The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has made some people worried about the impact that will be had on the workplace, and according to a survey by Pew Research, 32% of workers believe AI will hurt the workforce more than help it. While many conversations are taking place involving AI and the workplace, one particular industry that is beginning to benefit from AI technology is the construction industry.
Before we get any further into discussing AI and its application in construction, what exactly is AI? In its current form, AI is a computer that performs complex tasks – it understands natural language, recognizes patterns, and can handle problem-solving and decision-making. AI systems can learn from data and make predictions or conclusions without any human intervention. One of the most well-known examples of AI is found on your smartphone, where tools like Siri or Google can respond to various voice requests.
A common complaint about the recent rise in AI technology is that it takes away jobs from people. While there is evidence for this – for instance, a 2018 report from the World Economic Forum projected that routine-based roles such as cashiers, bank tellers, or payroll clerks are more susceptible to being replaced by AI – there are other industries where AI and machine learning are utilized to help people perform their jobs more effectively. One industry that is particularly growing through the use of AI technology is the construction industry. AI and machine learning in construction can improve safety, productivity, and quality by performing monotonous duties, allowing humans to spend more of their time using their expertise and creativity.
Construction takeoff, for example, has historically been a time-consuming task for estimators in the construction business, but with new AI technology such as ChatGPT and Togal.AI, construction takeoff is streamlined, eliminating hours of tedious manual work. ChatGPT uses generative AI – a type of machine learning that creates new data similar to the data it has learned from. ChatGPT is considered an advanced language model that uses generative AI to produce human-like responses to prompts. Togal.AI uses algorithms and machine learning to automatically detect, label, and measure project spaces, walls, and objects within seconds. With the integration of tools like this, estimators in the construction industry are able to interact with plans in a highly advanced and intuitive way.
While it may take some time for certain industries to embrace AI, some are already experiencing the benefits that automation and machine learning have to offer – including the construction industry. By staying on top of key trends such as the use of AI tools, those involved in construction are certain to remain relevant in a competitive market.
Looking for a team to take the lead on your next project? At Pulse Construction, we’re committed to doing business with an honest, professional, and competitive approach – without compromising safety or schedules. Contact us today for all of your building needs.
