Artificial intelligence, or AI as it is often called, has securely positioned itself in the construction industry. Many of the features it provides seemed like wild futuristic predictions just a few years ago. With the help of these tools, the industry is poised to reach new heights in only a short time.
How is AI used in construction?
Artificial intelligence is currently being used in a variety of ways in the construction industry. Here are some of the top AI technology and innovations in construction:
- Machine learning in construction – Machine learning involves the use of experience and past data to predict outcomes without additional programming. Software can detect patterns and “learn” from them, much in the same way we do.
- Deep learning – Deep learning in construction takes machine learning to a new level, as a system
of simulated neural pathways is used to process larger amounts of data and make more complex predictions. - Machine decision making and optimization – Based on the predictions made through machine and deep learning, software can make decisions based on the predictable outcomes of those decisions and analyze the best decision given a set of constraints.
- Planning and scheduling – Applications use AI to select and sequence tasks and allocate time and resources to those tasks.
- Robotics – The modular building sector is growing rapidly through the use of robots to construct assemblies, components, and even whole buildings.
- Automation – From autonomous equipment operation to streamlined data entry, AI in the construction industry is helping improve efficiency and accuracy in many facets of the industry.
- Design analysis – BIM uses AI to analyze designs and notify users of potential clashes or other problems before the design is finalized, saving projects time and money versus dealing with these issues in the field.
- Safety – Today’s AI cameras can analyze worker behaviors and let supervisors know when potentially dangerous situations are encountered.
Why is AI important in the construction industry?
The use of artificial intelligence in the construction industry can provide many benefits for both contractors and building owners or developers. Here are 5 useful applications for AI in construction:
Improved safety
With the ability to analyze data on safety issues, near misses, and accidents, AI can determine when dangerous activities are taking place and provide on-the-spot training for those involved. Also, with the help of cameras with AI software, it can analyze workers’ clothing and actions and notify supervisors when there’s the potential for a problem. This allows them to act proactively to prevent injury and ensure that workers stay safe.
Speed production
Both self-driving equipment and robots have already begun to increase productivity. By automating much of the work, human workers stay safe and can be diverted to other tasks when needed. Additionally,
by analyzing work progress using AI, project managers can know at a glance when a project is falling behind and needs more workers.
Predict problems
BIM’s ability to analyze building designs and predict potential design issues and clashes allows project teams to reduce or eliminate on-site coordination issues. By catching these issues before construction begins, costs are reduced and delays are prevented.
Labor shortage
Although it may not completely solve the on-going industry labor shortage, AI can certainly have
a positive effect in the short term. As companies collect and analyze more data, they are able to better plan for personnel and equipment use across jobs. Also, AI-inspired cameras and software can analyze job progress and make workforce and resource recommendations to keep projects on schedule. Finally, the use of robots and autonomous equipment can help reduce the need for workers, allowing experienced employees to focus on other tasks.
Save money
Whether it’s from reduced injuries and accidents, improved production, or resolving design issues before construction begins, AI is poised to save contractors and project owners money. In addition, it can
be used to help project managers predict cost overruns, allowing them to proactively address them early in the project.
What is the rise of AI usage in construction?
As contractors see the real-time impacts of AI in their businesses, they are learning that it can help them meet their safety, productivity, and quality metrics, as well as aid them in addressing issues when they come up. AI data analysis helps construction companies make informed predictions and streamline their workflows, saving time and money.
What will drive AI in construction forward?
In 2022, 92% of construction companies said they were using or planned to use AI in their business.
As more companies collect more data, the accuracy of AI’s predictions will increase. But just gathering
a bunch of data isn’t enough. In order to deal with the data silos often found in construction companies, the data will need to be integrated and organized. Software that provides these services will become more widely available, letting contractors of all sizes take advantage of the collectively collected data.
What changes is AI bringing to construction?
The future of artificial intelligence in construction is bright. It has already begun to change the way contractors do business and perform their work. These changes will continue to gain in popularity and
the use of AI will spread more as the technology becomes more available to even smaller contractors.
Here are some predictions about what the future holds:
- More tasks will be automated. From self-propelled machinery and equipment to automated data entry and analysis, the growth in what AI can do will continue.
- The use of modular construction and robots will continue. Modular construction is safer, less expensive, and improves the quality of the work, making it a win-win for contractors and owners.
- There will be improved accuracy in the design, estimating, and construction processes. As humans learn more from AI-inspired software and applications, there will be more information to process, leading to improved accuracy when designing, estimating, and building projects.
- The post-occupancy benefits of artificial intelligence in buildings will increase for building owners. Currently owners use BIM to get information about their buildings and their performance. As more information is collected and analyzed, they will continue to learn more about their building’s health.
- Real-time progress monitoring will help contractors monitor progress for billing, cost reduction, and manpower distribution. The increasing use of smart contracts, that pay for work as it progresses, will improve contractors’ cash position and reduce payment delays.
Even though the construction industry is one of the slowest industries to adopt new technology, many construction companies are quickly realizing the value of AI in helping them run their businesses and their projects more efficiently and safely. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for this industry that relies so much on the people working in it.
About PlanHub:
PlanHub is a leading provider of comprehensive bid management solutions for the construction industry. Our platform simplifies and streamlines the bidding process, connecting subcontractors and general contractors to facilitate collaboration and drive project success. With a commitment
to innovation and empowering our users, we continue to revolutionize the construction industry with cutting-edge features and a user-friendly experience.
