Smart Construction: How AI and Machine Learning Will Change the Construction

Industry

Daniel Burrus

May 2, 2019·4 min read

These days, seemingly everyone is applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

I have written about disruptions in the manufacturing industry, such as Industry 4.0, while

illustrating the Hard Trends that indicate where improvements will be made in the future.

The construction industry, which makes up 7% of the global workforce, should already have

applied these technologies to improve productivity and revolutionize the industry. However, it

has actually progressed quite slowly.

Growth in the construction industry has only been 1% over a few decades while

manufacturing is growing at a rate of 3.6%. With the total worker output in construction at a

standstill, it is no surprise that the areas where machine learning and AI could improve such

statistics were minimal. Yet, those technologies are finally starting to emerge in the industry.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is when a computer mimics specific attributes of human cognitive

function, while machine learning gives the computer the ability to learn from data, as opposed

to being specifically programmed by a human. Here are ten ways that AI and machine

learning will transform the construction and engineering industries into what we’ll call “smart

construction.”

1. Cost Overrun Prevention and Improvement

Even efficient construction teams are plagued by cost overruns on larger-scale projects. AI can

utilize machine learning to better schedule realistic timelines from the start, learning from data

such as project or contract type, and implement elements of real-time training in order to

enhance skills and improve team leadership.

2. Generative Design for Better Design

When a building is constructed, the sequence of architectural, engineering, mechanical,

electrical, and plumbing tasks must be accounted for in order to prevent these specific teams

from stepping out of sequence or clashing. Generative design is accomplished through a

process called “building information modeling.” Construction companies can utilize

generative design to plot out alternative designs and processes, preventing rework.

3. Risk Mitigation
The construction process involves risk, including quality and safety risks. AI machine learning

programs process large amounts of data, including the size of the project, to identify the size

of each risk and help the project team pay closer attention to bigger risk factors.

4. More Productive Project Planning

A recent startup utilized 3D scanning, AI and neural networks to scan a project site and

determine the progress of specific sub-projects in order to prevent late and over-budget work.

This approach allowed management to jump in and solve problems before they got out of

control. Similarly, “reinforcement learning” (machine learning based on trial and error) can

help to collate small issues and improve the preparation phase of project planning.

5. More Productive Job Sites

Professionals often fear machines will replace them. While intelligent machines will take over

first repetitive and eventually more cognitively complex positions, this does not mean a lack

of jobs for people. Instead, workers will transition to new, more fulfilling and highly

productive roles to save time and stay on budget, and AI will monitor human productivity on
job sites to provide real-time guidance on improving each operation.

6. Safety First

Manual labor not only has the potential to be taxing on the body, but also to be incredibly

dangerous. Presently, a general contractor is developing an algorithm that analyzes safety

hazards seen in imagery taken from a job site, making it possible to hold safety briefings to

eliminate elevated danger and improve overall safety on construction sites.

7. Addressing Job Shortages

AI and machine learning have the capacity to plot out accurate distribution of labor and

machinery across different job sites, again preventing budget overruns. One evaluation might

reveal where a construction site has adequate coverage while another reveals where it is short

staffed, thereby allowing for an efficient and cost-effective repositioning of workers.

8. Remote Construction

When structures can be partially assembled off-site and then completed on-site, construction

goes faster. The concept of using advanced robots and AI to accomplish this remote assembly

is new. Assembly line production of something like a wall can be completed while the human

workforce focuses on the finish work.

9. Construction Sites as Data Sources

The data gathered from construction sites and the digital lessons learned by AI and advanced

machines are all tools for improving the productivity of the next project. In this way, each

construction site can contribute to a virtual textbook of information helpful to the entire

industry.

10. The Finishing Touches

Structures are always settling and shifting slightly. It would be beneficial to be able to dive

back into data collated by a computer to track in real time the changes and potential problems

faced by a structure — and AI and machine learning make this possible.

Given the inevitable changes on the horizon, and the potential for costs to drop up to 20% or

more with increased productivity, professionals in the construction industry must pay attention

to Hard Trends, become more anticipatory, and ultimately learn to turn disruption and change

into opportunity and advantage.