In a world where the demand for skilled labor often outpaces the supply, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial ally to address the pressing labor shortage challenges. With the labor shortage topping over half a million in 2023 for the construction sector alone, the need for efficient resource utilization is more pressing than ever. In addition to recruiting new workers and supporting trade schools, the industry must figure out ways to maximize bandwidth and work with what we have.
AI is one such way that the industry can improve efficiency and field productivity. In this article, we‘ll break down the most useful AI-powered technologies across a variety of categories, including project planning & preconstruction, design & visualization, quality control, project management, and safety. Read on to learn more about how these cutting-edge AI tools are already reshaping efficiency and productivity in construction and maintenance.
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Project Planning & Preconstruction
Alice Technologies
Alice Technologies is a groundbreaking platform that empowers the construction industry with advanced optioneering capabilities for capital projects. By harnessing AI, Alice enables construction professionals to explore a multitude of potential project execution strategies even before commencing construction activities. This innovative approach not only reduces risks associated with project planning but also improves your bottom line.
Digital Blue Foam
Digital Blue Foam is a cutting-edge platform revolutionizing the design-build process. For design-build leaders seeking a comprehensive solution, Digital Blue Foam empowers professionals to streamline their operations, making the creation of better buildings not just a goal but a reality. Their platform provides an intuitive framework for integrating multiple pre-design stages into simple and efficient workflow management.
Deep Space
Deep Space offers a comprehensive suite of five specialized AI-powered solutions tailored to address the unique challenges of digital construction. With a focus on improving project efficiency, Deep Space’s tools are designed to streamline data integration, enhance project visibility, and significantly reduce time and resources.
AirWorks
AirWorks is an AI-backed platform that provides data intelligence for the built world. Their technology creates actionable and accurate linework from geospatial data, then generates outputs that can be used across project types to deliver value both internally and for customers.
Joist AI
Joist AI is a content enablement platform that uses AI to automate the proposal process for businesses and teams. Users can effortlessly discover, curate, and organize content, streamlining the proposal creation process. This platform equips professionals with the means to produce high-quality proposals efficiently, optimizing their chances of success in various endeavors.
nPlan
nPlan forecasts schedule outcomes using unbiased probability, which allows teams to make better informed decisions about project risks. By using AI and historical data, nPlan effectively nullifies the impact of common biases on the planning process.
Quality Control
Cumulus AI
Cumulus AI uses AI to make quality control easier than ever for construction and maintenance teams. It allows users to use prompts or transform existing SOPs into digital workflows in seconds. These workflows can then be shared with field workers to guide them step-by-step through any work activity, capturing granular quality data along the way. To learn more, download the Cumulus AI info sheet.
Rugged Robotics
Rugged Robotics offers an innovative solution to the age-old challenge of field layout in construction. By replacing slow, error-prone manual processes, their autonomous vehicle technology provides a game-changing approach. Their autonomous vehicles can mark fully-coordinated A/E designs directly onto unfinished floors, significantly enhancing accuracy and productivity in the industry.
OxBlue
OxBlue offers advanced camera technology for capturing real-time jobsite activity and progress. Their innovative cameras are strategically positioned on construction sites, allowing stakeholders to remotely monitor and assess project developments with ease. OxBlue’s solutions provide a comprehensive visual record of the construction process, enabling project managers, contractors, and clients to make informed decisions, track timelines, and ensure quality control.
Avvir
Avvir uses advanced laser scanning and 360 photos for real-time quality control on construction projects. It constantly compares the as-built conditions on-site with the original design plans, detecting discrepancies and errors instantly. This innovative approach ensures that teams always stay on track with automated schedule tracking, cost and earned value analysis, installation issue detection, and an updated BIM with as-built conditions.
Design, Visualization, and Digital Twins
SketchPro
SketchPro is a design co-pilot for the architecture and design industries, offering innovative solutions to streamline and enhance the creative process. It leverages AI to assist professionals in generating and refining architectural and design concepts. Whether it’s conceptualizing spaces, creating detailed drawings, or visualizing interior layouts, SketchPro empowers designers and architects with tools that enhance creativity and efficiency.
Giraffe
Giraffe is a dynamic urban analytics platform specializing in development visualization for construction and real estate development projects. It works by transforming complex data and blueprints into easily digestible and interactive 3D visualizations. This enables stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of their projects’ progress and potential.
OpenSpace
OpenSpace uses 360-degree photo capture and AI-powered software to enable real-time visual documentation of construction sites. This resulting visual record provides unparalleled insights into project progress, quality control, and issue resolution. By automating the documentation process, OpenSpace.ai simplifies project management, reduces disputes, and enhances overall project efficiency.
Hypar
Hypar leverages the power of generative design and cloud computing to enable AEC professionals to automate complex design processes, optimize building performance, and streamline project workflows. Their collaborative environment and a library of customizable building components not only accelerates project delivery but also enhances the quality and sustainability of the built environment.
Drawer AI
Drawer reimagines document management and retrieval for businesses. Their software uses AI to help users avoid costly change orders by detecting and fixing design errors before construction begins. This empowers teams to prevent change-order madness and begin construction with confidence.
VEERUM
VEERUM is a digital twin platform built for the industrial and infrastructure sectors. Their platform creates a comprehensive and real-time digital replica of complex projects, such as large-scale construction and infrastructure developments. By combining data from various sources, including sensors and drones, VEERUM enables organizations to monitor and manage projcet progress transparently.
Autodesk
Autodesk is a global leader in providing a wide range of design software solutions. Their comprehensive suite of software products caters to architects, engineers, artists, and designers, offering specialized tools for 3D modeling, CAD (Computer-Aided Design), BIM (Building Information Modeling), animation, and more. Autodesk’s software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, and Fusion 360, facilitates the entire design process from conceptualization to production, fostering collaboration, efficiency, and innovation.
Project Management
Kahua
Kahua offers a unified solution for collaboration, document management, and project execution, bringing efficiency and transparency to every stage of construction projects. By integrating various project management tools and processes into a single, user-friendly interface, Kahua empowers teams to deliver projects on-time and on-budget.
PlanRadar
PlanRadar is project management platform tailored for the construction and real estate industries in Australia. Their platform enables efficient task management, defect tracking, and document management, making it easier to monitor and manage construction projects from start to finish.
Buildots
Buildots uses cameras and AI to create an automatically consolidated dashboard with all your site’s data. This provides complete information at your fingertips, providing a comprehensive view of project progress. This enables construction teams to identify issues, track productivity, and enhance decision-making.
Procore
Procore is a well-known construction management software platform that focuses on collaboration and efficiency. Their platform empowers construction professionals with the means to manage projects from planning and scheduling to budgeting and quality control, helping them deliver projects on time and within budget while enhancing overall project visibility and accountability.
Fieldwire
Fieldwire by Hilti is a versatile construction management platform that offers task management, document sharing, plan viewing, and reporting, all accessible via web and mobile applications. Their platform simplifies project management, helping construction professionals streamline their workflow, reduce errors, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Safety
Everguard
Everguard is on a mission to transform workplace safety in industrial settings. Leveraging the power of AI, Everguard offers advanced safety solutions that monitor and analyze worker behavior and environmental conditions in real-time. By providing real-time alerts and insights, it helps prevent accidents, reduce risks, and improve overall safety compliance.
SkillSignal
SkillSignal offers a comprehensive solution for skill assessment, analysis, and training. It provides personalized learning paths and recommendations to bridge skill gaps effectively. SkillSignal empowers organizations to optimize their talent development strategies, improve employee performance, and enhance overall safety.
HighWire
HighWire empowers owners to collaborate with their general contractors and facilities managers to implement a consistent, data-driven approach to ensuring safety. They provide a streamlined experience through relevant assessments, free and low-cost enrollment, tailored project questions, and dedicated client success specialists.
Kwant
Kwant is a workforce management and safety platform that uses safety wearables and plug-n-play sensors to provide teams with real-time safety and productivity insights. Their product suite includes smart badges with built-in safety features.
Final Thoughts
The future of construction and maintenance is undeniably intertwined with AI. In fact, we have already entered an era where project success is being redefined by what’s possible with new technologies. We are only getting more efficient, precise, and safe as an industry.
As these AI-powered technologies continue to play a bigger role in everyday practices, it’s up to industry leaders to embrace innovation and move the industry forward. It is an exciting journey ahead, one that promises to redefine how we build, maintain, and innovate in the world of construction.
