ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE’S USEFULNESS IN CONSTRUCTION
CONEXPO CON/AGG 2023 is coming up quick and if you’re headed to Las Vegas you’re sure to see many cool Artificial Intelligence options that can be useful in construction project management. Although AI is being adopted within the industry, it is happening slowly. That slow adoption rate is not surprising because we all know that technological progress throughout the construction industry is not the fastest. Within the construction industry, artificial intelligence technology can be defined as when a machine mirrors human reasoning, such as problem-solving, pattern recognition, and learning from analyzing job sites. It is not to be confused with machine learning, a subset of AI that gives computers the ability to “learn” from data sets - without being programmed!
From the bidding stage through completion, there are many reasons why you might want to consider adding AI into your workflows. Here are some of the top advantages that will positively impact your bottom line.
Increased Efficiency
The use of both AI and machine learning is improving job site efficiency. Applying AI to your scheduling process lets you see if the crews will have scheduling conflicts that could stall progress at any point in the process. Having this information at your fingertips early on preserves resources. Its ability to identify potential problems so early is a huge advantage. It enables a project manager to be proactive instead of reactive. Thereby, there are better results in planning the various stages within the project lifecycle. You can never eliminate all risks, but it is more than worth the initial investment if you have the tools and processes to help you reduce those risks.
Safer Working Conditions
Artificial Intelligence on job sites makes for safer working conditions. When safety is improved, contractors benefit in many ways, including reduced costs. As AI receives information from job site cameras, drones, or spot robots, it can quickly identify and flag unsafe areas or situations. Through AI-enabled surveillance systems, alerts can be sent to the owner if anyone attempts to steal anything from the job site.
Improved Productivity
Another benefit of AI in construction is its ability to handle monotonous duties, which frees laborers to apply their skills elsewhere on the site. Laborers can work on different tasks parallel with the autonomous machinery, increasing overall productivity immediately. Finding and retaining good operators remains challenging; an autonomous dozer, haul truck, or blade can save an owner the headache of finding and training a reliable operator.
AI’s Path Forward
Artificial Intelligence is gaining momentum within the construction industry with a projected investment of $4.5 billion by 2026. Civil Information Modeling (CIM) processes can be further enhanced when AI and machine learning are included. The reason for that is simple; the more precise your initial project planning and data are, the better your output and, ultimately, your project’s success will be. There are a lot of other sectors that incorporated AI into their workflows earlier and at a much faster pace (e.g., manufacturing, finance, pharmaceuticals), and we can learn from their successful outcomes.
ECI Technologies was founded with technology in mind and specifically for the benefit of the construction industry. Our team of engineers understands the day-to-day headaches encountered on job sites. We can offer solutions and guidance for how technology can lessen some unnecessary burdens resulting from old practices and habits. Let us help you work smarter, not harder, in the future.
Technology in Construction is here to stay