AI in construction: how to use your workers to drive revenue effectively

The construction industry is adopting AI-assisted software and hardware to improve operations and increase revenue. As a result, more workers use artificial intelligence tools to improve their workflow and complete tasks efficiently. 

But driving revenue isn’t about adding more AI applications to a project. It’s about collaborating with workers to understand how to use them effectively to grow profit margins. 

This guide will explore AI in construction, its applications and how you can use your workers to drive revenue for your business.

What is AI in construction?

Artificial intelligence in the construction industry is a broad spectrum of technologies spanning machine learning algorithms to AI-powered robots. It enhances project management and operational efficiency, leveraging the technology's automation and advanced analysis capabilities.

Despite its rise in construction market trends, AI-powered technology isn't new, tracing back to the 1960s with computer-aided design (CAD) introduction. However, acceleration in artificial neural networks, natural language processing and AI algorithms has enabled radical advancements in AI solutions adopted by built environments worldwide.

Here are the main takeaways of AI in construction:

• Workers can use artificial intelligence in construction to help automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
• Applications include reducing labour costs, better resource management and improving quality control.
• Construction AI solutions include computer vision tools, real-time monitoring, internet of things (IoT) sensors and data analysis software.
• Advancing AI will become a significant part of construction work and will be used in nearly all project areas.

How is AI used in construction projects?

AI-powered construction technology plays more of a role in current projects, helping managers and workers improve operations and deliver a higher building standard.

Here are the main areas in which workers use AI in construction:

Project planning

Project planners can use AI to improve construction operations with platforms that can analyse data from previous projects to facilitate a more efficient process for the current one. AI algorithms can identify areas that planners previously overlooked that need improvement, such as costs or operational inefficiencies.

Plans for improvements can then be shared with decision-makers and built on by employees through idea management solutions. A real-world example can be seen in Balfour Beatty’s My Contributions programme, powered by Sideways 6, which has to date delivered savings of 53,800 hours and £3.2 million in costs.

AI can also monitor real-time project management data, such as weather and material availability, to optimise scheduling and resource allocation. It can also help with predictive maintenance, giving supervisors ideas about automating equipment support schedules.

Communication

Construction firms often have a complex project scope with large areas and numerous employees. Effective communication and collaboration become more crucial to the operation to drive success.

AI-powered collaboration tools help all personnel in the operation communicate more effectively, with real-time data sharing and predictive analytics that make reporting more effective. The platforms can create a central hub to bridge project teams, autonomous equipment and project management assets to work together more efficiently.

Budget tracking

Back office AI has many uses in construction, but budget tracking is one of the main applications used. Many construction projects see a high volume of invoices and expenses, complicating reporting and approval processes.

AI software can help back office workers improve efficiency and reduce errors in budget tracking. The algorithms can quickly process and validate data in project paperwork, process invoices and expenses with higher accuracy and swiftly flag anything unusual, such as cost overruns.

Design

AI-powered tools can significantly help the design process, generating construction options based on parameters entered into the respective applications. The results can deliver 3D design models for buildings that are more accurate and detailed.

Architects and engineers can use AI-powered design applications for inspiration and project ideas. Generated blueprints can also reduce errors through more accurate calculations and construction schematics.

Equipment

Semi-autonomous equipment like computer numerical control (CNC) machines is widely used in construction. However, advancements in artificial intelligence have led to more autonomous machines and equipment being used on construction sites.

AI-powered robots and vehicles, such as drywall finishing machines and electric excavators, have become more common. While semi-autonomous equipment still requires human oversight, worker experience and machine learning algorithms continue to improve their performance, streamlining construction tasks.

Health and safety

AI-powered cameras can help supervisors and foremen improve site safety and risk management by persistently analysing photo and video footage. The visual data helps identify health and safety violations during construction work, swiftly notifying managers to take action rather than needing constant human oversight.

Predictive analytics can also help identify potential hazards around the job site, creating insights and reports for the relevant parties. AI can help workers refine ideas for a safer operating environment, reducing potential project delays caused by health and safety incidents.

Quality control

Drones and robots with AI-assisted analytics can help project managers with the quality assurance process throughout the construction project. Their manoeuvrability assists in identifying anomalies with buildings and structural integrity, using their software to report prospective issues proactively.

Installed IoT sensors and cameras can help identify defects in real-time and ensure that the work retains a high standard, such as monitoring heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Quality assurance programs can also leverage machine learning to test building systems, using predictive analytics to identify when there might be an issue in the future.

What are the benefits of using AI on construction sites?

AI benefits workers in built environments worldwide, improving their productivity and efficiency. The construction sector is leveraging the technology, with more project teams adopting AI applications into operations.

Here is how AI benefits construction work:

Automated construction documents

Construction documents are often one of the most time-consuming tasks in project planning. The documents include architectural drawings, project specifications, timelines and legal papers.

Artificial intelligence can help architects and engineers draw up the required documents. They can learn from vast amounts of data on construction projects and building codes to automate the more tedious part of project management.

Whilst the documents need human review, AI speeds up the process and helps construction begin quickly. Applications can also leave more time for workers to consider improved creative and logistical ideas. 

Real-time data for construction management

AI algorithms can process the vast amounts of data collected in real-time for better project management. Here are some of the areas of construction management that benefit from persistent project data:

• Health and safety - Real-time data can monitor construction sites to help mitigate potential safety hazards and improve working conditions.
• Scheduling and resource allocation - Machine learning algorithms learn from real-time data to schedule workers and allocate resources faster according to project scope.
• Construction estimating - Artificial intelligence can use data to estimate costs and project timelines, assisting managers and supervisors in client updates and internal communications.
• Forecast future outcomes - Construction companies can also use AI to forecast task outcomes, whether for a current or future project.

Workers in each construction area can use data to discover and implement workflow improvements, benefiting the project.

Machine learning for improved decision-making

AI-powered software's machine learning capabilities can help improve decision-making throughout the construction sector. Artificial neural networks use real-time and historical data to provide insight into operational aspects such as energy efficiency in HVAC and electrical systems or to predict material cost overruns.

Machine learning can also help construction companies compete in a rapidly evolving market. Planners can use data from job sites and incorporate them into contract bids, creating specific concepts that could attract more projects.

How do AI systems affect human workers in construction?

Think of AI in construction like adding a high-tech power tool to a toolbox. It doesn’t replace the tradesperson, it helps them work smarter, faster, and safer.

Many built environments face radical change, with more companies adopting AI tools. The construction industry isn't unique in its operational overhaul with artificial intelligence.

Employees see more integration of AI into construction projects, worrying that their roles might be at risk of replacement. Despite their benefits, AI systems are developing technologies that require human collaboration and ideas to integrate tools and expand capabilities.

Here are the three core areas in how it will affect workers:

Operations

AI will affect daily operations on construction sites and is likely to impact employees in three ways:

• Automation - Mundane, routine and repetitive tasks will likely fall into AI system roles. Most automated tasks will be non-manual, including customer service and data entry, but developing technology could mean robotics could start performing manual tasks.
• Transformation - AI can play a more transformative role in operations rather than direct replacement, enhancing human capabilities for manual tasks. Traditional methods of labour will likely change, requiring workers to upskill to perform their jobs.
• Job creation - The integration of construction AI doesn't only mean role reduction, but also has the potential to create some jobs. Workers in the construction industry can identify the need for new skills to manage projects, such as data analysis and AI interactions.

Professions

The most concerning aspect of AI systems for employees is losing their jobs after integration. Here are the construction professions most likely to change:

• Manual workers - AI-powered tools will have an increased impact on workers over time, as technology advances and managers introduce new hardware. Drones and autonomous machines will affect more manual jobs and existing labourers must shift their skill sets.
• Surveyors - Building and quantity surveyors may not see their roles at risk, but will see a reduced role where AI tools can perform inspections quickly and more accurately. Systems will use their IoT-assisted hardware to rapidly reduce human error and data processing abilities to perform risk management tasks.
• Equipment operators - Advancing IoT sensor technology means that equipment could perform more autonomously and accurately. While equipment will still require human oversight, AI will transform requirements for equipment operators on-site.
• Site managers - AI systems can help supervisors and managers with the more mundane tasks of projects, including site safety, predictive maintenance and energy efficiency. There will be less need for managers to be on-site, freeing up time to oversee other project aspects.
• Project managers - Much of the construction project managers' roles include planning, budgeting, forecasting and reducing project delays. These are tasks that AI systems can perform quickly and more accurately, automating much of the role but still requiring human verification.

Resource allocation

Resource allocation, such as energy and costs, faces increased automation with AI advancements. Systems will likely play a sizeable role in the following:

• Project planning - Design optimisation, waste reduction, cost management and predictive maintenance are all tasks AI systems can perform more efficiently in a project planning capacity.
• Supply chain management - AI will help accurately forecast material needs and manage orders and deliveries more effectively.
• Labour forecasting - AI tools can assist with labour scheduling and resource allocations, providing a more efficient analysis of project timelines and worker availability.

Can AI-powered tools help construction workers?

Construction projects may increasingly use AI tools now and in the future to make projects more cost-effective and efficient. However, most construction firms aren't all about implementing more machines to replace workers. They are aware of the challenges of integrating new technologies.

Many decision-makers see AI as advancements in construction technology that can augment human capabilities. More importantly, there’s always room for improvement in how the tools are used to drive revenue for the business.

Employees at all levels in the built environment working with AI technologies can offer invaluable ideas on improving their function and shaping them to specific project needs. Combining human frontline experience and AI's efficiency can create ideas that fuel further success for a business.

How workers can use AI to drive revenue in construction

Nobody knows the project better than the employees working on site. Ground-level workers will best understand the effectiveness of AI technology, getting first-hand insight into whether it helps productivity and improves results.

Driving more revenue relies on both of the above, highlighting the importance of employee engagement in every project. Their ideas have developed key project areas to enhance efficiency and quality.

Here's how workers in different areas can use AI to drive revenue:

Bidding and negotiating

Bidding for projects and negotiating the terms are two of the most essential parts of the construction industry, bringing in the source of revenue for your company. Workers traditionally take the role of the bid process, but using AI-powered tools can help channel even more business.

AI platforms can streamline workflows for creating bids and project strategies, improving them with more accurate details in less time. Planners offer ideas for using the tools to identify new opportunities, using scoped AI algorithms to find profitable projects that can increase revenue.

Ideas project planners have used for bids and negations include:

• Using generative AI applications to create effective bids based on complex client needs.
• Using AI to research past projects to prepare insightful answers to client questions during negotiations.
• Performing AI analyses to research business leads and offer contract win probabilities.

Design and planning

Architects and engineers will spend considerable time analysing manual data for a construction project's design and planning stages. According to the results of the data, even more effort is put into drawing plans for the building.

Designers and planners can use AI-powered applications, such as advanced CAD tools, to deliver more accurate, intricate designs faster, especially where buildings are large and complex. Even hardware like drones can run surveys and process design data, speeding up the project timeline.

Architects and engineers have leveraged AI in design and planning to:

• Perform in-depth surveys of sites with drones and AI-assisted analytics.
• Create optimised 3D models of buildings according to project specifications.
• Integrate electrical, plumbing, mechanical and engineering plans into 3D modelling applications.

Collaboration and communication

Mistakes can be costly in the construction industry, where many happen because of miscommunication. AI offers advanced collaboration tools to bring the entire operation in one place, communicating with workers, machines and managers to create a high-functioning project network.

It's estimated that 10-25% of project revenue is lost due to error, but integrating artificial intelligence into existing communication and collaboration channels can help reduce losses. Examples are collaboration hubs for real-time project analysis and chatbots for stakeholder engagement.

Revenue-driving AI collaboration and communication tools include:

• AI-powered idea management software that can make implementing and scaling improvements more effective.
• Managers can remotely share detailed building plans with clients and stakeholders, helping prevent mistakes and miscommunication.
• Natural language processing tools can transcribe meetings and construction documents, improving project efficiency.

Productivity

Pairing human capabilities with AI applications can be a dream team for productivity. AI can help boost productivity and efficiency by handling big data tasks and allocating resources while workers implement solutions and carry out physical tasks.

In construction, AI is seen as an augmentation tool for productivity rather than a replacement. Giving workers enhanced capabilities will allow them to perform more tasks faster and more accurately, increasing revenue.

AI can help worker productivity with:

• Implementing real-time assessment tools with AI analytics to help ensure correct project procedures.
• AI-powered precision tools that improve tasks such as bricklaying and welding.
• Scheduling and resource allocation software and optimise tasks in real-time to minimise project delays.

Health and safety

Plenty of costs are associated with health and safety in construction, such as fines for violations and accident coverage, not to mention project delays. Construction injury costs alone now cost the industry over £16 billion annually. However, AI can use machine learning capabilities to create a safer workspace for all employees.

A healthier and safer construction project not only reduces costs involved with incidents but can also drive revenue. Employees with AI health and safety assistance can feel more motivated to complete tasks to a high standard, driving more revenue after quality results.

Firms can save costs and increase revenue with these AI health and safety ideas:

• Identify costly incidents before they happen with AI-powered cameras and IoT sensors.
• Real-time incident reporting allows swifter action should an unprecedented event occur.
• AI-assisted analytics can quickly and accurately process data to create a safer site for workers.

Labour costs

Labour costs aren't solely associated with wages, but also benefits, insurance and other potential allowances offered by a construction company. AI platforms can analyse employee costs and provide insight into how to optimise them with data associated with performance.

Managers can ensure workers receive adequate compensation based on their performance and set goals to receive more after hitting targets. Analysing and restructuring the labour budget can incentivise workers to produce quality results, driving revenue while reducing costs in other areas.

Here's how you can reduce labour costs:

• Use AI to process historical data and improve labour forecasts, costs and allocations.
• Real-time monitoring that analyses current project conditions can schedule labour more effectively.

Training and upskilling

Introducing AI into construction projects offers workers new opportunities to gain new skills that add value to future projects. Labourers can learn to manage AI tools and applications effectively while gaining critical thinking skills that can help improve efficiency on current and new projects.

Construction companies with an AI-adept workforce offer a significant edge over others when bidding and negotiating new projects. Training your employees for competency in a growing range of artificial intelligence tools can help win projects and bring more revenue.

Training and upskilling can benefit revenue because:

• Construction businesses with an AI-competent workforce can be an attractive prospect to clients.
• Workers can suggest improvements in AI use to complete tasks to a higher standard.

Predictive maintenance

Predictive maintenance combines smart technologies and human execution to help ensure that equipment essential to the project stays functional and performs optimally. Equipment failures can bring significant costs and delays to any timeline, which is why AI can be a helpful asset in preventing breakdowns.

Maintaining equipment using AI and IoT technology to predict servicing will help keep it intact to work through the current project and the next. When your project is complete, you can seamlessly carry your equipment to a new one, reducing revenue gaps.

Here's how predictive maintenance can save on costs:

• Monitoring equipment and machinery with IoT sensors to indicate maintenance needs.
• Using workers to perform essential maintenance before equipment failure.

Robotics

AI in construction can help workers do more with less, a key pillar of cost-saving and revenue-driving. Self-driving vehicles and autonomous robots can help with many mundane tasks and overcome challenges.

The key AI augmentation pillars for workers that can help drive revenue are enhanced decision-making and improved efficiency. AI-powered robots can free up labourers to engage in other tasks that require more human oversight.

AI-powered robots and humans can collaborate to drive revenue with:

• IoT-assisted machinery uses sensors to collect valuable data and improve decision-making.
• Robots that can perform repetitive tasks autonomously such as carrying materials back and forth.
• Helping site safety with robots performing hazardous tasks while humans focus on precision.

What are the challenges of AI in construction?

Workers using artificial intelligence can bring many benefits to the construction sector. However, they face many challenges when introducing AI tools alongside construction professionals.

Here are some of the main challenges of implementing AI in construction sites:

• Worker resistance to change - Introducing AI into the construction industry has been radical, potentially risking careers. Adopting artificial intelligence is a step into the unknown for many workers, increasing the fear that construction companies can expect resistance to the changes.
• Skill issues - Many employees in construction find it challenging to adopt AI into their tasks. This can be because of a lack of training, complex systems or some workers' inadequate knowledge of technology.
• Integration with existing systems - Construction AI is advancing fast, often outpacing the development of dedicated productivity platforms in the construction industry. Integrating artificial intelligence may be a significant challenge for many construction companies that operate legacy software.

5 tips for implementing AI successfully alongside construction workers

Though there are many challenges to implementing AI technology, there are ways to help streamline the transformation and achieve greater revenue targets. Employee collaboration and idea management are key pillars to help overcome challenges.

Here are a few tips to help manage construction professionals during an AI transformation:

1. Encourage employee collaboration

When construction begins, managers and stakeholders can encourage employees at all project levels to collaborate and share their thoughts and progress using AI tools. The feedback can help planners identify where artificial intelligence tools can further benefit the construction process.

2. Listen to employee ideas

Human workers on the ground will be the first people on the construction project to use AI solutions, so managers and supervisors need to listen to their ideas about improving their applications. Create a portal that every employee can use to share ideas, progress and feedback about their experience with AI, as even small improvements can drive revenue.

3. Set up engagement tools

Project managers may want to implement AI on a large scale immediately when it can save on labour costs and streamline processes. However, mass AI adoption can cause more roadblocks than desired, especially when introducing unfamiliar applications.

Integrating engagement tools into platforms workers already use can help connect each project area during the transformation process, allowing project managers and teams to get better acquainted using AI.

4. Offer training sessions for your team

Construction firms can offer training for employees affected by AI to adapt to the new industry climate. The sessions can include using artificial intelligence to redefine their role and learning about quality control or other AI solutions to bring value to the project.

5. Share results of worker contributions

Supervisors should continuously monitor employee ideas on AI to evaluate how they benefit the overall project quality. Any successes from their contributions, no matter how small, should be shared and celebrated, encouraging other workers to share their thoughts on improvements and efficiency.

AI in construction: The future of workers to drive revenue

Market trends show that workers will use more AI-powered software and hardware around job sites as the technology evolves. Their ideas on best using artificial intelligence tools are the future of construction, pushing more efficiency and quality improvements to make projects more profitable.

Sideways 6 offers award-winning idea management solutions to help implement and scale workers’ ideas. Learn how you can drive more revenue in construction with a personalised  demo today.