AI’s Impact on the Construction Industry
In 2025, our nation sees more automation, advancement, and efficiency in technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is leading the charge in every industry creating leaps and bounds for economic growth. As every industry does, the construction industry experiences traditional challenges like labor shortages, safety, and cost overruns. Although AI cannot pick up a hammer and nails, it can do most of the technological work that is required. It is a game-changer that is transforming processes across the sector. We are going to investigate many phases of the construction industry, and the impact AI will have on its practical applications, the benefits, and the outlook.
AI in Design & Planning
The design and planning phase of construction is one of the most important components of any project. This phase can take months of collaboration between the owner and contractor that can require multiple trips to the drawing board before everything is just the way the owner desires it to be. At times, this phase can take longer than the actual construction of the project. AI-powered software can benefit generative design, creating multiple building design options based on inputs like budget, materials, and sustainability goals. AI also has the ability use predictive capabilities to enhance Building Information Modeling. Reducing errors and providing more accurate forecasts will maximize profitability and efficiency. Primal areas for this are during the estimation of a project and throughout the scheduling period.
AI on the Jobsite
Some jobsites see autonomous equipment like driverless, robotic, or remote-controlled machines, like excavators, dozers and haul trucks. The tasks completed by these machines bring increased precision, productivity, and safety. A unique combination of sensors, AI, and machine learning are used in these machines. This not only helps combat the labor shortage, but it also promotes safety with machinery entering a hazardous environment instead of humans. Drones paired with computer vision have offered quality assurance and site mapping along with the ability to monitor job progress. Items like watches, bracelets, and rings provide features to track workers’ safety and fatigue in real time. All these AI functions promote an advanced level of safety, lowers risk of injury or medical accidents, and enhances efficiency.
Safety Enhancements
After thorough analyzation of the job site through methods discussed previously, AI then has the capability to enhance safety. It has the power to predict any hazards that are current or may arise, not only through pre-construction work that has already been completed, but also through historical accident data. Camera systems have advanced to the caliber that safety can be monitored in real time. For example, these systems can detect if a worker is missing PPE and it will notify management immediately. In turn, these proactive interventions will reduce accidents and insurance costs in the future.
Supply Chain & Resource Management
Forecasting driven by AI optimizes material ordering and reduces waste. Through the power of its technology, it can accurately measure and analyze the materials needed down to the screw. This will not only save time, but it will also decrease costs and material loss or overstock. In order to prevent project delays, AI uses real-time logistics tracking on supplies based on tracking numbers, on-hand supply, and the economy. Reducing downtime is one way to raise efficiency and keep a project on schedule. AI offers the capability to predict when a piece of software or equipment will need maintenance so it can be done prior to a project entering the stages where it will need said equipment.
Workforce Impact
AI has allowed workers to focus on higher-skilled roles by reducing repetitive or manual tasks. Some parts of jobs require human insight and judgement that technology cannot provide. Instead, construction sites will use AI to complete heavy data tasks and employees can channel their strategic, creative, and complex expertise into human specific roles. This cohesion opens the door for team members to work alongside AI tools which will require some reskilled training. A common misconception is that AI will “replace” jobs. This is false. There are many career paths that are very difficult to fill causing many employees to conduct tasks that are outside their expertise to fill a void. You can see why that may be an issue. Instead, AI is filling a vacant role that is crucial to the functions of a company. It does not have the capability to make cognitive decisions. It runs solely off data and history which cannot “replace” jobs.
Sustainability Benefits
Sustainable means “something that is lasting.” Construction must be built with sustainability as a mindset, otherwise the building will crumble with the company’s reputation. AI can reduce a project’s carbon footprint by optimizing the usage of materials through several pieces of the pre-construction phase. Additionally, we are seeing it improve energy efficiency in building designs by inquiring about the building’s lifecycle. As economic sustainability evolves, AI is in support of green certifications across the construction industry.
Challenges & Considerations
Implementing AI into the construction industry can be paired with high upfront costs and integration hurdles with employees or active job sites. A large debate around the world is the security and privacy of AI. What does it have the power to do? How much does it really know? Will it one day hand over sensitive information that our company has stored? All of these are concerns that wrap around the idea of ownership. The construction industry is lagging the adoption of AI because of cultural resistance or a lack of training and knowledge.
The Future of AI in Construction
The future of construction is bright with the successful integration of artificial intelligence. Job sites have the potential to become fully autonomous, lowering safety accidents and improving efficiency. There can be a labor increase with robotics that can provide more accuracy and create a safer environment. Additionally, there is a potential for smarter cities and infrastructure powered by AI insights that have been previously mentioned.
As we step into the future as an industry, AI could positively impact all phases of construction. From design and planning to safety to sustainability, AI has the potential to transform the construction industry. This tool builds smarter, safer, and more sustainable projects. It is not easy to dive right into the deep end with new advancements, but it is important to explore how AI can add value to your upcoming project.
Written by Dakota Ortega
Dakota serves as our Marketing Coordinator. She attended The University of Tennessee Southern where she graduated early, earning her BS in Business Administration - Management in December of 2022. She earned her MBA from The University of Tennessee Southern in May of 2024. Dakota is dedicated to leading and directing Brindley Construction’s marketing needs with creativity at its forefront. She is an active member of Rotary Club of Pulaski and Giles County Chamber Diplomats.