The construction industry has been ranked as one of the least digitally advanced, but the demand for infrastructure, shortage of skilled labor, and stakeholder demand for modernization are placing pressure on the $12 trillion industry to embrace digital transformation. While advancements such as autonomous construction robots and drones are visible, AI-powered knowledge management and data analytics are less visible but highly impactful opportunities for the industry. Leading industry experts at a recent workshop on AI applications in the AEC industry emphasized the importance of collaboration between humans and AI to achieve better outcomes.
Companies like Autodesk and WSP are already utilizing AI technology to drive sustainability and optimize construction processes. Autodesk’s strategic projects executive, Tristan Randall, highlighted the role of AI in enhancing creativity and ambition in the construction industry. WSP’s senior vice president, Pooja Jain, discussed the benefits of WSP’s building optimization tool, daisy, in maximizing sustainability during the design phase. ALICE Technologies is another company using AI to optimize construction phasing and engineering, reducing risks, accelerating planning, and recovering from schedule delays through simulations and optimizations.
AI-enabled data extraction and knowledge management are also helping designers save time by providing quick access to relevant information. AECOM has developed an internal proprietary system that streamlines the search for previous documents, proposals, drawings, cost estimates, and more. Companies like Revaka are utilizing AI-powered tools like ACE to search through multiple sources of information and provide designers with quick answers to specific questions, saving time and improving efficiency. WSP is also using computer vision technology to automate data entry tasks, leading to increased efficiency and quality control in construction projects.
DPR Construction, one of the largest contractors in the industry, is leveraging AI for data strategy and analytics to make more informed and data-driven decisions. By embedding analytics in decision-making processes, DPR is transitioning from lagging to leading and predictive analytics, resulting in reduced material waste and increased safety. The company is also exploring generative design for drywall optimization in partnership with startup Hypar, showcasing the potential of AI in transforming traditional construction processes.
Industry experts emphasize that AI technology is accessible to businesses of all sizes and can bring significant benefits to the construction sector. The private sector is moving faster in adopting AI technologies, urging the government to follow suit to reduce costs and improve schedule performance on construction contracts. Companies like Autodesk are leading the industry’s digital transformation by investing in research and developing AI capabilities to enhance decision-making and efficiency. Leaders like WSP are emphasizing the importance of responsible governance, human-centric approaches, and data strategy in implementing AI technologies in the construction industry. By encouraging education and thoughtful discussion, the industry can reduce fear and promote the wider implementation of AI technologies for future advancements.
