top of page

Construction 2.0: Should We Be Afraid of A.I.?

Updated: 7 days ago


cute android head representing AI

The world's gone wild with the latest tech craze; Artificial Intelligence, popularly known as AI. It promises a new level of innovation, efficiency, and precision. What does this mean for us? AI transforms our lives from apps that learn our preferences to sophisticated robots performing construction project development services.


Ethical concerns are rising as Artificial Intelligence gets more unique and intelligent. Issues like privacy, job displacement, and the misuse of technology loom large on the horizon. AI may have the answers to almost anything you can think of, but one question remains unanswered; can we trust AI to make decisions on our behalf?


A.I. in the Construction Industry

As AI continues to infiltrate every facet of our lives, one of the sectors that stands to gain the most from this technological revolution is construction. Since it is one of the industries that have relied on traditional methods over the past two decades, the construction industry is still in its early stages of digitalization.


The rise of Artificial Intelligence has always been so controversial due to the speed at which it’s changing the world. Yet, it's essential to recognize that the onset of AI in construction project management should not be a cause for fear but rather a beacon of transformative change. Richard Steer of Global Construction Review reassures that even though Artificial Intelligence has a wide range of capabilities, it cannot supersede the construction industry’s human labor.


Unlike other industries, construction heavily relies on physical human labor. It has a wide variety of jobs and a diversity of tasks that cannot be done by Artificial Intelligence alone. Hence, construction firms should not worry about getting disrupted by technology. Instead, they should see the emergence of AI as a complementary tool for labor that can increase capacity and productivity.


The design review, bidding process, and postmortem analysis are among the most notable tasks that can be enhanced through the aid of Artificial Intelligence. It can also help during the procurement and execution stages through task organization and risk prediction. Furthermore, AI can also assist construction companies in analyzing worker productivity to build efficient predictive maintenance systems, enhancing asset revenue, and forecasting customer demand.


Technological adoption is still in its early stages in the country. However, the Philippine construction industry has already begun using AI in its initiatives. Some firms have utilized it for a more convenient site inspection and material estimation. Architect Fulgar suggests collaboration between construction management firms and international companies to adopt AI technologies and share resources and expertise for further advancement.


The New Workhorse in Construction

While the rise of Artificial Intelligence stirs debates and raises important questions about ethics, job security, and trust, it's critical to perceive AI not as a threat but as a powerful ally in progress and productivity, especially in the construction sector.


The rise of AI isn't about replacing the human touch that has long defined the construction industry but rather about enhancing it. From design reviews to predictive maintenance systems, AI's potential to improve various facets of the industry is vast. Yet, its true value lies in its role as a complement to human effort, amplifying our capabilities rather than negating them.


Ultimately, the role of AI in construction is ours to shape. Rather than fearing what this new technology might bring, let's seize it as an opportunity to revolutionize the industry. After all, in the face of rapid technological change, our ability to adapt and innovate remains our greatest asset.


Email us at info@jcvassociates.ph or visit https://www.jcvassociates.ph/construction-project-management to learn more about how you can work with JCVA, the best construction management firm in the country.


Sources:

87 views0 comments
bottom of page