Category: Food For Thought

5 Ways Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Construction

The potential applications of AI in construction are endless. RFI’s, rework, and change orders are standard in the industry. Machine learning is like a smart, hyper-focused assistant which is able to scrutinize mountains of data. It can alert project managers about the critical things that need their attention. Several applications already use AI in this way. Its benefits range from mundane filtering of spam emails to advanced safety monitoring.

AI is currently being used to plan and design the routing of electrical and plumbing systems in modern buildings and design new framing systems. AI is being used to track the real-time interactions of workers, machinery, and objects on the site and alert supervisors of potential safety issues, construction errors, and productivity issues.

Despite the predictions of massive job losses, AI is unlikely to replace the entire human workforce. Instead, it will alter business models in the construction industry, reduce expensive errors, reduce worksite injuries, and make construction more efficient.

Artificial Intelligence Will Make Construction Workers Safer

Many accidents are the result of human errors and deliberate accidents. With AI, operations managers are able to analyze and filter huge quantities of data to identify potential problem areas. For example, in the construction industry, workers often work in tight spaces, use heavy equipment, and operate large equipment. These high-risk activities can be derisked with the right IoT applications and monitoring. Many companies already have a first responder app that provides information on construction sites. In the future, AI will be integrated into these systems to quickly identify problems and inform human decision-makers before they turn catastrophic.

Artificial Intelligence Will Make Construction Sites More Effective

To improve construction effectiveness, AI can be used in many ways. It can provide an optimal construction schedule and reroute critical tasks in the event of a disruption. It can monitor activity on a job site and create a set of guidelines for safe practices. It can provide risk assessments for individual jobs, determine the best means of preventing accidents, and use predictive models to warn managers about high-risk tasks. AI can help with building management, control work process automation, and track construction activities..

For example, IBM and Cisco are working together to create construction zones with sensors and cameras that can be used for remote management and site supervision. These sensors can detect how many people are on site, if they are wearing proper equipment, and if any crews are operating outside of their scheduled area. It can also detect construction defects and inform the construction team if a build requires correction.

Artificial Intelligence Will Make Construction Designs More Efficient

Up to 90% of errors in design involve not updating basic information on a design, such as weight, density, and measurements of materials.

AI is now able to control these parameters accurately by directly linking data sources from the manufacturer, even for very complex designs. AI is also able to increase productivity and quality by refining designs with minimal human intervention. It can recommend the most cost-effective way to build each building based on the market conditions, building requirements, and construction priorities.

Artificial Intelligence Will Make Construction Estimating More Accurate

Many tedious parts of construction estimating can be eliminated with the power of AI.

AI gives construction estimators a better prediction model of what will be required on-site, allowing for a greater degree of efficiency, reduced costs, better scheduling, and improved profitability.

Smart contractors can go in-depth to understand what the project requirements are, allowing them to offer construction plans that meet the needs of their clients more effectively. Companies that employ AI will gain new levels of accuracy and precision when it comes to building estimations.

Artificial Intelligence Will Make Construction More Modular

In one of the most under-reported developments in the tech space, prefabricated units are on the cusp of a revolution. Prefabrication is quickly becoming a cost-saving tool for governments and businesses. Facilities that used to cost up to $100 million can now be constructed for as little as $20 million. In an effort to streamline design, construction, and maintenance, modular construction aims to reduce waste and ensure quality construction at a cheaper price. By using pre-manufactured units, modular construction essentially cuts the time needed to construct a building down by up to 50%. It’s also safer as contractors don’t have to worry about constructing multiple units on-site as in traditional construction.

AI will assist in process planning and manufacturing design to allow prefabricated buildings to be built faster, cheaper, and safer.