The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has been embracing emerging technologies to make building projects happen faster, more efficiently, on budget, and more safely. 

Architects, engineers, builders, and financial backers all have motivation to use technology to finish projects faster and more efficiently—saving money, shrinking timelines, and even reducing insurance costs. As one of the largest industries in the world with some of the highest up-front costs, construction is ready to work better using technology.

However, the industry is being cautious in relying solely on AI until models are proven. ChatGPT is known to flat-out make up wrong answers if it doesn’t know something, and that’s not a risk that can be taken in an industry where safety must be a priority. 

How AI Is Used in AEC

Here are just some of the ways AI is being used in construction:

• Design and Planning: AI algorithms can generate multiple design options based on specified parameters, helping architects and engineers optimize designs for cost, materials, and energy efficiency.

• Project Management: AI-powered software can create and optimize construction schedules, identify potential risks, and help adjust cost and timeline estimates. 

• Site Management and Safety: AI can analyze data from sensors and cameras on construction sites to ensure safety compliance and predict potential safety hazards and accidents.

• Equipment and Resource Management: AI can optimize the allocation of labor, materials, and equipment to ensure efficient use of resources.

• Construction Robotics: AI-driven robots and automated machinery can perform tasks like bricklaying, concrete pouring, and 3D printing, reducing the need for manual labor.

• Data Analytics and Predictive Modeling: AI can analyze vast amounts of data generated during construction projects to identify trends, optimize processes, and make data-driven decisions.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM platforms often incorporate AI to improve data management, design optimization, and project collaboration.

There are many uses for AI already in action on sites around the world.

AI In Action

AI is being used in AEC to create digital twins of buildings, run simulations of design and engineering changes, improve collaboration, and more. 

nPlan is using AI to help construction sites and companies find and fix inefficiencies. It uses AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms to to help with project scheduling and forecasting. 

Buildots, an Israeli startup, uses 360-degree wearable cameras to monitor project progress on-site. Its platform uses this data to inform planning and scheduling.

Dusty Robotics has built autonomous robots that trace building blueprints on construction sites—automating a process previously done by hand (and on hands and knees). It claims to reduce time required for layout and increase accuracy. 

The Jobs Conversation

Many conversations about industrial AI inevitably lead to questions about employment and lost jobs. But by most reports, jobs will simply change, not reduce in numbers. In an interview with the New York Times, John Fish, chairman and chief executive of Suffolk, said, “We have zero unemployment in the industry; technology is just going to help existing workers do more. AI is just going to replace the companies that don’t use AI.”

Others say that by using AI and other emerging technologies, companies can attract younger workers who are comfortable with and excited about working with technology in their careers.