Artificial intelligence has steadily integrated into the construction industry over the last few years. And while some stakeholders are resistant to embracing AI solutions, others are incorporating AI into their everyday construction processes and reaping the benefits of improved productivity, more accurate timelines, enhanced collaboration, and safer construction sites.
So, how exactly is AI being used in construction right now, and what do we expect for the future? Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways:
- AI enhances construction site safety by predicting risks, optimizing resource allocation, and minimizing human errors.
- AI also improves quality assurance (QA) efforts by bridging the knowledge gap between plans and designs and 360-degree as-builts.
- AI can also enhance project planning, improve sustainability efforts, and significantly improve communication between stakeholders by providing viral project insights that all stakeholders can access at any time.
HOW AI IS BEING USED IN CONSTRUCTION TODAY
Different types of AI, such as machine learning, enhance every stage of the construction process, from design to operations. These advanced AI technologies transform traditional workflows by providing unprecedented insights and analytical power.
AI solutions for construction, for example, improve project timelines, help projects stay on budget, and make construction sites safer by predicting risks, optimizing resources, and reducing human errors.
- Safety and Risk Mitigation — Machine learning and AI construction solutions help reduce risk and improve worker safety. AI-powered solutions, combined with construction webcams, can monitor job sites in real time for issues such as unsafe scaffolding, missing protective gear, unauthorized entry into restricted areas, and other hazards.
- Project Management — Artificial intelligence in construction project management bridges the gap between design intent and as-built conditions. With a combination of 3D laser scanning and automated AI-powered analysis, teams can receive reports on quality issues and discrepancies between the design and the plan.
Additionally, AI can help measure site progress for major trades by analyzing 360-degree photos regularly and identifying components like drywall, framing, and MEPs by room, floor, and overall project. This type of AI analysis compares as-built 360-degree photos to the plan or project’s BIM and identifies whether installation has been completed, and to what percentage.
The analysis report is then accessible to teams as one of the project’s vital insights, empowering all stakeholders to track the project’s objective progress and ensure that scheduling, payment applications, and resource allocations are made based on the most accurate and up-to-date information.
- Quality Assurance — AI-powered analysis can not only track how much of the project has been completed, but also monitor the quality of work and look for defects that need to be addressed before they become escalate into a larger issue.
In the case for life safety, AI analysis can play a key role in identifying risks in above-ceiling penetrations. For example, with Multivista’s Firestopping solution the AI analysis can detect over 1,000 above-ceiling unsealed penetrations, ensuring teams complete the construction in accordance with necessary safety standards and compliance requirements.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF AI IN CONSTRUCTION?
As more AI-powered solutions are integrated into construction workflows, the industry will become increasingly advanced over time. We expect this trend to continue, especially as AI becomes more proficient with automated analysis, detection, and reporting functionalities.
- Enhancing productivity and future planning — As more data is collected and analyzed by AI systems, the construction industry will benefit from technology that’s even more adept at identifying and predicting project progress and resource gaps. Managing costs and timelines will become more effective and less time consuming as this enhanced forecasting ability will enable better resource allocation and financial planning.Additionally, AI will provide crucial insights into the lifecycle of structural elements, predicting potential failures before they occur. This proactive approach will not only prevent accidents and improve safety but also significantly enhance overall project efficiency by reducing downtime and unexpected repairs.
- Design impacts — Artificial Intelligence (AI), is poised to revolutionize sustainable design practices in the construction industry as well. By analyzing vast amounts of data on materials, environmental factors, and energy consumption, AI can help determine which designs are more sustainable and environmentally friendly and the technology can optimize building plans to require less materials.
Additionally, AI solutions can help teams avoid lengthy and extensive rework by identifying issues early on, thereby reducing waste and lowering the carbon footprint of construction projects. Furthermore, AI can simulate and enhance energy efficiency in buildings, considering factors such as solar orientation, insulation, and HVAC systems to create structures that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly efficient and environmentally responsible.
MODERNIZE YOUR CONSTRUCTION WORKFLOWS WITH MULTIVISTA
From Firestopping assessment automation to Progress Reporting, Multivista and Hexagon’s AI-powered solutions can help streamline processes for your construction projects, keeping them on budget and on time.
For an example of our AI solutions in action, discover how DPR Construction utilizes our reality capture and AI innovation to build highly complex and technical data centers, as well as the practical applications of AI in its construction project management.
With years of experience, thousands of completed projects, and millions of square feet scanned, Multivista continues to lead the way in implementing AI solutions for the construction industry. By embracing these technologies, construction companies can improve efficiency, reduce risks, and deliver higher-quality projects in less time.
Looking to start using AI-powered solutions on your projects? Book a demo here.
