AI Chatbots for Construction Industry: Revolutionary Stage
A project meeting the fate of the famous BIG DIG would be your worst nightmare! And we could thank AI for saving us from such a gaffe in today’s time.
A recent study on Construction Industry trends suggests that improving the construction site efficiency by as much as 50% to 60% or higher can bring an additional $1.6 trillion into the industry’s value each year and further boost the global GDP.
You must be aware of the historic challenges related to construction site efficiency, and it would be unnecessary to reiterate known facts to an industry veteran. However, reflecting on an older report by McKinsey that once defined the state of affairs is pertinent. This report noted a mere 1% annual growth in construction labour productivity over 20 years, starkly contrasting the 2.8% witnessed in the global economy and 3.6% in manufacturing.
It is essential, however, to recognize that the industry has since evolved. A recent publication by McKinsey underscores the progress made and the potential held within construction technology. This new analysis illustrates a substantial shift from previous trends, highlighting technological innovations that have driven improvements in efficiency and productivity. As depicted in this latest report, the contemporary landscape is one of promise and advancement, positioning the construction industry not merely as a follower but as a leader in global development. Your insight and expertise undoubtedly align with these newfound opportunities.
Despite its massive $11 trillion global market and projected 3.5% growth, the construction industry faces significant challenges. More than 90% of infrastructure projects worldwide are delayed or over budget, according to Oxford University’s Bent Flyvbjerg. Even tech giants like Apple aren’t immune, with their new Silicon Valley headquarters opening two years late and $2 billion over budget. Architects in the UK report that 60% of their buildings are delayed.
AI TO THE AID:
According to a study published in the Journal of Building Engineering, the construction industry has been the most change-resistant and one with the least digitisation. However, post-pandemic, we are seeing a positive trend like adoption of BIM method, remote monitoring, use of sustainable practices like 3D printing, digitisation for improvement of on-site safety, and more, towards the adoption of technology in the construction industry.
A McKinsey report on Reinventing construction: A route to higher productivity report suggests seven ways to increase productivity on construction sites, one of which is the industry’s least adopted – DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY.
Our previous blog discussed how Chatbots are revolutionising the way we live today! Chatbots have come a long way, and AI-powered ones like ChatGPT have revolutionised how we interact with technology. They offer convenience, personalisation, and limitless possibilities. Chatbots excel in web search, original text generation, on-site safety, and workflow management. As chatbot technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the future.
We’ve played the role of detective and uncovered some possible applications of AI chatbots that improve construction efficiency, presenting them on a silver tray for your convenience. No mystery to solve here, just solutions to implement. It’s time to put on your innovation cap, dear researcher.
How Are AI Chatbots Game Changers In Construction Industry?
1. Companion for Collaboration
Picture this – a bot that can automate tasks like scheduling meetings or sending timely updates to your team by matching the calendars of your project members and finding a time that works for everyone. Or you could customise task chatbots to automatically deliver essential information like weather updates, equipment inventory, or delivery timings to your team.
But that’s not all! These technological advancements also make connecting with everyone involved in the project in real time easier. With online and mobile apps for reporting and document sharing, BIM (Building Information Modeling), virtual meeting platforms, GPS tracking, and more, you can streamline communication and collaboration among your team members.
Implementing chatbots and other technological tools can reduce downtime and allow your employees to focus on critical tasks, ultimately increasing overall productivity.
2. Consultant for Compliance and Regulation
In today’s fast-paced world, compliance regulations are becoming increasingly complex, and construction companies must keep up. Luckily, technology can be a game-changer in this regard.
Digital documentation such as photos, videos, and webcams of the building can be stored in electronic document management solutions, making it easier for workers to access them quickly. This, in turn, reduces the chances of costly penalties.
Furthermore, having a centralized and integrated platform creates a single source of truth for all project-related information. Ensuring all stakeholders have access to the same accurate and up-to-date data significantly reduces the potential for errors and rework. Whether it’s architectural designs, contract documents, or compliance certifications, a single source of truth ensures consistency and alignment across various stages of the construction process, leading to more efficient workflows and successful project outcomes.
Moreover, AI chatbots can be deployed for employee safety training. They can parse legal documents and answer employee questions regarding regulatory updates in a jiffy.
Here’s an example:
Worker: Can I wear my regular work boots on the job site?
AI chatbot: OSHA requires all workers to wear protective footwear on the job site. Your regular work boots may not meet the necessary safety requirements. You should wear work boots that are specifically designed for the hazards of your job site. To learn more about OSHA’s standards for foot protection, please visit this link: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.136
3. Curate Construction Workflow
Do you know what’s frustrating? Making decisions without the correct information. But you can make informed decisions without breaking a sweat with AI chatbots. How cool is that?
Intelligent modelling enables designers and contractors to visualise better how different designs can change how the building looks while also considering the costs and time element involved. Through this, project teams can make more informed decisions and stay within the budget and timeline.
And hey, with chatbots on your side, you don’t have to worry about memorising every detail. Just ask away! Need to know how often scaffolding should be inspected? Ask your chatbot assistant! It’s like having a technical consultant by your side, ready to help whenever you need it.
But wait, there’s more! BIM creates a three-dimensional database of all construction information, but it can be a bit overwhelming for a construction engineer. That’s where Chatbots come in. It can carry detailed design information from BIM to the site engineer when needed and even learns the engineer’s preferences to make proper decisions. It’s like having an intelligent, reliable assistant that always keeps going.
4. Care for your Resources
Robotics and engineering automation have already been widely used in manufacturing, Automobile & Electronics. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are fond of advanced & intelligent robots. Even in the construction industry, many organisations that have leveraged advanced construction robotics have seen drastic improvements in productivity and efficiency.
The new generation construction robots integrate with CAD or BIM software to take inputs and act accordingly to construct the assigned part. The amalgamation of advanced robotics and trained workers can play a significant role in eradicating the productivity gap in the construction industry.
On top of all the mentioned innovations, there will be more. Living/Self-repairing materials, Green buildings, Drones, Smart cities, other Construction Technology Trends will all become mainstream. The transition will take time but will be profound. The pandemic period has acted as a catalyst for this revolution. If you are in the construction business, it is time to start adopting these innovations and join the paradigm shift.
5. Capture and Process Information
In the construction world, paperwork is a necessary evil that can slow progress and make supervisors feel like they’re drowning in a sea of forms. But with the power of technology, you can make those papers disappear faster than a magician’s rabbit.
With AI chatbots, supervisors can say goodbye to manual timesheets and hello to streamlined, accurate employee timekeeping with just a few taps on their mobile devices. You can even reduce processing costs and efficiently manage payroll to allow supervisors to focus on more critical tasks, like keeping their workers safe and ensuring the project stays on track.
Conclusion
The construction industry is a complex process where efficient planning and optimisation are crucial for success. Utilising AI-based analysis and solutions can help leverage the abundance of internal and external data to create optimal solutions, leading to increased productivity and reduced costs. Chatbots provide an easy-to-use and practical solution for engineers, seamlessly integrating with existing communication structures. With a user-friendly interface and AI-powered capabilities, Chatbots are the key to unlocking the full potential of artificial intelligence in construction.
Just like a puzzle, business success requires putting all the right pieces together in the right way. By leveraging the latest technology and tools like Saifety.ai, you can ensure that your construction projects are completed on time, on budget, and with the highest level of quality. So, embrace the future, and let’s build something amazing together!
