Q1 2024: Environment & Tech Updates
The Intersection of
AI & Construction
The construction industry is feeling the pressure to evolve faster. Most of this pressure comes from the general modern technology shift to improve efficiency on job sites (i.e. AI & IT), the US government tightening policies with codes and regulations regarding energy consumption/ carbon emissions, and from the general expectations for private businesses to adopt a framework that emphasizes sustainability. The goal within the industry will be to find a collaboration between solving environmental issues and implementing new technologies to ultimately improve productivity, profitability, carbon footprint, and job safety.
IT (information technology) spending in construction uses only 1-2% of revenue vs. 3-5% of revenue used in other industries, which leaves a lot of room for growth. The need for new software and AI for construction builders is fueling the need for construction tech startups which is why the last 3 months of 2023 were an incredibly active time for construction tech startup funding and why 2024 and the following years are predicted to witness AI in construction increase to 8.6 billion USD by 2030.
AI (artificial intelligence) is being used to analyze design data and provide insights on how buildings can be constructed in a way that optimizes productivity and energy efficiency. However, the transition to more AI in construction comes with setbacks. For example, investing in AI can be expensive, especially for smaller construction companies. AI also requires additional training in an already stressed workforce. But long-term it will be beneficial for both the industry and the environment. [8,9,10]
One expert explains the difference between robotics and AI, “Robotics is just building a robot that can paint the wall,” said Ioanna. “The AI is actually scanning the wall continuously to know how much spackle to put on, where the tape is going, and then it can analyze where the end of the wall is. It can look at the coverage.”Robert Ioanna, chief technical officer with Syska Hennessy Group, an MEP engineering firm. [10]
Examples of Tech in Construction
Drone inspections (i.e. roof scans and images)
Sensors within building infrastructure and MEP systems that predict maintenance
AI data embedded into tools, systems, and software
Supplemental software for project managers that track progress and changing conditions in real time on construction job sites
3D modeling with text-based prompt ability to create a design and calculate embedded carbon emission stats simultaneously
[8] Francis, C. (2024, February 14). Ai in construction market is set to experience a revolutionary growth: IBM, Microsoft, Oracle. EIN News. https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/688570927/ai-in-construction-market-is-set-to-experience-a-revolutionary-growth-ibm-microsoft-oracle[9] Moon, M. (2024, January 31). 5 Ways Construction Tech founders can win in 2024. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/01/5-ways-construction-tech-founders-can-win-in-2024/[10] Russo, P. (2024, January 30). AI use builds in the construction industry. Commercial Observer. https://commercialobserver.com/2024/01/ai-in-construction-industry/