitive tasks and enable outcome-based workflows
• Where to start if you’re curious about MCPs and agentic tools

Digital Builder is hosted by Eric Thomas of Autodesk.