How Will AI Tech Impact The Construction Sector?

Artificial intelligence has already proven invaluable to businesses in a range of businesses in a number of ways. At its most basic level it has assisted in easing the pressure on their frontline employees via the use of chatbots to field rudimentary aspects of customer service and addressing customer queries. However, as AI technology grows more sophisticated experts predict that it will continue to bolster enhance and in some ways revolutionise a range of different industries. Construction, of course, is no exception.

Needless to say, like any technological innovation, AI is approached warily by many in construction. It’s not uncommon for those involved in the construction industry to fear that it may lead to their redundancy or that the technology will be difficult or cumbersome to adopt. However, the adoption of AI tech could usher in a new era of productivity, safety and operational efficiency. Before we take a look at the future of AI in construction, however, let’s take a look at its most widespread applications today...

How is AI already used in construction?

Currently AI is used in 4 main facets of construction;

• Planning- AI is widely used in the creation of construction plans. AI technology can be used to can survey a proposed site and gather information with which it can create 3D maps, blueprints and construction plans.

• Admin & HR- Employee absence, changes in personnel and other HR issues can all impact a project’s lead times and have a knock-on effect on project management. AI is currently used to mitigate this; transferring work between team members and ensuring that deadlines are met.

• Methodology- A key component of AI is the ability to learn from prior experience. AI programs are currently used to parse data from previous projects and inform the methodology of new work.

• Post construction- Businesses are increasingly showing an interest for AI to be built into the fabric of buildings that they have commissioned such as Amazon Echo features.

The new frontier

When we look at the ways in which AI is currently used as well as how it is also being used in adjacent industries, we can glean some insight into how it will be at the forefront of a new frontier in construction. Let’s take a look at some of the innovative and exciting possibilities for AI in construction.

The Internet of Things

The networking of various devices from smartphones to refrigerators will only play a bigger part in our lives as consumers. It doesn’t take much mental gymnastics to see how the IoT can be of benefit to the construction industry. It could be used for efficient inventory management as well as helping to determine the maximum useful life of equipment, helping to find the “sweet spot” between performance and longevity.

3D printing, prefab and modular construction

Modularisation and 3D printing are on the rise in construction today. However, as AI becomes more sophisticated it can train robotic arms and other appendages to learn via simulation data, allowing for the more complex printing of prefabricated shapes and parts.

Outcomes prediction

AI is currently widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for outcome prediction in the development of new compounds. These kinds of predictive algorithms could be used to forecast project risks such as constructability, and structural stability leading to more comprehensive risk management.

Image recognition and safety management

Image recognition is already in use in the healthcare industry to support diagnostics. This technology may well inform the use of drone imagery and 3-D modelling to assess issues with quality control, and structural integrity.

As you can see, while some may fear the implications of AI on construction, it has many exciting implications which could all lead to a much safer and more efficient industry.