Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming many industries. The construction sector is not immune to the tectonic developments sweeping other areas.
The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning has already improved risk management, safety, schedule management, efficiency and accuracy, subcontractor management, design and architecture, survey and inspection, construction site management and environment monitoring among others.
A.I. or artificial intelligence and machine learning go hand in hand. They contribute to the growth and improvement of each other. Contrary to common perception, artificial intelligence is neither a supreme form of conscience as feared by many nor is it inconsequential or heavily dependent on human intervention at various junctures.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are autonomous, but they are yet to scale a different dimension of information.
Artificial intelligence has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. Machine learning and self-improving algorithms are changing the very notion and application of artificial intelligence with a number of Oracle support partners who provide valuable JD Edwards support for construction management companies around the clock.
In-depth knowledge, big data, robotics and the internet of things become more commonplace. They are no longer challenging or elusive technologies reserved for some elite operations.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning including deep learning are contributing to modern language and image processing. Advanced applications like autonomous cars and home assistants are already a reality.
Now artificial intelligence is developing the generative design for the construction industry. Generative design is a distinct approach. Engineers, architects, and designers can select the parameters that a program must use while conceptualizing various plans. The algorithm can then work on the settings to come up with potential blueprints.
The same program can create multiple designs and then compare them to highlight the better ones. Such plans do not bind the team of human experts, but more often than frequent the one being highlighted by the program is turning out to be better than what specialists can conceive.
One of the significant advantages of artificial intelligence and machine learning over what humans are capable of is the impeccability or perfection in everything that the technologies are doing. The accuracy and precision in generative design are unmatched.
Improving Efficiency In The Construction Industry
The efficiency to is humanly impossible to achieve. Self-learning and improving algorithms can create maps, come up with alternatives, compare them and draw inferences in a much more expedited manner than humans. The sheer efficiency is transforming the conceptualization, ideation and initial planning of various types of infrastructure.
The construction industry has always dealt with unanticipated problems and issues beyond the control of humans, from weather to other local factors. Speeding up various processes is one of the most certain benefits of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning is being witnessed in a rather multifaceted manner. The technologies are not transforming any one aspect of the construction industry. Several departments are changing.
For this, one must understand the nature and scope of applications using artificial intelligence and machine learning. A.I. is playing a role in surveys. Land details can be studied; project viability can be assessed, timelines can be ascertained with reasonable accuracy and plans can be chalked out with great detail.
The Need For Better Forecasting & Planning
The reason why schedules cannot be predicted with unfailing accuracy is owing to the involvement of humans. A.I. can only predict controllable factors. Humans work beyond the ambit of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Any uncontrollable factor for the system cannot be accounted for, and even if they are taken into consideration, the contemplation may still be inadequate to think of all possible developments or adverse instances.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in conjunction with augmented reality and the Internet of Things are changing how managers go about their supervisory roles.
Every project manager can be proactive only up to an extent. Some revelations are just realized when errors have been committed. A.I. can preempt such mistakes. Augmented reality can help managers to visualize the developments and what can be anticipated.
Any error in progress or about to happen can theoretically be predicted by studying patterns. It is not just about the visible progress but also the data that will have insightful analyses. Not all errors will be preventable using artificial intelligence and machine learning, but the important ones will be averted.
Artificial intelligence or machine learning was not explicitly developed for the construction industry. Even today, most of the developments are for other industries.
Academic pursuits and tech industries are the dominant influencers in the event of such technologies. However, since both these technologies and others such as the internet of things, augmented reality and robotics are finding widespread acceptance and use in the construction sector, specific developments to serve the industry are in the making.
Looking To The Future Of Construction Planning
Universities are already studying the health, wellbeing, efficiency, and safety of construction workers to ensure they are not vulnerable to joint injuries.
Bodysuits equipped with sensors are being used to study patterns of physical movement of bricklayers and masons so the best postures and practices can be identified.
Big data has already been compiled and analyzed to determine such patterns, postures, and exercises. Some studies have highlighted how the construction workforce can be safer at the sites. There are also inferences directing companies to take steps, so workplaces or places are more secured.
The rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning shortly will bring in greater autonomy in construction. Even today, with A.I., drove operations to vary extents, development remains a mostly controlled operation, and there is very little autonomy granted to systems.
Automation should not be confused with freedom. Not only will there be greater automation with robotics but also more independence with machine learning and self-improving algorithms driven by artificial intelligence becoming more reliable.
It is just a matter of time before dedicated software and hardware are developed specifically to meet the challenges in the construction industry. There are already many applications or systems and gadgets available. More are in the making.
The construction industry will remain a labor-intensive sector, but A.I. and machine learning will usher in social changes for them too.