Artificial intelligence (AI) in construction is a powerful, trendy tool, bringing innovations to the structures we build and the projects we design. No longer a far-off technological fantasy, artificial intelligence is impacting construction sites in the real world right now.
AI impacts many construction sites already, hidden in plain sight. Designers, project managers and HR departments all are capable of accessing AI technology to improve the speed and efficiency of their work in developing, managing and hiring. More visible examples of how to use AI in construction are drones and automated equipment.
For more of a background on artificial intelligence and an exploration of its impact on the future of the construction industry, read on below. You can also You can also jump to our animated infographic that details the impact of AI in the construction industry.
The Future Is Now: 10 Examples and Benefits of AI in Construction
The concrete benefits that AI technology brings to the construction industry impact not only a project’s accuracy and efficiency but also a construction firm’s culture and leadership. AI facilitates tasks to help people become better at their own jobs. In a people-centric industry like construction, AI can benefit multiple stages of any job, from project management to designing concepts to staging demolitions.
These technological advancements are already impacting construction projects. Read on to discover five real-world benefits that AI offers to the construction industry as a whole. These technological advancements are already impacting construction projects. Read on to discover five real-world benefits that AI offers to the construction industry as a whole.
1. Expand Design Potential With Parametric Design
Parametric design is the practice of using AI to alter design parameters and achieve design feats that were previously unimaginable. AI analyzes thousands of blueprints as source material for a project and then designs its own concepts with this new knowledge. Outlandish concepts can lead to innovative design elements like intelligent room layouts for increased natural airflow.
AI can also maximize design potential within a set of constraints, like budget or site dimensions. Finch is a tool that assesses the constraints of a project site and modifies plans to fit those constraints. Architectural firm Zaha Hadid uses similar AI tools to test arrangements of glass panels in building facades so that the most cost-effective arrangement pattern is used.
2. Streamline Project Management
AI has the potential to streamline project scope even in exceptionally large and complex construction projects. ALICE is a construction management software that uses AI to vet projects for potential bids, assess the feasibility of different project plans and monitor supply timelines to keep projects on track, putting scheduling woes and cost overruns to rest.
Other tools, like Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, use AI to monitor completed projects and offer predictive maintenance recommendations, suggesting modifications that might not be scheduled or planned. These tips go beyond traditional preventive maintenance to find potential hazard spots before a failure or malfunction, acting like a pair of x-ray goggles for project managers.
3. Minimize Staffing Headaches With AI Hiring
Hiring is a common stressor for construction managers. AI technology analyzes applicant data and compares it with a detailed company record to judge fit based on experience. This not only simplifies a task for a hiring manager but also highlights the most qualified candidates automatically.
Among current employees, AI technology is capable of keeping a detailed personnel record (like a filing cabinet that analyzes its contents). This enables the software to predict employees who might be inclined to lead or employees that may be close to leaving. This can inform management’s decision-making for taking the appropriate actions to help employees grow.
4. Enhance Safety on the Job Site
AI tech is capable of using learned knowledge to inform a project with specific best practices for safety related to a job site. This oversight keeps workers safe and accidents to a minimum in one of the most dangerous industries to work for. For example, AI used in construction wearables, like hardhats and boots, can alert workers of dangers on the worksite.
AI’s generative design capabilities allow it to render handicap-accessible entrances, fire safety exits, warning lights and more in the most optimal locations for increased occupant safety. 3D printers can use AI to do the same for modular buildings at a lesser cost. This way, AI leads to safer, healthier buildings that improve the lives of those who live and work in them.
5. Upgrade Precision With Autonomous Tech
While construction wearables and site-monitoring software are making the workplace safer for construction workers, other technologies, like drones and construction robots, are using AI to complete tasks with precision and reduce material waste. These robots are capable of performing tedious jobs quickly and accurately without fatigue.
Construction drones can use AI software to contrast blueprints to aerial land surveys and determine if changes need to be made to accommodate unforeseen obstacles. Even large construction equipment, like bulldozers and excavators, can be fitted with AI guidance systems to run autonomously, reducing opportunities for human error.
6. Reduce and Mitigate Risks With AI
Automated predictive analysis, safety monitoring, supply chain management and compliance are examples of ways artificial intelligence can effectively mitigate common construction risks. Risk management involves identifying hazards, uncertainties and timelines that each project faces.
With AI, companies can make fast, confident decisions. An insurance compliance software, myCOI is powered by next-generation AI to protect construction organizations against claims and ensure compliance with local and federal regulations. While insurance experts are still the brainpower behind the tool, the automated software creates a simplified and efficient approach to COI management and compliance.
7. Get Better Results With AI Quality Control
Mistakes and defects are a natural part of construction, so the inspection process is vital. However, inspections take time, and the last thing a project manager on a strict schedule wants is to wait days or even weeks to hear they need to repair or replace something.
That’s where AI can help. Drones, robots and sensors can capture images and data. Then, software can analyze the data to identify defects, structural weaknesses and instances where the work drone does not meet specifications.
8. Reduce Downtime With Predictive Maintenance
Construction companies own various types of equipment — everything from heavy machinery to computers. With equipment comes maintenance. For example, construction vehicles need oil changes, and computers eventually need replacing. With predictive maintenance powered by artificial intelligence, companies can have an accurate timeline of when equipment needs to be maintained, repaired or replaced.
9. Boost Communication and Collaboration
With artificial intelligence-backed software, constriction teams can connect virtually anywhere, sharing and analyzing data in real time. Additionally, virtual collaboration tools, like virtual and augmented reality, allow users to visualize projects off-site. Allowing team members and stakeholders to share feedback and communicate plans from anywhere in the world.
Improve Sustainability Efforts
Construction professionals continue to face the challenge of how to make their practices more sustainable while moving forward with projects.
Thankfully, AI can help. AI can analyze data on emissions, energy consumption, materials used and other environmental factors. With this data, AI can generate ideas for optimizing processes to become more environmentally friendly.
Basic AI Principles: The Purpose of AI
AI technology exists to improve the lives of humans by innovating in exciting ways. AI is a learning software that’s capable of capturing information in many different ways to analyze and repeat. AI design software analyzes real blueprints and mockups to study design possibilities, while AI HR software aids hiring efforts by analyzing applicants.
Artificial intelligence is subject to more scrutiny than most other technologies because of its supposedly limitless potential. If humans can learn new things and evolve, then it’s possible that the machines we teach will do the same.
Many rules exist to guide the development of artificial intelligence technology. These rules intend to ensure that fewer unintended consequences result from the irresponsible use of AI tech. In summary, they all act to enforce these four principles:
- Accounts for itself: The machine can’t hide its actions or intentions, nor can it learn to.
- Benefits all of humanity: AI learns with the goal of benefiting anyone who interacts with it.
- Operates autonomously: Human intervention in operations will be minimal if it’s required at all.
- Abides by a moral compass: Learned moral codes impact AI’s decision-making abilities.
With these principles in mind, AI in construction guides the development of buildings that are healthier for their occupants and cities that are smarter for their inhabitants. In general, construction projects using AI tech can be designed, managed and staffed efficiently.
Biggest Setbacks to Widespread AI Adoption
Though AI has tremendous potential to make construction sites safer, more equitable places of work and to upend design limits as we know them, speculation abounds at the mention of autonomous worksite technology. This skepticism isn’t unwarranted, as it can be difficult to imagine the impact of AI technology across the entire construction industry.
A high upfront cost is the most significant factor hindering the widespread adoption of AI technology in the construction industry. A 2018 McKinsey & Co. analysis found that the construction industry trails 11 other industries in year-over-year spending increases related to AI tech. The analysis also found that larger firms are likely to benefit faster from AI implementation because of cost.
In addition to a steep price tag, a general lack of human intervention causes some professionals to distrust AI tech. The construction industry is still built on a foundation of trusting relationships between many parties, whereas AI is made to be autonomous. The same tech that improves safety for construction workers can result in a lost contract opportunity for a safety advisor.
An Autonomous Future is Guaranteed—To Some Degree
The construction industry is facing a labor shortage over the last few years. AI tech has the potential to ease the labor strain on companies by boosting HR departments, managers and builders alike, but its cost and unfamiliarity are likely to slow its implementation in smaller construction firms.
Regardless of the time it takes for AI to make its mark on the entire construction industry, small advancements are being made today that are laying the groundwork for more change to come. AI has real potential to boost safety and job security in a dangerous industry in need of skilled labor, all while ushering in a new era for design innovation. There’s nothing artificial about that.
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Additional Sources: Finch 3D | Zaha Hadid Architects | ALICE Technologies | myCOI | McKinsey & Co. | Associated Builders and Contractors
