AI in Construction
Tags: ai
Published: 2022-11-17 11:08:12

The construction industry could really benefit from a further use of [artificial intelligence](https://medium.com/@elena_al/artificial-intelligence-in-agriculture-ba192c430ad2), especially as technology becomes more advanced. Involving AI into the construction process would greatly increase the speed and quality of construction products and structures. AI will begin to be used more by construction companies of all kinds. There are three specific examples of problems builders run into when working construction that could be solved by the use of artificial intelligence. AI’s could assist in tackling the length of time and quality for constructing building plans, the amount of comfortable space and perfect interior or exterior design, and lastly AI’s would help keep construction workers safe and efficient. 

First, [artificial intelligence](https://pixelplex.io/blog/what-is-ai-and-how-does-it-work/) could help design buildings at an increased speed and quality. Some large architect firms have already begun using AI for some tasks, but most still do tasks by hand through their employees. This makes the process of planning and qualifications go through several long processes of quality control. All of these certifications and designs could take up to thirty-two weeks, without any ground work actually being done. Any altercations that need to be made will add another week on to the already tight schedule. That’s even more time work isn’t getting done. Often, it is underestimated how much time and effort goes into planning construction projects. If AI becomes implemented properly, it has the potential to steam-line the process. The chance of AI’s making mistakes is slim compared to human error. Imagine if any work an AI did was automatically certified and cleared. Builders could go into the program, set the parameters, and in a short amount of time they would have a certified new set of plans for any building. Aside from being tremendously faster, it would also be much higher quality. The AI would automatically calculate the best possible way to support the structure. It would calculate the best places to place the support beams and load bearing walls. The AI wouldn’t forget to add any minuscule safety detail, which architects and engineers often forget. You can often see on the news, buildings or bridges that had some vital design flaw that made the building unsafe or even deadly. With artificial intelligence at the wheel of design, many of these problems would seemingly disappear overnight as there would be checks and balances automatically. AI could also process the most efficient way to build using the least number of materials and getting the best results. Saving money and time is some of the largest advantages artificial intelligence can bring to the table for designing building plans. 

Second, artificial intelligence could help streamline interior and exterior design. Right now, almost all interior and exterior design are done by humans strictly because it’s viewed as a type of art form. Although great art has been created because of the designers, the tool of artificial intelligence could unlock the design artist’s full potential. AI could easily calculate the most ideal use of space. If the architect or interior designer thought about what each space would be allocated for, then the balance of space around the house would be much better distributed. With artificial intelligence, designers could easily maximize the space without being wasteful. The space could be both aesthetically pleasing and flow well from room to room. Oftentimes while visiting people’s homes, they have questions like “Why did the builder do this?” or “Don’t you think this is an odd use of space?” With artificial intelligence, home owners wouldn’t have to worry about the design choices. An AI could also help the home owners themselves decide on which furniture would be best to fill the space. This can also include the process of determining when would be the best time to buy certain furniture or lawn accessories. Home owners could have a well-balanced yard while artificial intelligence can simplify the process and effort. AI design isn’t just limited to homes but could be used to create any type of building. A warehouse could have maximum storage, a call center could maximize the perfect amount of space for each individual office, hospitals every room could be perfectly laid out helping make sure that they are getting the most individual rooms and beds for patients, etc. Any building interior or exterior could be optimized to both make sure all space is used without becoming cluttered. Interior and exterior design is really an art form, and AI could be one of the best tools the designers and homeowners can use to unlock the maximum potential that artists have. Imagination is the limit on both design and ways to use AI in interior and exterior design. 

Third, and most importantly, [artificial intelligence in construction](https://constructible.trimble.com/construction-industry/the-benefits-of-ai-in-construction) can be used to significantly reduce the dangers of construction and construction sites. If we use artificial intelligence to help plan the job site itself, ensuring that all tools and equipment are located in a good location, it can help achieve maximum safety. Workers could use the help to find the best place to put all resources or supplies for both ease of access and out of the way if necessary. Along with planning, AI could also have a more direct interaction. If some sort of robot was created with an AI brain, we could be very safe and have construction be efficient. If no one is putting themselves in danger then no real danger is being had. The idea of AI robots may seem like science fiction but it’s becoming closer to reality as technology gets better. These “construction robots”, are according to AEC Business, already utilized within thirty-three construction robotic companies. These companies use AI powered robots to ensure that tasks get finished much faster. Construction companies should use these. Robots don’t need breaks, they don’t tire, or ever need to stop moving except to recharge or repair. Many heavy loads would be easy to move to precise positions with AI powered robots. If workers aren’t trying to push themselves physically to finish projects, there would be less mistakes and less accidents. When workers rush to keep on schedule, that is when injury or death can occur. The use of AI and robots could vastly improve the quality, speed, and safety of construction work.

Artificial intelligence could truly help the construction industry. First, AI could help the process of engineering and architecture. Second, AI would help interior and exterior designers perform their tasks to assist in creating a functional aesthetically pleasing space. Lastly, artificial intelligence could bring safety and more efficiency to construction sites resulting in less injury and loss of life. Artificial intelligence is being used very sparingly in the construction industry. The companies that have started using them have seen much success and progress.