AI or artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept best suited to science fiction novels or films. Technology is evolving faster than most of us previously imagined. AI algorithms and software solutions are being deployed in various industries such as hospitality, healthcare, food, entertainment and many more.
Many brands are incorporating AI-enabled technologies into customer support operations and this is gaining traction across the world. The construction industry, likewise, is also embracing this technology hand in hand. ML-enabled artificial intelligence solutions are also being widely used in this sector nowadays.
Nuances of AI and Machine Learning in the Construction Sector
AI may be a broad enough topic to explain in one sentence, but it is about simulating human thinking and analysis capabilities through specialized computer software solutions. It also involves an artificial self-learning mechanism. Thus, along with computer science, it also involves linguistics, mathematics and psychology.
When it comes to the construction sector, AI broadly covers two areas – deep learning and machine learning.
Machine learning involves special algorithms that allow computers to learn from collected and compiled data without much human intervention and explicit programming. For example, AI algorithms can be used to allow a software solution to identify spam emails and isolate them from useful, genuine emails. The so-called AI algorithm uses features and patterns to identify specific types of third-party data. 
Deep learning is a type of machine learning based primarily on neural networks. This is a recent development in the domain of AI technologies that has enabled the creation of new developments in language and image processing. In the future, it is expected to pave the way for more advanced applications.
AI and Machine Learning Procedures Used in Construction and Their Benefits
The potential for using AI technologies in the construction sector is enormous. Typically, most construction projects have many problems that need careful and appropriate handling. Many changes can also occur in such projects without prior suggestion or information. Handling these issues and changes manually can be tedious, for sure, and there are scopes of errors. By deploying AI technologies and allowing project management software to take care of entire projects, repetitive tasks can be automated to a great extent and the scope of human errors can also be largely mitigated.
AI technologies, when used in construction projects, can help project engineers, supervisors and literally everyone involved in such projects. Implementing such technologies helps them save time – without a doubt. These software solutions can also be used to monitor work progress and thus errors and risk factors can be easily identified. Managers and supervisors will be able to receive alerts about such issues and corrective measures can be taken quickly. This will help avoid problems and increased costs in such projects.
How are AI and machine learning being used in construction projects today?
While AI is an evolving branch of computer science and technology, its current applications in construction are not insignificant either. Listed below are ways in which most construction entities are already implementing AI technology in their projects.
For risk assessment
Before a construction project is approved by the authorities and developers take action, it is necessary to carry out a risk assessment. This is applicable to almost all projects – residential or commercial.
Previously, this was done manually, which required a lot of time. Computer applications are also used, but the implementation of AI technology has made risk assessment faster and more accurate. This is due to the fact that AI technological solutions can compile large amounts of data and analyze it to arrive at a detailed and accurate risk assessment for such projects.
It can be used to analyze and evaluate risk factors relevant to construction, such as soil type, viability of building height, etc.
To increase productivity
When AI-enabled construction management software is used in a construction project, it increases the level of productivity. These software solutions can be used to monitor and supervise daily operations at project sites. They can be used to monitor procedures such as masonry, masonry, plumbing installation, electrification, flooring, roofing, and more.
If something goes wrong or out of control, the system generates an alert and corrective measures can be taken. This eliminates the risk of errors and helps to save time to a large extent. Project workers can focus on their respective roles and eventually become more productive.
To maintain security in places
On most construction sites, regardless of location and type, there are some risk factors. These include risks of electrocution, fire, short circuit, handling of heavy machinery and even worst-case scenario accidents.
Although the implementation of surveillance cameras and fire alarms is nothing new, the use of AI technology solutions takes the level of security to a new level. The solution can be used to look for risk factors and any escalation can be identified and reported instantly. This helps minimize the scope of injuries and accidents at these project locations.
To make documentation accurate and easily accessible
In any construction project, enormous amounts of data must be stored and accessed daily. When this is done manually, errors can occur, causing a lot of hassle. Using accounting software is an option, but when they are handled by humans, scopes for errors still remain.
When AI technology is used, data storage and retrieval becomes hassle-free. These solutions can also be used to fetch specific data from a gigantic database and update and change existing data in an instant. Furthermore, everything related to the projects is documented and stored digitally – which can be useful in resolving any problems in the future.
Taking stock of stock
In most construction projects, many materials need to be stored at or near the project site. These include brick, cement, paint, sheet metal, stone and more. Maintaining stock control is very important. Using labor to do this leaves room for error. However, deploying AI technology to handle project inventory makes things easier.
Using autonomous equipment and robots
In commercial and large construction projects, the deployment of specialized equipment and robots powered by AI technology is becoming more common than in the past! This is useful to eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries and also to speed up the progress of work.
AI-driven robots can be used to construct parts of buildings at high heights and the use of such drones or robots also brings precision in work. This also frees up human workers to focus on more complex jobs like installing plumbing and electrification, etc.
What will the future of AI technology in construction look like?
As mentioned earlier, AI technology is rapidly transforming and the future of AI in construction could be more radical than it is now! Project managers and engineers are likely to become more dependent on AI solutions and the deployment of drones and robots for surveillance and carrying out routine tasks will also increase.
Experts also assume that the use of IoT in industry will also increase. Project workers will use IoT-enabled devices to communicate and interact. However, security issues must also be addressed. Given that AI is largely dependent on the Internet, security gaps need to be checked and resolved before it can be implemented more intensively in the construction sector.
