Artificial Intelligence (AI) has, in the past, been well-associated with elements straight out of futuristic Sci-Fi films. But, producsts like Alexa and Google Home are normal features of our lives and evidence of advancing society.
Countless industries are starting to adopt AI into their processes. As the commercial construction industry becomes more complex, the call is as loud as ever to modernize operations to ensure a smart future for tech. The means to get there has created an opportunity for the integration of AI to pave the way for Smart Construction.
Technology evolves at a fast pace. So, companies that are able to quickly adapt will have a greater advantage. To keep you up to date and prepared for the future, here are some of the ways that AI will change the construction industry.
1. Project Management Workflow Integration
A significant part of project schedules is often dedicated to mundane, time-consuming tasks. Organizing, assigning, and tracking progress is usually done by the project manager. But now, it can be better managed by AI integration.
With access to employee data, AI systems can automatically assign tasks to employees based on skills and availability. This integration decreases the probability of errors that come from inputting data manually. In addition, project managers can focus their valuable time on other things instead of performing tedious tasks.
2. Capture And Investigate Site data
Through the use of AI commercial construction equipment, general contractors can easily capture 3D scans of the construction site. The data is fed into a complex network that analyzes and classifies the progress of various site components. This provides an easy means to accurately track the project’s progress. It also allows managers to troubleshoot any significant issues onsite.
The developing AI technology aims to channel algorithms for “reinforcement learning”. This allows the system to assess different project combinations and learn from trial and error. Utilizing this type of AI can help commercial construction contractors to determine the best course of action for a project.
3. Land Surveying And Mapping
Geospatial AI and drones are now being used to retrieve Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) data. This is critical for onsite construction. The data retrieval is made easier through the adoption of AI-based systems. They also reduce the time taken to produce aerial imagery and accurate survey maps.
4. Machine Learning And Big Data Analytics
As project requirements become more complex, the data associated with the development increases. This poses a significant and daunting task, which AI integration can help with.
Harnessing the machine learning capabilities of AI, the system continuously adapts to accessible data. Essentially, it converts every relevant site into a useful data source.
The system becomes smarter as time and the amount of analyzed data progresses. Thus, it increases the productivity of your project throughout its duration.
5. Reduce Project Timeline With AI-Assisted Prefab Elements
In commercial construction, often the most time-consuming task is attributed to manual construction. The laying or curing of various structural elements before assembling the final structure also takes a lot of time.
Nowadays, autonomous robots can assist with the construction of components. Then onsite workers simply need to assemble them.
The machines ensure accurate sizing and strength capabilities of the components. They also cut down the production time for structural elements, which allows employees to focus their skills on other critical areas.
6. Autonomous Vehicles For Increased Productivity
The recent development of autonomous vehicles has led to the increased popularity of using self-driven construction machinery to execute simple tasks. These tasks include concrete pouring, brick-laying, demolition, and welding. This results in a more efficient and accurate execution of onsite processes.
7. Improving Onsite Health And Safety
One of the greatest concerns for commercial construction general contractors is the safety of their employees. The larger and more complex a project becomes, the greater the risk to the well-being of the workers.
The job of monitoring and maintaining adequate levels of Health and Safety is commonly performed by an official representative. However, AI machine learning tools have been created to help fulfill this role.
As well as the continuous monitoring of the site’s Health and Safety measures, the system can rate contractors based on their risk scores. This will help to make you aware of the associated risk with each contractual agreement.
In addition to AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) cultivates increased safety measures through wearable sensors. These sensors identify employee locations and alert the project manager if one of them is in danger (e.g. if they slip and fall on the site).
Final Thoughts
Many parties have predicted that AI will take a leading role in the construction industry towards Smart Building. The sooner construction companies integrate AI into their processes, the better. This is because AI will allow for more efficient management of time and resources.
So, with all the advantages and endless potential benefits of AI systems in construction, there’s really no reason not to leverage the technology available to us today, while keeping a close eye on new developments that can improve how we plan, manage and execute commercial construction projects.
Contact us to discuss your next project and how we can use AI systems to streamline budget and timeline.