Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the technology that allows machines to be trained to imitate human cognitive functions. It is able to detect patterns, learn from experience, and understand data and images.
In the construction sector, its use is a competitive advantage to generate safer projects, reduce and optimize resources, and increase efficiency. It is still early to predict the long-term effects of AI on the industry, however, the opportunities that arise are undeniable.
The construction industry, like many sectors, is in a period of digitalization, which promotes the questioning of traditional processes, breaking with established systems. Artificial intelligence has the power to impact the entire value chain, from the production of construction materials, design, planning and development to project management.
This process can be overwhelming, especially for companies that are not aware of the possibilities of this and other innovations. The good news is that AI doesn’t have to be complex. The key is to rethink systems and define where in the chain artificial intelligence can solve or empower our workflow towards efficiency.
Applications of AI and opportunities it can provide to the construction sector
Unlike the human brain or any logbook, artificial intelligence can store and process unlimited amounts of data and learn from it. This is possible thanks to its component called machine learning , which uses the data it collects and tests it with a trial and error method to suggest improvements in future construction projects.
These characteristics can save resources in different phases within a construction project and, at the same time, multiply the creative and sustainable possibilities automatically.
Five areas of application of artificial intelligence in construction.
1. Project management: AI for task assignment and workflow design
A significant portion of project schedules is dedicated to mundane, typically time-consuming tasks. The organization, assignment and monitoring of these tasks is often carried out by a project manager or, in colloquial language, the person in charge of the work, that is, the most important person in meeting the time, cost and quality objectives. Now, there is the alternative of managing all this by integrating artificial intelligence.
With the ability to access employee data, AI systems can automatically assign tasks to employees based on their skills and availability. This reduces the probability of errors and work overloads. Another advantage is that project managers can focus on strategically more valuable tasks, thereby achieving better use of human resources and all the resources needed on site from the beginning of the project.
2. Smart construction
AI provides the opportunity to collect data more accurately and with BIM , building information modeling, they form a duo with great potential. In addition to making smart design proposals, contractors can make better decisions when it comes to planning.
Procedures are also improved with artificial intelligence, which analyzes points where costly failures can occur. By connecting it with construction project management software, you can also advance tracking procedures. Several companies are already using AI in this way and their operations have become more productive.
3. Generative design in the construction sector
One of the greatest strengths of AI for the construction sector goes hand in hand with generative design. This has the ability to explore different variations of a model and find the best option. Generative design has already been used in production processes, but there are alternatives to apply it in construction.
Generative design is an iterative design process that involves a program that produces a certain number of options that meet established parameters. The designer refines the specifications by selecting an alternative or adjusting the input values, ranges, and distribution.
Artificial intelligence, based on a construction model, explores tens of thousands of possibilities and changes to make a design safer, more stable, or simply cheaper and faster to build. A job that, for a human team, would take months, could be done in a few hours by a BIM model with the help of AI.
This technology can have an impact on the iteration of construction projects and give rise to generative construction in which experimentation is possible with proposals and alternatives that are currently unimaginable due to the size and complexity of the projects in the sector.
4. AI for land surveying and mapping
Geospatial AI and drones are now being used to retrieve data in geospatial information systems (GIS). This is a fundamental technology for on-site construction . Data recovery is made easier by adopting AI-based systems. And these systems reduce the time needed to produce accurate aerial images and topographic maps.
5. Autonomous vehicles for greater productivity
The recent development of autonomous vehicles has led to increased popularity of using autonomous construction machinery to execute simple tasks. These tasks include pouring concrete, laying brick, demolition, and welding. This results in more efficient and accurate execution of work in the field.
Also Read: AI in Customer Service: Changing the Face of Client Interactions
