Skip to main content

What Could AI Mean for Construction Professionals?

Published Date
Author Sarah Lorek

More and more often, the construction industry is seeing an influx of automated technologies. As the demand for new developments and buildings reaches an all-time high, construction firms are looking for ways to streamline their projects. The advancement of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning technologies are making this easier every day.

 

A few of the short-term benefits of AI and machine learning in construction include:

  • Real-time tracking of site equipment, tools, materials, and people
  • Monitoring for heavy machinery in the case of malfunctions or breakdowns
  • Increase in worker safety and jobsite productivity

Upon first glance, these benefits may seem to matter only to GCs and owner-operators, but there are benefits for other construction professions as well.

 

According to an article from Construction Executive, “AI and machine learning will also help assist project managers and architectural consultants in demand forecasting and scheduling during years-long design and planning phases before ground is actually broken.” This will help professionals anticipate market needs and eliminate simple human errors, making projects more “thoughtfully” planned and more efficient.

“AI and machine learning will also help assist project managers and architectural consultants in demand forecasting and scheduling during years-long design and planning phases before ground is actually broken.” 

Safety is one of the positive aspects that surely benefits everyone. During the Build Conference in Seattle this year, Microsoft showed how AI could make construction sites safer and more productive. Using onsite cameras, visual recognition, and information about objects and people, new software is allowing project managers and businesses to monitor jobsite work in real-time. This would allow for the automatic enforcement of policies and regulations. The new platform can monitor which employees are using equipment, and it even knows which workers are certified to use the equipment. By simple facial recognition, this example of AI is keeping track of any worker who might be violating policies or causing danger to workers around them.

 

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are no doubt scary, but the benefits may outweigh the fear it causes. By using AI to anticipate market needs, plan projects more efficiently, and monitor working conditions, we may start to see this fear alleviated-- or even eliminated in the next couple of years.