Titel-AI in Construction – How Artificial Intelligence is Paving the Way

for Smart Construction?

AI in Construction: Why Do We Need

It?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming a wide range of industries, and construction is no
exception; from improving safety to increasing efficiency, AI is helping companies streamline
their operations.

The world has been captivated by the power of AI technologies like ChatGPT and digital
assistants such as Siri, Alexa, and more. AI has a transformative effect on the global industry.
And one industry that can immensely benefit from AI adoption is construction, as it is one of
the least digitalized sectors in the world. AI in construction can help businesses drive
efficiency, enhance quality, improve performance, and straighten safety on sites.

According to a report by McKinsey, the construction industry is worth more than $10 trillion
a year, equivalent to 13% of the world’s GDP. And just by digitization, the market
capitalisation can be raised by $1.6 trillion a year. It makes construction one of the largest
industries in the world economy. Even in today’s modern world, the construction process is
mostly fractured and low-tech. It's nearly indistinguishable from building sites in the 1990s.
Site leaders still rely on outdated designs, lagging schedule projections and performance
metrics that lack the real-time insights they need to measure and improve.
Despite its reputation for being an industry slow to adopt tech, it seems the stars have aligned
for AI and construction. Low-cost, high return-on-investment (ROI) solutions are being
introduced uncovering profits that make adoption imminent. These solutions are also user-
first, making adoption easy, with no additional or external operators involved.

2021’s GlobalData survey and report identified the top four reasons behind the construction
industry’s tech adoption barriers.
Here those barriers are explained, alongside how AI can knock them down.

1. 45% of respondents identified limited financial gain in the short term as a barrier to
investment in new technology. But in 2023, the financial gains (both long-term and short-
term) provided by AI is too massive to be ignored.
2. 36% said they lack financial resources allotted for technological innovation. Now in 2023,
AI has quickly become a low-cost, high-ROI solution for any organization.
3. 34% responded that slow adoption was due to a lack of sufficiently skilled labour. In 2023,
AI’s accessible, user-friendly capabilities make almost everybody skilled labour by default.
4. 28% said that the tech barrier was due to a lack of awareness of new technology. While still
relevant in 2023, AI solutions have become widespread very quickly and its solutions
definitely pique interest in most.

# skriv ett stycke om construction industry- mer in deept

AI in construction management helps enhance operations’ safety, speed, accuracy, and

efficiency. With AI construction solutions, companies can proactively monitor job sites for
potential hazards and address critical issues to prevent accidents. ML in construction can
analyze the vast amount of data to optimize designs for energy efficiency and cost
savings. Robotics process automation (RPA) can improve construction speed and quality.
In simple terms, AI in the construction industry is revolutionizing the way businesses design,
execute and manage projects. And as the use of AI continues to expand, it turns increasingly
essential for companies to adapt to this emerging technology.
The European market is expected to lead AI adoption in construction, driving growth in the
global construction industry. By embracing digitization, all stakeholders, including
contractors, owners, and service providers, can benefit from this technological shift. As the
industry is still in its early stages of adopting AI, companies that embrace and upgrade their
technology stand to gain a competitive advantage.
Let’s discover some significant use cases and benefits of AI in construction, which will
change how businesses design and develop projects.

AI and Machine Learning for Smart Construction

Many people also believe that AI may have harmful effects on workplaces. A 2023 survey by
Pew Research found that 32% of U.S. workers think AI will hurt the workforce more than
help, while just 13% believe the reverse.

There are clearly a lot of valid concerns regarding AI, and given the rise of tools like
ChatGPT, we’ll certainly see more conversations happening around the topic. That said, it’s
worth noting that AI can have a tremendous and positive impact, particularly in the
construction industry.

When implemented properly, AI and machine learning can improve the daily lives of humans
on the jobsite.

And while it may seem like a highly technical non-human approach, artificial intelligence can
make things more human. Instead of taking humans out of the equation, AI and machine
learning lets people do their real jobs more effectively

Understanding AI, Machine Learning, and Deep

Learning in Construction
Before we get too far into the subject, let’s make sure we cover the fundamentals, especially if
you’re not familiar with the concepts of AI, machine learning, and deep learning already.
These terms are often thrown around together, but they do have some key distinctions.
Let’s start with artificial intelligence. AI is a broad field in computer science that deals with
creating smart machines that can perform tasks that otherwise typically require human
intelligence. These tasks include learning from experience, recognizing patterns, and
understanding natural language.

Machine learning is a subset of AI. In the most basic sense, it is defined by the
book “Machine Learning: An Artificial Intelligence Approach,” as “the ability to learn is one
of the most fundamental attributes of intelligent behavior.’

Basically, machines can learn and predict outcomes on their own. Rather than a person
programming them, they use software with algorithms that allow them to create predictions
based on their analysis of data. For example, a machine can tell you that it needs preventative
servicing.

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, wherein the machine is taught to learn and
make decisions based on artificial neural networks—specifically, deep neural networks
(DNN). Deep learning is primarily used for handling large amounts of complex data.

The Future of AI in Construction/ What Will Drive

AI in Construction Forward?
By leveraging AI for construction, the industry will have cobots and robots working alongside
workers. Robots take over the tasks that can be automated, and cobots work autonomously or
with limited guidance. Such an arrangement will help speed up the construction process, save
costs, reduces injuries, improve efficiency, and facilitate better decision-making.

AI in construction will also lead to alterations in business models, and reduce expensive
errors, making building operations more efficient. Thus, it is advised that business leaders at
construction companies should focus on investment in areas where AI can have the maximum
impact based on needs.
Early adopters of this digital transformation are sure to drive growth and gain a competitive
edge. Getting an edge will make the business leaders in setting the direction and reap the
maximum benefits.

How Can AI Boost Smart Construction?

#skriv och förklara smart construction

Companies that want to stay ahead in this competitive age should quickly upgrade their
infrastructure and leverage AI technologies to redefine their operational strategies. Let’s
explore the multifarious benefits of AI in construction businesses.
 10 Examples/ benefits of AI in Construction:

1. Prevent cost overruns -Most mega projects go over budget despite employing the best
project teams. Artificial Neural Networks are used on projects to predict cost overruns based
on factors such as project size, contract type and the competence level of project managers.
Historical data such as planned start and end dates are used by predictive models to envision
realistic timelines for future projects. AI helps staff remotely access real-life training material
which helps them enhance their skills and knowledge quickly. This reduces the time taken to
onboard new resources onto projects. As a result, project delivery is expedited
2. AI for better design of buildings through generative design- Building Information
Modeling is a 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering and construction
professionals insights to efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and
infrastructure. In order to plan and design the construction of a project, the 3D models need to
take into consideration the architecture, engineering, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
(MEP) plans and the sequence of activities of the respective teams. The challenge is to ensure
that the different models from the sub-teams do not clash with each other.

The industry uses machine learning in the form of AI-powered generative design to identify
and mitigate clashes between the different models generated by the different teams to prevent
rework. There is software that uses machine learning algorithms to explore all the variations of
a solution and generates design alternatives. Once a user sets up requirements in the model,
the generative design software creates 3D models optimized for the constraints, learning from
each iteration until it comes up with the ideal model.
3. Risk mitigation- Every construction project has some risk that comes in many forms such as
quality, safety, time, and cost risk. The larger the project, the more risk, as there are multiple
sub-contractors working on different trades in parallel on job sites. There are AI and machine
learning solutions today that general contractors use to monitor and prioritize risk on the job
site, so the project team can focus their limited time and resources on the biggest risk factors.
AI is used to automatically assign priority to issues. Subcontractors are rated based on a risk
score so construction managers can work closely with high-risk teams to mitigate risk.

4. Project planning- One construction intelligence company launched in 2017 with the promise that
its robots and artificial intelligence hold the key to solving late and over budget construction projects.
The company uses robots to autonomously capture 3D scans of construction sites and then feeds that
data into a deep neural network that classifies how far along different sub-projects are. If things seem
off track, the management team can step in to deal with small problems before they become major
issues. Algorithms of the future will use an AI technique known as “reinforcement learning.” This
technique allows algorithms to learn based on trial and error. It can assess endless combinations and
alternatives based on similar projects. It aids in project planning since it optimizes the best path and
corrects itself over time.
5. AI makes jobsites more productive- There are companies that are starting to offer self-driving
construction machinery to perform repetitive tasks more efficiently than their human counterparts,
such as pouring concrete, bricklaying, welding, and demolition. Excavation and prep work is being
performed by autonomous or semi-autonomous bulldozers, which can prepare a job site with the help
of a human programmer to exact specifications. This frees up human workers for the construction
work itself and reduces the overall time required to complete the project. Project managers can also
track job site work in real time. They use facial recognition, onsite cameras, and similar technologies
to assess worker productivity and conformance to procedures.

6. AI for construction safety- Construction workers are killed on the job five times more often than
other laborers. According to OSHA, the leading causes of private sector deaths (excluding highway
collisions) in the construction industry were falls, followed by struck by an object, electrocution, and
caught-in/between. A Boston-based construction technology company create an algorithm that
analyzes photos from its job sites, scans them for safety hazards such as workers not wearing
protective equipment and correlates the images with its accident records. The company says it can
potentially compute risk ratings for projects so safety briefings can be held when an elevated threat is
detected. It even began ranking and releasing safety scores for each U.S. state based on COVID-19
complian
7. AI will address labor shortages- Labor shortages and a desire to boost the industry’s low
productivity are compelling construction firms to invest in AI and data science. A 2017 McKinsey
report says that construction firms could boost productivity by as much as 50 percent through real-
time analysis of data. Construction companies are starting to use AI and machine learning to better
plan for distribution of labor and machinery across jobs.
A robot constantly evaluating job progress and the location of workers and equipment enables project
managers to tell instantly which job sites have enough workers and equipment to complete the project
on schedule, and which might be falling behind where additional labor could be deployed.
An AI-powered robot such as Spot the Dog can autonomously scan a jobsite every night to monitor
progress - making it possible for a large contractor like Mortenson to get more work done in remote
areas where skilled labor is in short supply.ce in 2020.
8. Off-site construction
Construction companies are increasingly relying on off-site factories staffed by autonomous robots
that piece together components of a building, which are then pieced together by human workers on-
site. Structures like walls can be completed assembly-line style by autonomous machinery more
efficiently than their human counterparts, leaving human workers to finish the detail work like
plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems when the structure is fitted together.

9. AI and big data in construction

At a time when a massive amount of data is being created every day, AI systems are exposed to an
endless amount of data to learn from and improve every day. Every job site becomes a potential data
source for AI. Data generated from images captured from mobile devices, drone videos, security
sensors, building information modeling (BIM), and others have become a pool of information. This
presents an opportunity for construction industry professionals and customers to analyze and benefit
from the insights generated from the data with the help of AI and machine learning systems.

10. AI for post-construction

Building managers can use AI long after construction is complete. By collecting information about a
structure through sensors, drones, and other wireless technologies, advanced analytics and AI-powered
algorithms gain valuable insights about the operation and performance of a building, bridge, roads,
and almost anything in the built environment. This means AI can be used to monitor developing
problems, determine when preventative maintenance needs to be made, or even direct human behavior
for optimal security and safety.
Exempel på mer benefits

Autonomous vehicles
AI-powered vehicles can be used on construction sites to transport materials and equipment,
simultaneously reducing the need for human labor and improving safety. These vehicles can also be
programmed to operate more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and emissions, which also ties in
with sustainability initiatives.
Real-time collaboration
Collaboration tools powered by AI help businesses to improve communication and collaboration
between teams working on different aspects of a project. More specifically, real-time data sharing and
analysis enables teams make better decisions and work more efficiently as a collective group.
Sustainability
Finally, AI is helping businesses improve their sustainability efforts. By analyzing data on energy
consumption, emissions, and other environmental factors, AI informs companies of the areas where
they can reduce their environmental impact and improve their sustainability performance.
In conclusion, AI harnesses the potential to transform the construction industry in multiple ways, as
highlighted in this article. By embracing AI-powered tools and technologies, construction companies
can improve safety, enhance efficiency, and improve the overall quality of their projects, staying ahead
of the competition.

Top AI Technology and Innovations in

Construction
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals of AI in construction and the value it brings to the industry,
let’s look at some of the top AI tools and solutions in the market. Depending on your objectives, you
may want to consider the following.
Autodesk’s Construction IQ
Construction IQ uses machine learning and AI to help project leaders manage and reduce
risks in four key areas: cost, schedule, quality, and safety. The solution is available for
Autodesk Build and Autodesk BIM Collaborate.

Whether you’re working on design concerns, looking into RFIs, or striving to improve safety,
Construction IQ can help you identify and prioritize issues, ensuring you’re tackling the right
tasks at the right time.

EarthCam

EarthCam is a leading provider of live camera technology, content, and services. Construction
teams use EarthCam to monitor and document their projects. From webcam content and live
streaming video to epic construction time-lapse, EarthCam provides comprehensive
ecosystem of visual data solutions to enhance project management and promote transparency.

EarthCam also uses state-of-the-art, server-side AI and Edge Computer Vision, which
surpasses the ability of human observers. The company uses AI Object Detection to automate
alerts, tags, and visualizations. This means teams can spend less time manually observing
projects, and more energy taking action.

viAct

viAct, a company dedicated to providing comprehensive monitoring of construction projects,

leverages advanced AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) to automate the tracking of safety,
productivity, and maintenance. viAct does this by powering existing job-site cameras with
scenario-based AI technology.

The technology powers any on-site camera with scenario-based AI, making it easy to capture
safety or productivity issues. ViAct then showcases data in a user-friendly dashboard that
teams can quickly identify—and act on—any issues around safety or non-compliance.

Constru

Constru uses advanced computer vision and AI to streamline and improve construction
project management. Geared towards superintendents and project managers, the solution
helps users identify differences between construction plans and actual builds by automatically
comparing BIM to 360° images of the jobsite. This makes it easy to identify discrepancies and
reduce rework.

Constru also gives you the option to integrate system-detected discrepancies into Autodesk
Construction Cloud as Issues. That way, you can manage the solution’s automated
discrepancy detection alongside manually detected issues, all within familiar workflows.

StructionSite
Easily capture progress on the jobsite with StructionSite. The solutions’ Site Documentation
feature allows you to capture standard pictures, 360 photos, and videos that are mapped to
your floor plan.

Once the files are captured, StructionSite makes it easy to find photos easily with AI-powered
capabilities—essentially enabling you to create a virtual jobsite that teams can access from
anywhere.

Conclusion
The Takeaway: AI Helps People in Construction

We hope you can see what we see: that machine learning and AI in construction has some
exciting possibilities within our industry for the future, beginning now. But while AI is likely
to influence the future of construction, this certainly doesn’t mean devices and technology
will replace us.

Construction is a human business, and it will stay that way. We need the skills, expertise, and
innovation of our workers to win the future. We can use machine learning as just another tool
that will let our industry’s talents and progress shine. If we use it wisely, it can help us make
the most of our creativity and ingenuity. You never know how far it could take our own
human abilitie

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