AI for Construction

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Following on from our previous articles explaining Machine Learning and what Artificial Intelligence is. In this article we are going to be applying Artificial Intelligence to the Construction Industry by answering the following question: How can Artificial Intelligence benefit the Construction Industry? Keep reading to find out how Artificial Intelligence technology for the Construction Industry can help you to #ONEUPYOURBUSINESS!

HOW CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BENEFIT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?

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As we explained in our previous article, Augmented Intelligence (AI) is a form of computer science to build smart machines capable of performing tasks that usually require human intelligence. AI can be combined with Machine Learning (ML) to identify common patterns and trends and produce algorithms that use real-time data to make decisions and to create responses. AI and ML is already being employed by the Construction Industry to help save time, money and enhance productivity. Consequently, our list of benefits will introduce how AR can benefit the Construction Industry:

• Freeing up human workforce: There are many fears over job loss with headlines featuring AI and robotics replacing human operations however what AI technology does is allow humans to not have to do mundane tasks; freeing up your time to carry out other tasks and develop a wider skillset. Therefore, AI technology is there to help humans and collaborate with them rather than replace them
• Supports off-site construction: Leading on from freeing up the workforce, AI supports off-site construction as factories can incorporate autonomous robots. The robots can piece together components of a building working with humans as the humans can construct the pieces together on-site. For example, a robot can create walls whereas humans can fit the structure together and add the details such as electrical systems. Working with robots increases productivity, efficiently and speeds up the process
• Increases productivity: autonomous and self-driving machinery offer ways to perform repetitive tasks like demolition, brick laying, and pouring concrete more efficiently than humans. This frees up human workers and increases productivity as tasks are completed on time or quicker. The company Construction Automation has already implemented the first use of using a robot bricklayer in the UK to build a three-bedroom house in East Yorkshire aiming to increase productivity, improve health and safety on sites, and build better quality houses
• Addresses labour shortages: Adding onto how AI can boost productivity, AI and ML can also address labour shortages by evaluating job sites to determine if they have enough workers, resources, and equipment to complete the construction project on time and within budget. Using AI and ML can benefit the Construction Industry by better planning the distribution of machinery and labour across all job sites helping to reduce labour and resource shortages to complete the job
• Reduce risks: As algorithms provide the ability to retrieve information that can be analysed and allow you to predict any potential issues before they arise, AI can contribute to providing more accuracy without the need of human analysation. For instance, contractors can use AI to monitor risks on the job site allowing the project team to focus their limited time and resources on the biggest risk factors. The Ai can be used to automatically assign priority to issues helping construction projects manage risks such as cost risk, safety, time, and quality
• Increases safety: Safety is critical to the Construction Industry to prevent damages, harm, and in worst case scenarios, death. According to reports, an algorithm that analyses photos from job sites is being developed to access safety hazards , detect threats, and show risk ratings of projects
• Better design for buildings: Using Building Information Modelling can help to plan and design the construction of a building as well as manage the building and infrastructure. Incorporating AI and ML can help to identify and mitigate any clashes between the different models created by different teams in the planning and design phase to prevent the need of rework. Implementing AI and ML algorithms means that a variety of choices can be considered, and explorations of multiple solutions can be explored to generate alternative designs all white making sure systems do not clash
• Improves project planning: AI database systems are used to aid in project planning as it identifies the best path to take and corrects itself over time as it learns overtime due to trial and error. Robots and AI can help to keep to budget and capture 3D scans of construction sites to collect data where problems can be identified early on before they escalate. By having large amounts of data therefore allows workers to make crucial decisions based on evidence that they may not have previously had at their disposal
• Provides a variety of insights: Large amounts of endless data is captured on construction projects from BIM, to security sensors and images captured from mobile devices generating vast amounts of information. All the data collect provides AI and ML endless amounts of data to learn from and can benefit from data as insights can be generated with more accuracy

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