July 2023
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Technology and Innovation The Power of AI in Preconstruction and Construction
By Ro Bhatia Artificial Intelligence (AI) is nothing new but with generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT continuing to spark conversations around the world, the concept of AI and its uses is growing in popularity and curiosity. Bloomberg estimates that mentions of AI and its related phrases have increased by 77% since last year by businesses across nearly every vertical. The construction industry is no different, and AI is being increasingly used in the construction industry to improve productivity, safety, and efficiency. According to a recent Pymnts and American Express report, 30% of construction firms plan on investing in technology to help them save time and capital. By leveraging AI, general
contractors and subcontractors can be better advised on the necessary components of a potential project in the early stages, increasing the possibility of successful bids while lowering the chances of project overruns so they can maintain their bottom lines and profits. Innovation Meets Construction
While the construction industry has historically been a late adopter of technology, those that have embraced the best tools have reaped the rewards of greater efficiency, accuracy, and speed. In addition, more progressive companies are more likely to be on the leading edge of adoption, offsetting costs, streamlining simple but time-consuming processes, and improving operational efficiency. For the contractors and subcontractors that haven’t yet, they’re beginning to understand the urgency of implementing this technology early rather than playing catch-up later. What was seen as a “nice to have” has become a “must have.” AI Begins with Data
As with all new technology, human oversight is required to ensure the proper use of data sets because AI is
only as effective as the data that’s put in. Construction professionals must be deeply involved in these initial stages to craft the tasks, data, and inputs to ensure this technology achieves its potential and creates efficiencies in planning, design, operations, and more. AI provides contractors and subcontractors with predictive analytics and is used to analyze historical data and predict future events, such as project delays or equipment breakdowns. This helps construction companies to better plan and manage their projects. In addition, AI speeds up data analysis and helps project teams make faster, better decisions with greater certainty. AI on the Job
AI can detect potential design flaws or clashes before construction begins, reducing the risk of costly rework. Once construction has started, AI-powered equipment such as drones, excavators, and bulldozers can operate autonomously, reducing the need for human labor and increasing safety. Regarding the construction process’s safety and quality control aspects, AI-powered cameras
and sensors can monitor construction sites for safety hazards such as falls or other accidents. These systems can alert workers in real-time and help prevent accidents before they occur. In addition, AI can be used to analyze construction materials and detect defects before they are installed, helping improve the quality of construction. To wrap up, AI can potentially bring about significant changes in the construction industry. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data and perform complex tasks, AI can help improve productivity, safety, and efficiency in construction projects. It can also enable better decision-making, reduce costs, and speed up the completion of projects. However, the successful implementation of AI in the construction industry requires significant investment and collaboration between various stakeholders. With the right approach and resources, AI can transform the construction industry and pave the way for a more innovative and sustainable future. Ro Bhatia is the CEO of PlanHub.
Suffolk Technologies Hosts Robotics in Construction Event Boston – Suffolk Technologies recently hosted Robotics in Construction 2023 at Suffolk Construction’s Roxbury headquarters, in partnership with MassRobotics. The event, sponsored by Autodesk and Hilti Venture, brought together industry experts, investors, construction professionals and robotics startup founders from around the world for a series of panels, pitches, product demonstrations and networking opportunities. “While the construction industry is not known for driving innovation and change, we are living in a new norm where increasing efficiencies and improving productivity are absolutely necessary for managing successful projects and providing real value for clients,” said John Fish, chairman and CEO of Suffolk. The day-long event welcomed emerging robotics and AI technology startups solving built world challenges. “Many of our resident startups and those from across the globe are working on technologies that are able to support many industry vertices and construction is an industry ripe for adopting robotics,” said Tom Ryden, executive director, MassRobotics. “Robots can help to improve safety and accuracy as well as provide services in areas where there are labor shortages.”
Keynote speaker Josh Lobel, strategic projects executive at Autodesk, followed opening remarks from Fish and Ryden. Two panel discussions then explored the on-site challenges faced by industry incumbents for adopting new technologies and what it takes to successfully raise capital as a robotics founder in construction. Later in the day, Johannes Paefgen, director with Hilti Venture in Boston, spoke about Hilti’s partnerships with robotics startups: “In our perspective, construction automation is an imperative – to be safer and more productive, but also
to win and retain talent in an increasingly competitive labor market. Mastering automation is not only about robots, but also about planning, coordination, collaboration, and logistics. Contractors should rethink their processes, not just their machines.” The evening culminated with five startups pitching their solutions to the room of industry experts: • Rugged Robotics – Autonomous vehicle which streamlines manual layout processes by marking fully-coordinated A/E designs directly onto unfinished floors.
• Element Exo – An exoskeleton that reduces the risk of work-related back injuries. • Reframe Systems – Leveraging modular components and robotic microfactories to drive down the cost and delivery time of net-zero multifamily residential buildings. • Cleo Robotics – Compact and rugged unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with cutting-edge sensing to collect critical data and assist with inspections in GPSdenied, dangerous and difficult to reach areas. • Renovate Robotics – Robot designed to reduce work at height and make roofing more productive for contractors. “Given the challenges the construction industry continues to grapple with, such as persistent labor shortages and shrinking margins, robotics holds incredible promise,” said Jim Lynch, senior vice president and general manager of Autodesk Construction Solutions. “Many of our forward-thinking customers are already realizing the value of robotics in applications like offsite manufacturing, reality capture and tackling repetitive tasks. When combined with the power of data and machine learning, robotics can supplement human labor to increase job site safety, ensure greater predictability, and improve quality control.”
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