Like in many industries, the use of AI in construction is steadily growing. Learn about the most common types of AI construction tools and how your business can benefit from adopting them.
What is AI for construction?
AI, or artificial intelligence, is a broad term for computer systems that are programmed to perform complex tasks that would typically require human oversight. In construction, AI may be used throughout the planning and building process. There are many different types of software that assist with project planning, communication, decision making, and data analysis.
While AI technology has existed for decades, recent advancements have led to rapid market growth and increased interest.
“The AI market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 28.46% from 2024 to 2030.”
Benefits of using AI in construction
There are two main benefits to using AI in the construction industry.
Improved efficiency - AI saves time and improves productivity by reducing human effort through automation, allowing employees to work more efficiently.
Better data utilization - AI can quickly scan and interpret data, providing actionable insights without the need for manual analysis.
5 ways AI is currently used in construction
1. Project planning
AI can be implemented in the planning stages of a construction project to ensure bid accuracy, optimize scheduling, and analyze risks.
Most AI that assists with project planning and preconstruction utilizes machine learning and predictive analysis. This means that the software analyzes large quantities of historical data and uses statistical algorithms to predict possible outcomes or identify commonalities. The information provided helps guide business towards better decisions that maximize profitability.
For example, at the start of a project, AI can use data collected from previous, similar jobs to determine an accurate timeline and identify risk factors that may need to be accounted for in a proposal.
Generative AI is also used to streamline the design process. An architect may prompt AI to generate different explorations of an initial design that may be incorporated into final plans or blueprints. They may also use AI to identify any missing information or mistakes before a design is turned over to field crews.
2. Project management
During the construction phase, AI is often used to prevent incidents and reduce rework.
Businesses that use reality capture software to monitor the jobsite greatly benefit from AI that automatically scans footage and identifies safety or quality issues. It may detect when workers aren’t wearing the right PPE, if there are trip and fall hazards in the way, or if work in progress doesn’t match project plans, for example. Having AI do the busy work saves time so that safety managers and other stakeholders can concentrate on resolving issues instead of spending hours reviewing photos and videos.
AI can also analyze traditional data. Safety software may be able to scan incident reports and observations to identify trends and provide suggestions for reviewing your safety management and quality assurance plans.
3. Progress monitoring
AI can also organize daily reports and production data to turn large amounts of information into easy-to-understand summaries that can be shared with internal and external stakeholders to improve communication and engagement.
It may also highlight any potential problems like when performance is trailing behind project estimates, making project managers aware so that they can determine the best way to get work back on track.
4. Time theft prevention
Buddy punching is a major problem in the construction industry, costing businesses thousands of dollars every year. Paired with construction time tracking software, AI photo identification helps eliminate this form of time theft.
Before clocking in or out on a mobile device, every employee takes a selfie, which is then automatically compared to a reference photo to verify the identity of the worker. If there are any discrepancies, the action is flagged for review, so supervisors can follow up.
AI photo identification accounts for small differences like different gear and clothing, facial hair, and aging.
5. Physical tasks
While less common than software, the use of AI-powered hardware has also been growing in construction to help human employees work more efficiently and safely. Businesses are exploring using self-driving trucks, autonomous robots that can assist with construction tasks like welding and painting, and AI-led 3D printing.
The future of AI in construction
The market for AI will continue to grow in 2026 and beyond, as experts predict it will become more and more commonplace in construction. Instead of providing an advantage, AI will likely become more of a standard tool that most businesses will need to invest in to remain competitive.
AI technology will continue to develop as well. New tools and use cases are emerging every day, and the industry will continue to adopt them as they become available.