Our ability to transform and build up the environment around us has been key to the evolution of our species. Construction was one of humanity’s first professions, we have built shelters and structures that keep us safe and secure for thousands of years.
Technology has been used for decades to make a variety of tasks and processes in the construction industry more efficient. The entire sector is changing the way that structures and shelters are designed, planned and built to make construction safer and more streamlined.
AI (Artificial Intelligence) is one the newest technologies transforming the construction industry and has, already, managed to make a variety of construction projects more innovative and cost-effective. AI and machine learning systems are being used to optimise work schedules, monitor construction sites, simplify building practices and improve workplace safety, today.
There is no question that AI will continue to be an invaluable addition to the construction industry and help transform the way that construction companies operate and conduct their business going forward.
Making construction more efficient through technology
Construction managers and companies have been utilising AI – and other intelligent – technologies to assist in automating and optimising all kinds of essential day-to-day tasks and business operations. AI systems are able to schedule and monitor construction sites and tasks which helps prevent inefficiencies, delays, conflicts or other problems from occurring.
From materials to worker placement, AI improves the way that we manage and organise complicated construction schedules and processes. A small-scale project can be reasonably managed by a single person or team, however, the reality of coordinating hundreds of workers and thousands of processes in a large-scale, multiyear construction project means that technological assistance is often required.
Designing blueprints, securing permits, working out shifts and monitoring progress are all vital pieces of the construction process that are made smoother and easier with the help of AI. The scale of the structures that we build today are only made possible with the assistance of technological innovations. For example, machine learning has revolutionised the way we manage construction projects and even the way we build them.
Finding patterns, monitoring trends and keying in on outliers in the data is what machine learning excels at. By combining its pattern-recognition capabilities with historical data and access to scheduling systems, construction firms are able to identify potential issues sooner and refine their existing procedures. Scheduling and managing, using AI systems, can help prevent costly delays and problems on sites or with vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Construction sites around the world are making use of AI’s predictive capabilities to run ‘what-if’ scenarios and create necessary contingency plans for if something goes wrong. The pattern recognition software that improves planning and scheduling can also be used to identify trends in a project. Machine learning programmes will use this data to determine how long a project may take or, more importantly, how delays in the supply chain could affect progress. AI helps construction managers deal with unexpected scenarios and build contingency plans for if and when they occur.
Making construction sites safer through data intelligence
The past few years have seen a steady increase in “smart” technologies and machines. This is no different on a construction site. Modern machines and equipment are being fitted with sensors that can detect relevant machine conditions, like engine condition, temperature, quality assurance and material applications. These sensor tools are able to intelligently monitor this on-site data in real time and report any issues or abnormalities occurring to the site manager. AI can help predict or detect problems or malfunctions before they occur, helping prevent costly delays and work interruptions.
It is well-known that construction sites can be a hazardous environment if they are managed poorly. There are a variety of potential dangers from heavy machinery and power tools to precarious structures and transporting equipment. Fortunately, AI technology is also helping keep construction sites safe and improve overall security. Cameras, IoT devices, sensors and alarm systems are being implemented in most construction sites, which are being powered by intelligent software. AI systems can detect dangerous behaviour from workers or alert teams of potentially-malfunctioning machinery.
AI-enable surveillance and monitoring systems help to watch over a construction project and ensure that all workers are safe and all machines are functioning correctly. More than that, these security systems help to keep all of the expensive equipment and machinery safe on the site. An AI-supported surveillance system will spot any suspicious activity and alert site security automatically. It will also monitor the location, amount and use of tools, equipment and supplies to ensure there is no theft or damage in the construction site.
The future of AI in the construction industry
AI-enabled and smart technology has already delivered so many benefits to the construction field and, unsurprisingly, businesses across the industry are finding new and innovative ways to use AI solutions for improving their business. The potential transformations still to come in the construction industry are incredibly exciting and we must remember that AI technology is still in its infancy. As we continue to grow and learn with this technology, there is no doubt that it will continue to help construction managers save time and money, while improving the overall efficiency and reliability of their sites and projects.
We offer civil construction services for either the manmade or naturally-built environment using the latest technology and cutting-edge processes, for more information contact LeafySpace today.
