AI Blog Series: Making a Case for AI in Construction

We are embarking on a blog series, looking at the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) in the construction industry. Last week, we looked at how the technology can help in the lifecycle of a construction project—from preconstruction through to building maintenance. This week let’s look at a few examples of how AI might practically be used in construction today.

AI Helps Estimate

We have written about the rise of AI in estimating before. Estimating is often tedious and time consuming and new technologies—i.e. gen AI—can help estimate, ultimately creating more profitable bids.

A few years back, we wrote about Togal.AI, which promises takeoff construction projects in minutes and 98% accuracy. Using deep machine learning, the technology analyzes construction drawings and provides quantity reports. Here we see estimators can compare drawing sets and quantify changes made. The company also has a ChatGPT feature, which allows construction professionals to talk to the construction plans. Of course, this is only one example.

As another example, earlier this month, Buildxact announced the launch of its AI Estimator Calculator for residential builders and remodelers, giving them the ability to determine project requirements and price those requirements using live material pricing from Home Depot’s catalogs. 

Here’s how this is different: Users can create assemblies based on simple inputs, which helps prevent common assembly mistakes. Also, builders can figure out how many sq.ft., or linear feet they need of a certain supply. Adjustments can be made through AI prompts and suggestions provided by Buildxact or the builder can do it on their own, without AI assistance. 

AI Helps Manage Projects

AI can also help with project management. It can help with scheduling, resource allocation, and task management, just to name a few. Ultimately, it can improve safety, quality, compliance, and productivity, just to name a few.

We see this is the case with Hensel Phelps, which was highlighted in the fourth annual construction technology report from ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors),

The construction company is using AI technology in relation to photo documentation, progress tracking, deviation detection, safety, and more. The platform leverages photos to identify installed elements like drywall and plumbing and calculates the installation progress. The analysis can create trend charts to indicate whether installations are on schedule. This helps identify delays and enables production tracking and scheduling reports.

Certainly, this is just the beginning of the benefits of the technology. Integrations with BIM (building information modeling) can provide unlimited advantages to the construction industry. Taking it a step further, the combination of AI, BIM, and the IoT (Internet of Things) could prove to be a potent combination. With sensors embedded in hard hats, construction companies can track worker movements, tracking safety. Similar technologies can also be used to track materials, equipment, and tools.

For Hensel Phelps, it is also piloting and testing advanced robotics for autonomous reality capture and analysis in construction projects. All in all, artificial intelligence, in combination with several other technologies, can provide big value to the construction industry. What opportunities do you see to improve productivity, safety, and accuracy in your own business?

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