Artificial intelligence is a transformative technology for the future of construction, vastly improving industry efficiency, safety, and decision-making throughout the industry.
The impact of AI in construction is expected to be so strong that estimates forecast the market size of artificial intelligence in the sector to reach $16.96 billion by 2030, representing a CAGR of 26.9%.
The technology will be highly effective in the ability of construction firms to accurately manage projects from the earliest planning stages to on-site execution and long-term asset maintenance.
With this in mind, let’s take a deeper look at the seven AI trends that are shaping the future of construction management:
1. The Power of Prediction
Predictive analytics is one of the most powerful innovations to be delivered by artificial intelligence, and the tool can help more construction firms to make proactive decisions when it comes to problem-solving.
Thanks to advances in machine learning (ML), it’s possible for firms to analyze historical and real-time data to make predictions about projects with high levels of accuracy.
This can be particularly useful in anticipating cost overruns by comparing spending with historical trends and external factors such as fluctuations in commodity prices. This can empower more AI tools in identifying budget risks before they emerge.
Artificial intelligence can also consider factors such as weather patterns, resource availability, and past project timelines to predict scheduling conflicts and offer solutions for mitigation.
2. Next-Generation Design
Artificial intelligence is also becoming a driving force in Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is helping to revolutionize planning in construction. With the use of generative AI tools, it’s possible to create complex designs with ease, based on specific parameters surrounding cost, materials, and energy efficiency.
The technology can resolve design conflicts revolving around architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. Generative AI is also capable of simulating different design scenarios to aid architects and engineers in creating sustainable solutions for each project.
3. Project Scheduling
Advances in construction management software are helping to reshape project scheduling beyond the confines of static spreadsheets by automatically generating and optimizing resource-loaded timelines.
For instance, generative scheduling tools like ALICE lean heavily on AI to simulate countless construction scenarios to suggest the most efficient and risk-appropriate path towards completing projects in a manner that boosts productivity and lowers costs.
The technology can also offer real-time updates using AI scheduling agents to continuously monitor site conditions and provide real-time calculations when managing delays or resource changes.
4. Computer Vision
When it comes to quality control, computer vision is a subset of AI that can use cameras, drones, and sensors to deliver real-time automated monitoring of construction sites.
Computer vision enables AI to compare conditions with BIM models, effectively tracking progress while identifying discrepancies or deviations that could impact the project’s end results.
Crucially, computer vision is a strong quality assurance tool, and can detect subtle flaws or irregularities like cracks in concrete or misaligned structural elements that could undermine a project’s integrity. These measures can be taken long before any errors can lead to a larger, more costly issue.
5. Enhanced Risk Management
Real-time AI monitoring means that job sites can become safer throughout the life span of a project.
Along with computer vision monitoring, artificial intelligence tools can deploy predictive safety analytics that analyze data from past incidents while forecasting potential future safety risks. This empowers managers to take preventive measures to lower the rate of accidents on-site.
AI can also automatically track safety compliance, ensuring that teams are alerted to any possible noncompliance issues to maintain safety at all times.
6. Holistic Supply Chain Management
When construction firms work with far-reaching supply chains, errors can emerge in an unpredictable manner. Artificial intelligence is addressing the complexity of supply chain logistics, which can lead to material shortages and higher procurement costs.
Once again, AI’s ability to predict demand shines in optimizing supply chains, with the technology helping to anticipate market trends and project timelines to better identify when and where to source materials. This helps to minimize instances of an inventory surplus while ensuring that shortages are kept at bay.
Inventory systems that are powered by artificial intelligence can monitor real-time stock levels and trigger reorders in an autonomous way. Algorithms can even optimize transport routes to guarantee the fastest possible delivery of materials.
7. Robotics
Robotics in construction comes with a series of safety and productivity benefits. With the help of AI-powered robots, machines can undertake dangerous, repetitive, or labor-intensive tasks in an effective way.
Mobile robots and drones can help to support bricklaying, welding, surveying, and inspection tasks at a faster speed, while more collaborative AI robots are capable of working alongside human counterparts to assist with heavy lifting and repetitive tasks to reduce the physical strain among workers.
The Future of AI in Construction
When it comes to construction, speed, efficiency, and safety are vital for businesses, and artificial intelligence is especially skilled at assisting in all three areas.
These seven trends will help to pick up the slack for many construction projects in the future, and will pave the way for greater levels of collaboration between AI and industry professionals. In building a safer landscape for human workers, the implementation of artificial intelligence in construction management will bring widespread benefits to firms throughout the sector.
