Artificial Intelligence in the Construction Industry

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly disrupting many industries including various systems within the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facilities Management (AEC/FM) domains. Advancements in sensing, wearables, unmanned platforms, high-performance computing, open AI software, and robotics serve as catalysts to rolling out new technologies that work in tandem with humans and can lead to unprecedented socio-economic outcomes in safety, health, education, and equity. Examples of such systems include personalized devices to improve design and construction practices, and smart infrastructure that promote user comfort and productivity. This Chapter provides an overview of some of the ground-breaking construction domain applications of various AI paradigms (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, generative adversarial networks, and reinforcement learning) that are creating new opportunities to transform the future of work. Examples presented will cover technologies to reduce ergonomic injuries, monitor crew productivity, recognize construction-specific objects, enhance safety management, reduce the risk of accidents, and foster human-robot collaboration in construction. Moreover, key challenges that hinder the successful implementation of vision-based AI system in practice are described, and potential remedies will be discussed. Finally, the Chapter will conclude with remarks for preparing construction stakeholders and future workforce to adopt new technologies and accepting human-machine collaboration in construction.