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The Rise and Future of AI in construction
It is safe to say that Artificial intelligence in the construction industry is here and it’s here to stay. This shift sometimes feels like it happened overnight, as new technologies have been popping up with the potential to transform our industry. As we dive into this next evolution of construction technology, it becomes important to understand what artificial intelligence is and its distinctive contributions in propelling the productivity and efficiency of the construction sector.
First things first….What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The birth of artificial intelligence (AI) can be traced back to the mid-20th century. The term “artificial intelligence” was coined in 1956 during a Dartmouth College conference, marking the formal beginning of AI as a field. AI in a nutshell is defined as the study of “giving computers the ability to learn without explicitly being programmed.” And chances are, you’ve most liekly already embraced the power of AI in different areas of your life. If you’ve experienced the convenience and efficiency (or sometimes frustrations) offered by digital assistants such as Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, then you’ve experienced the transformative impact of AI firsthand.
Advances in machine learning, e-networks, and computing power in recent years have propelled AI into practical applications, ranging from voice assistants to sophisticated data analysis and decision-making systems. It’s starting to feel as though all industries in various sectors have now embraced AI to enhance their operations and achieve and business growth. And with the continuous advancements in AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), it’s quickly proving to unlock exponential opportunities for growth and innovation within the construction industry too.
Artificial Intelligence in Construction: What Industry Problems Can it Address?
According to recent reports – AI in the construction market is expected to reach a compound annual growth rate of 26.3% from 2019 to 2026.
Advances in AI are expected to address critical industry challenges such as safety concerns, labor shortages, and cost overruns. AI further holds huge potential across various stages of project lifecycles, encompassing design, bidding, financing, procurement, construction, operations, asset management, and business model transformation. And when applied effectively, construction companies can optimize operations, improve productivity, and mitigate risks.
AI is revolutionizing traditional construction practices, enabling smarter and more efficient day-to-day processes for individuals working on the jobsite.
Real world examples of AI in Construction:
- Enhanced Material and Project Management: AI-powered project management systems streamline workflows by automating tasks such as scheduling, resource allocation, and cost estimation. It can also instantly detect and resolve supply chain issues and keep stakeholders informed through AI driven email reminders and real-time notifications. By reducing manual effort and improving accuracy, AI can take the lead in identifying and resolving potential supply chain bottlenecks to enhance project efficiency.
- Site Progress Monitoring: Employ AI-based computer vision systems to analyze images and videos from construction sites, facilitating real-time tracking of progress. By comparing this data to project plans, AI algorithms pinpoint delays, monitor milestones, and provide valuable insights into project status.
- Design Exploration and Planning: Harness the power of AI-driven generative design to explore a myriad of design options. Input project constraints and goals to generate diverse design alternatives, empowering your team to discover creative and efficient solutions.
- Enhanced Job Site Safety: Integrate AI technologies like computer vision and machine learning to enhance safety on construction sites. Intelligent cameras and sensors detect potential hazards, monitor worker activities, and alert supervisors in real-time, ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols.
- Addressing Labor Shortages: Mitigate labor shortages with AI-driven robotics and automation technologies, handling repetitive tasks and boosting productivity. Construction robots can assist with activities like bricklaying, welding, and material handling, reducing the reliance on manual labor.
Streamlining Construction with MatrakAI:
MatrakAI collaborates with your whole supply chain by leveraging our global data set to detect and resolves supply chain issues. Keeping stakeholders in the loop through instant notifications and personalised emails.
From automatic tasks creation and real-time reminders – MatrakAI will be integrated into your project networks to proactively monitor projects and mirror human interaction for swift issue resolution. Giving our users even more power to manage their work and enhance their workflows.
We’re actively working on bringing on more over the coming months. What you can expect:
- Prevent Project Delays: Continuously monitor your projects, detecting potential delays or risks before they materialise, providing you with the time to address them proactively.
- Real-time Escalation: Our AI communicates with subcontractors and team members to mirror human interaction, ensuring that information flows smoothly and issues are swiftly resolved.
- Early Issue Detection: Matrak quickly identifies the specific issues and risks which are promptly communicated to relevant stakeholders