The Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) Magazine reviewed the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its significant impact on the construction industry worldwide, highlighting that all industrial chains need to invest in highly advanced artificial intelligence capabilities.
The construction industry, characterized by strict project implementation schedules, vast site management requirements, narrow profit margins and dangerous working conditions, faces global challenges such as supply chain disruptions, increasing environmental and social governance requirements, and an aging workforce, which disproportionately affect its operations.
The magazine, in an analysis prepared by “Global Data Thematic Intelligence,” stated that overcoming these challenges and addressing the growing demand of the global population requires construction companies to adopt technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics. Given that the construction industry is one of the least digitized sectors worldwide.
MEED noted that AI predictive analytics can help construction companies manage their projects by maximizing efficiency and reducing costs. AI-enabled computer vision can facilitate large-scale data collection, detect safety hazards, and prevent workplace injuries. AI-powered autonomous construction equipment can increase efficiency and protect human workers by keeping them out of harm’s way.
The analysis emphasized that construction companies should recognize the importance of investing in AI and should prioritize developing AI decision-making capabilities, regardless of which segment of the value chain they operate in.
AI decision-making capabilities in the construction industry include calculation, prediction, and planning, from creating conceptual designs through project financing to building construction. This enables construction companies to make informed, data-driven decisions.
MEED highlighted that the only part of the construction value chain where human-AI interaction should not be explored is procurement. At every other stage, AI-powered computer vision will assist decision-making by providing detailed and up-to-date data.
The mobility of advanced AI will be useful to certain segments of the construction industry chain, providing invaluable support in those specific areas.
In construction, as well as in design and engineering, investing in autonomous construction equipment powered by AI can help eliminate health and safety risks, improve the efficiency of construction projects, and address some of the industry’s employment challenges. Many segments of the construction value chain should explore the potential of AI creation.
This advanced AI capability, known as generative AI, uses machine learning algorithms to create content such as text, images, video, audio, and program code.
The Case of AI in Construction
According to GlobalData, a data analytics and consulting company’s Global Construction Survey 2024, nearly two-thirds of construction workers worldwide believe that AI has already had a significant impact on their industry or will have one in the next five years, while about 20% of construction workers think that AI will never impact their industry.
Another survey by the network in 2024 found that 23% of construction workers believe that the cost of the technology will be the main barrier to investing in AI in their industry.
This is followed by 20% who feel that the technology needs further proof of effectiveness, and 20% who believe there is a lack of necessary skills to successfully implement AI.
The analysis finds that cost will be a limiting factor for smaller construction companies, but the increased productivity offered by AI solutions makes it a necessary investment for those who can afford it.
Technology transformation teams within construction companies must actively demonstrate the tangible benefits and reliability of AI solutions to encourage adoption.
It is critical that these teams clearly communicate the key benefits of AI technology, while addressing employee concerns about potential job loss and human redundancy to foster a smoother transition and acceptance within the construction industry. By demonstrating how AI tools can work in collaboration with workers, rather than replacing them entirely, construction companies can successfully overcome the challenges associated with implementing much-needed AI solutions.
