The construction industry is one of the most rapidly changing and innovative industries in the world. With the advent of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the future of construction is looking very bright. AI has the potential to completely revolutionize the construction industry. It can help with tasks such as design, planning, and execution. AI can also help to improve safety and efficiency on construction sites. In the future, it is likely that AI will play an even more important role in the construction industry.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is all the rage these days. AI is being applied in a number of fields including agriculture, medicine, business, marketing and advertising, and banking. So, is there a place for AI in the construction industry? Of course, there is. In fact, there are quite a few applications already in use and others in developments that will benefit the construction industry in the years to come. When we talk about AI we are focusing on technology that enables computers and machines to mimic human intelligence.
Construction projects generate reams of data from daily reports, telematics, plans and specs, punch lists, worker productivity levels, job costs, takeoffs, and estimates, change orders, Jobsite photos, RFIs, and more. The problem is that all this data is unstructured; it is collected and stored both manually and digitally on disparate systems meaning that the data is often siloed and not being put to use once a project is completed.
Getting all the data collected, structured, and standardized is one of the critical issues that have to be solved in order to unleash the full potential of AI in construction.
Creating Safer Jobsites
Jobsite safety is a top priority on construction projects. Unfortunately, there has not been much improvement made in the last decade in reducing the number of Jobsite fatalities. Construction does not take place in a controlled environment as they do in say a manufacturing plant. Site conditions are constantly changing and an influx of less experienced workers only compound the challenges with preventing accidents and protecting workers.
Technology like wearable, drones, site sensors, and exoskeletons are already being used to make job sites safer. Another tool that will soon start popping up on job sites is image recognition software.
Autonomous Construction Equipment
AI is being used to develop autonomous construction equipment that can be used to improve safety, increase efficiency, and help compensate for the shortage of skilled labor. All of the major heavy equipment manufacturers are investing in and developing self-operating machines to perform tasks such as site work, grading, excavation, demolition, paving, and more.
The autonomous machines use 3D mapping, sensors, cameras, and GPS to provide the real-time data needed for the AI to instruct the equipment on where to go and what to do. The whole time the equipment is operating, it is collecting data on the work being completed so the AI can continuously update the 3D map to reflect changes to the terrain and site conditions.
The equipment could also transmit telematics data to provide real-time diagnostics data from the various components on the equipment, such as speed, fuel consumption, engine temperature, etc. This real-time monitoring allows for the AI to ensure that the work is being done accurately and that the equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.
Planning & Scheduling
The key to delivering construction projects on time and within budget lies in the planning and scheduling of the work. When issues arise, the schedule has to be tweaked and adjusted to compensate for any delays or rework. Creating a construction schedule takes hours and hours of work and that only results in creating one project schedule.
Planning and scheduling is one area where AI can run laps around a human, regardless of their experience and expertise. Adjusting parameters such as the number of workers, available equipment, and building materials can be done to show how those changes would affect the cost of the project and the time needed for completion.
As construction progresses, the as-built data can be updated to adjust the schedule to compensate for issues or capitalize on opportunities that may arise throughout the project.
The upside for AI in construction is high. In addition to the applications listed, AI will also be used for building design optimization, risk assessment and mitigation, predictive logistics, and forecasting. This will eventually lead to safer, efficient, and more productive construction sites.