Artificial intelligence (AI), also known as machine intelligence, is the ability of a computer or machine to perform tasks that are typically associated with humans. These intelligent devices are able to utilize pattern recognition to assess their environment and complete related tasks in a timely and efficient manner. AI can often catch potential risks or problems before they are identified by humans, and have proven to have many benefits when implemented in a workforce.
Despite its many benefits, the adoption of AI technologies in the construction industry is significantly low when comparing it to other industries like health care, transportation, automotive, etc. The construction industry is known for having a considerable amount of risk for on-site workers, meaning that they have to take extra precautions to avoid accidents and health risks. Implementing AI into the construction industry is unlikely to replace the human workforce, but improve worker efficiency and safety.
AI has the potential to improve several aspects of the construction industry including risk mitigation, project planning, productivity, health and safety measures and reducing building costs for the future. These technologies can also improve business communication by keeping all stakeholders of a projects informed and up to date with relevant information. Some examples of current AI technologies in construction include:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)
- Safety and Productivity AI
- Autonomous Equipment
- Supervising and Surveillance AI
As mentioned earlier, the construction industry faces different challenged when it comes to safety than most other industries do and those working in construction face a number of risks on-site every day. That being said, the industry has implemented health and safety protocols in order to prevents injuries and accidents from occurring.
This industry emphasis on safety is another key purpose for AI to implemented on construction sites, as it is proving to be significant to addressing and preventing health and safety issues on site. This includes smart sensors that help monitor function and operation of equipment, as well as AI enabled surveillance systems used to monitor construction sites for safety hazards, thefts and other potential risks.
Despite its slow adoption of smart technology, the construction industry has seen significant benefits from Artificial Intelligence which has ultimately improved productivity and on-site risk. Companies within the construction industry should focus on staying up to date with new AI to be implemented in order to allow workers to complete tasks safely and efficiently.