Construction in AI: Help or Hinder?

Once a sci-fi fantasy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) now dominates 21st-century life. From Siri to virtual travel assistants, AI is conquering new terrain - including in the construction industry. 

The rise of AI 

AI is defined as the digital simulation of human intelligence. AI creates algorithms and teaches itself to be better at performing programmed tasks to assist humans in various ways. It’s a topic often met with a range of reactions, from dismissal to excitement, or even worry. Ubiquitous and ever evolving, this tech is set to extend its reach across all industries, including construction. 

AI in construction 

Some construction companies have successfully begun to implement AI technology into their everyday operations.  Now, state-of-the-art robots have begun to replace human labour in finishing drywalls, while cutting-edge cameras capture the surroundings and compare it to an existing building model, ensuring accurate measurements and positioning. Furthermore, AI enables the analysis of massive amounts of data to identify potential safety hazards, reducing risks and preventing accidents on construction sites. AI will continue to transform the way we tackle construction projects.  

Will AI steal our jobs? 

As we adjust to AI's presence, we will work alongside robotic and AI systems, leveraging their capabilities to enhance safety and efficiency on worksites. This transformation may result in some job losses, but it can also create new opportunities for skilled workers to take on other tasks. 

Should we expect to see fully autonomous robots constructing high-rises in the near future? While AI is good at beating us in chess games and answering questions about the weather, its application in the construction sector is still evolving. We will likely witness ongoing advancements in AI and robotics that will enhance construction processes and safety, making it an exciting technology to watch in the years ahead.