The pace of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has been rapidly accelerating in the construction industry since 2023, Cheri Hanes, head of construction innovation and sustainability at AXAXL in Dallas, told attendees of the AI Excellence in Construction Virtual Summit March 6. But those growing pains have also produced some waves of discomfort, other speakers suggested. 

While larger construction companies—broadly defined as those with more than $300 million annual revenue—are clearly leading the way in AI innovation and adoption, smaller companies may “leapfrog” them in the coming years because they’ll be able to learn from the trial and error endured by big operations, Hanes said. “Small companies can learn lessons.” 

Putting his finger on the pulse of the industry, Summit Host Nate Fuller said the rise of AI in construction projects inspires “anxiety and optimism.” He said, “There’s a fear of being left behind,” while also a recognition that AI can potentially produce “meaningful and useful things” to advance the industry. 

If the construction industry wants to maximize AI, it must assuage fears among personnel that it’s simply there to replace them and take away jobs. Hanes rejected the idea that AI will replace workers, suggesting instead AI will free up employees to do more creative work.

However, the fear is palpable among some in the workforce and must be addressed, speakers said. Industry must “educate workers [and help them recognize AI] is not going to replace you, but make you more efficient,” said Hamzah Shanbari, director of innovation at Haskell in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Noting the potential of AI is so massive it “scares people,” Thai Nguyen, director of innovation at Diverge/Hensel Phelps, told attendees industry must ramp up efforts to educate users and establish solid governance programs. Industry must communicate about what it means to use AI tools responsibly, he said. “It’s not just [the] governance [team], it’s everyone’s responsibility,” he said.  

The rapid acceleration of ChatGPT and other AI tools has taken off “organically like wildfire,” said Sairam Ramisetti, analyst (emerging tech & innovation) at McCarthy Holding Inc. “It’s opened our imagination, but that’s both good and bad,” he added.

Lessons Learned

Speakers also shared their biggest lessons learned during tech implementation projects at their organizations.

Focus on data integrity and security at the outset, said Shanbari. He advocated using the same terminology in data capture to avoid confusion down the line. 

“Start with what you want to accomplish” when kicking the tires on AI tools, said Hanes. Don’t be swayed by a shiny new technology, she emphasized. Instead, have a clear idea of why you need AI and what it can specifically accomplish in your shop before you select tools. 

That kind of understanding goes for users, too, said Nguyen. “Give them the why, engage and educate them” on how AI can improve their job performance and that of the entire operation, he said.

All agreed that AI is here, and those failing to adopt and adapt will be left behind.

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