Demystifying AI for Construction

Artificial intelligence isn't just something from a science fiction movie. It's the reality of our modern world and has incredible potential for businesses across industries, including construction. Yet, there is a lot of uncertainty around AI. In this article, we'll break down why AI matters and set the record straight around its impact on construction.  

What is AI? 

Artificial intelligence, or AI, creates robots and systems that can think like humans and make and adjust decisions as they gather more information. AI can process large amounts of data in numbers, text, or images to find patterns, classify information, or generate new content. 

When considering AI, it’s important to know what AI isn’t. AI can’t operate on its own — it needs humans to input data, format algorithms, and send queries. AI can’t create new concepts because everything it produces is based on the information it already has. In that way, AI can’t predict the future or create something from nothing. 

What does this all mean for construction? AI can augment human jobs and streamline processes. It also has many potential applications on job sites and in the office. When used correctly, AI can process payroll, make schedules and budgets, create efficient teams, and monitor progress — the list goes on and on.

Common Misconceptions About AI in Construction 

There are a lot of conversations about AI, but not all the information is accurate. Misconceptions can get in the way of construction companies adopting AI or using it to its full potential. Here are three common AI misconceptions: 

1.  AI is replacing human workers. There is some danger of AI replacing human jobs in other industries, but that isn’t the case in construction. A report by McKinsey predicted the demand for construction workers would increase 12% by 2030 despite the increased use of AI. For construction workers, AI is likely to augment tasks instead of replacing jobs. 
2. AI is only for large companies. Construction companies of all sizes can benefit from AI. Small and medium-sized businesses may see the biggest impact because it can boost efficiency and productivity. By automating mundane and repetitive tasks, AI can give smaller teams more time to work on other tasks, multiplying the impact of a limited team. 
3. AI is too complex to use.

4 Key Uses for AI in Construction 

Understanding the theory behind AI is nice, but most people don’t fully understand its potential impact until they see it in action and realize the practical applications. How can AI be used in construction? Here are four key uses: 

1. AI for Project Management 

AI-powered predictive analytics can help companies forecast project timelines, costs, and risks. Instead of manual calculations or guesswork, supervisors can have data-backed predictions about what it will take to make a project successful and tools to maximize efficiency. 

2. AI in Safety Monitoring

Safety is a major concern (and cost) for construction companies. AI-powered cameras and sensors can enhance on-site safety by identifying potential hazards and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. These cameras can scan job sites for potential issues, raise an alarm before an incident occurs, and ensure workers are wearing the correct gear and using equipment properly. 

3. AI for Design and Planning 

AI makes it easy to visualize a project before it is completed and make adjustments to create the most efficient, useful, and realistic result. Throughout the design phase, AI can optimize building layouts, material use, and energy efficiency using generative design and simulation tools. 

4. AI in Equipment Maintenance 

AI can track equipment usage and predict when construction equipment will need maintenance. Using data and visual recognition, AI can recommend when companies need to service machines, reducing downtime and avoiding costly repairs. 

Benefits of AI Adoption in the Construction Industry 

AI has the potential to transform the construction industry and how companies operate. There are many potential benefits to AI, but here are a few: 

• Increased efficiency. By automating repetitive tasks and removing much of the guesswork, AI helps teams be more efficient and focus their energy on more strategic or creative tasks. Some experts predict that AI can boost productivity by 40%. 

• Better decision-making. Instead of relying on historical knowledge or limited metrics, AI can analyze data to find patterns and support data-based decisions. More robust decision-making removes financial risk and helps companies be more successful. 

• Improved safety. By identifying potential job site hazards, AI can help companies be safer and avoid dangerous accidents. AI can also identify ideal working conditions so workers aren’t in hazardous weather. 

• Cost savings. AI can help companies optimize resource allocation and make the most of what they have, which cuts down on unnecessary spending. Creating efficiency schedules, accurate budgets, and machine maintenance schedules helps cut costs and avoid extra spending. 

• Reduced waste. Similarly, AI helps construction companies avoid ordering too many supplies or not fully using materials. By creating efficient plans, AI can identify ways to reuse and maximize materials to reduce waste. 

• Prevented delays. Delays and roadblocks are costly for construction companies. AI can assist with scheduling and project management to keep projects moving forward, reducing delays.   

Challenges and Considerations in Implementing AI 

When considering AI, construction companies need to think through all the logistics to ensure seamless adoption. 

With AI advancing so rapidly, it can be tempting to chase after the latest and greatest technology. But before jumping into every AI application, consider what your company actually needs. What AI tools will make the biggest impact on your company? Focus on what applications support your goals and projects, and then expand to other applications once you’ve gotten familiar with AI. 

There’s also the cost and training to consider. AI is a worthwhile investment but still requires an upfront cost and training. Change management and getting all employees on board can also be challenging, especially with fear surrounding AI taking over human jobs. 

What’s Next for AI in Construction? 

AI certainly is an exciting development, and this is just the beginning. The technology is advancing rapidly, and many new applications are in the pipeline — plus advances we can’t predict. 

AI-powered robotics can be used on job sites to assist with repetitive tasks, load materials, or act as an assistant to a human worker. Autonomous vehicles can help teams get to job sites more quickly and potentially even operate smaller machinery, freeing humans for other projects. Advanced simulations through augmented reality and virtual reality can provide realistic training so workers can learn new skills virtually and visualize completed projects in an immersive tech experience. 

For AI in construction, the sky's the limit. 

Want to learn more? Read how construction finance teams leverage AI for increased productivity and efficiency.