AI and the future of construction

We chat to our Managing Director Kola Ojeyomi about how Artificial Intelligence will play a significant role in the future of the construction industry.

What role do you see AI playing in the future of the construction industry?

AI is set to become the foundation of the construction sector by enhancing all aspects, from efficiency, to safety and sustainability, and revolutionizing every stage from design to execution. As an illustration, AI can examine project information in order to forecast possible design issues and setbacks and propose pre-emptive actions and solutions. On one of our recent giga project in Saudi Arabia (which we cannot disclose due to an NDA), we utilised AI to study weather trends, improve design efficiency through design optimisation, and support managing our supply chain operations and labour resources to enhance our project schedules. The tools that can be built using AI have the potential to save millions in design costs, avoid project overrun costs and ensure on-time, high-quality project delivery.

AI will influence more that just project data and design decisions. We will increasingly see AI on site. Robotics powered by AI can handle repetitive or hazardous tasks, reducing the risk of accidents and improving precision. “Spot the dog” is really neat example of Robotics, AI and project data integration. Boston Dynamics robotic dog has been used to continuously survey building sites. This data is then interpreted and compared to the original 4D model of the project, giving the team real time reporting on programme and sequencing.

Can you share some specific ways your firm is currently using AI in construction projects?

At HKR Architects, we are committed to using Artificial Intelligence throughout all stages of our projects—from feasibility and concept to design and construction—across all our offices, including those in Riyadh and Dubai.

We use a variety of AI-powered visualization tools such as Veras, D5, Photoshop AI, and Midjourney V5 alongside our native modelling tools such as SketchUp, Revit and Rhinoceros for creativity and design exploration. They enable us to take both our early or further developed design ideas and explore them by producing high-quality CGIs based upon a design narrative that we specify in words. This reduces manual visualization configuration for multiple design iterations and running explorative optioneering in real time.

The Runway AI Video Generator further enhances our ability to go beyond static CGI visual images and create professional-quality videos. It unlocks the potential to explore creative ideas for our CGI walkthroughs, enhance our offering and go quickly beyond our imagination to a full feature video quickly and without manual human configuration.

Similarly, using Lumen5 powered by AI anyone in our office can now easily create engaging video content within minutes for presentations.

Unreal Engine, on the other hand, is a more powerful professional tool which requires our experienced 3D developers to use a complex C++ programming language to create highly optimized 3D environments with ease, visualize spaces or products or build immersive experiences we haven't even thought of yet. AI within Unreal Engine allows us to produce incredibly interactive experiences in these immersive environments.

During the design phase one of our giga projects in KSA we utilize Ideate and Dynamo to automate our project processes in Autodesk Revit. Furthermore, we use Navisworks for clash detection which has helped us identify design conflicts and prevent costly errors down the line along with saving us valuable time and resources in the process. We enhance our reporting capabilities using Power BI dashboards for data presentations and analysis.

During the construction of other projects, AI driven drones were utilized for site inspections to gather real time data and high-quality images efficiently and effectively. The drones played a role, in overseeing the project advancement and maintaining quality standards while minimizing manual inspection requirements and enhancing safety measures.

In managing our supply chains for construction projects, we rely on AI technology such, as Katerras platform. This system employs machine learning to forecast material requirements and streamline procurement operations resulting in waste and timely supply deliveries.

How do you think AI can improve efficiency in project management and execution?

AI is the ultimate project manager without an addiction to coffee! Take Procore as an example. It's a project management tool infused with AI that aids in enhancing communication and document handling efficiency. The utilization of machine learning algorithms by this tool enables the forecasting of project timelines and resource distribution. In the construction of our recently completed project in Dunlaoire, Dublin completed for Bartra Capital, Procore played a role in overseeing hundreds of subcontractors and suppliers to ensure smooth operations and adherence to schedules. Imagine having a project timeline that's not just an optimistic estimate but rather a data-supported projection. AI can transform that vision into actuality by ensuring that tasks are finished as scheduled and within the budget constraints.  

What challenges have you encountered when integrating AI into construction processes?

Ah yes indeed. the million-dollar question! Integrating AI is like teaching an old dog new tricks. There's always pushback against change and hiccups with data quality that crop up now and then. Not to mention the classic “AI doesn’t understand my accent” problem we run into occasionally as well. One hurdle we had to overcome involved integrating AI with our established Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). When we rolled out Aconex and PlanGrid for handling documents during a KSA giga project implementation phase we had to ensure that it seamlessly synced up with our ERP software. This necessitated quite a bit of customization and thorough testing. At first, our team had some hesitations. After training and seeing the advantages, we managed to overcome the obstacles effectively. It’s like climbing a mountain; the view from the top is worth the climb.  

How do you ensure data security and privacy when using AI-powered tools?

Ensuring the security of data is a big focus for us, a lot of our GIGA projects have very strict security requirements. We implement encryption methods and conduct frequent audits while ensuring strict access controls are in place. For example, our utilization of AI tools such as Smartvid.io for safety monitoring is connected to secure cloud platforms, like AWS that provide security measures. We have also enforced two-factor authentication and conduct regular security audits to safeguard data integrity and privacy. Additionally, we continuously update our protocols to address any potential risks that may arise. It’s a bit like playing chess —you always must think a few moves ahead.

Can AI help reduce costs in construction projects? If so, how?

Yes. AI has the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities that humans may overlook.

During the construction of one of our KSA giga projects as an illustration, AI was utilized to enhance material utilization efficiency, minimizing waste and reducing costs. By analysing the design using AI algorithms we received recommendations for adjustments that reduced the steel needed by 15% leading to substantial savings. Moreover, the implementation of AI powered maintenance tools enabled us to prevent expensive equipment failures by scheduling timely maintenance thus lowering operational expenses even further, resulting in reducing the cost of construction by 25% using AI to value engineering.

It’s like having a financial advisor who is also a construction expert.

How do you see AI impacting the job market in construction, particularly in roles like project management and on-site labour?

AI is more of a collaborator than a competitor in today’s world of advancements and technology integration. It plays a crucial role in handling repetitive tasks efficiently so that humans can dedicate their efforts towards their strengths, critical thinking and creativity. Take the case of another one of our projects. Technologies such as Doxel were employed to automate monitoring of progress and thereby ensuring standards were met. This enabled project leaders to concentrate on making choices instead of spending time on daily checks. Workers at the location saw improvements in their work thanks to exoskeletons powered by AI technology, that helped lower stress and boost efficiency.

What potential does AI have in enhancing sustainability in construction projects?

AI has revolutionized the way we approach sustainability by enhancing energy efficiency and promoting eco practices in various projects. For example on one of our projects in London where we harnessed AI to analyse building performance data and improve energy usage significantly up to 40%. Moreover, AI driven waste management solutions were implemented to reduce construction waste and maximize recycling efforts.

How do you see AI adoption in the construction industry evolving in the GCC region compared to other markets?

The GCC region is uniquely positioned to lead in AI adoption due to its focus on mega-projects and rapid urbanization. One notable illustration of this is on one of our giga projects in Saudi Arabia that showcases the regions commitment to utilizing AI for everything from urban planning to construction management. In contrast to markets worldwide, the GCCs readiness to allocate resources towards state-of-the-art technology and its forward-looking Vision 2030 goals create an ideal environment for groundbreaking AI advancements. In comparison to this approach, markets in Europe and North America tend to be more tentative and gradual when it comes to embracing AI technology.

The sheer speed, scale and complexity of current GCC projects necessitate the deployment of advanced  AI tools for most aspects and stages. The use of AI and digital platforms have a strong synergy with industrialized design and construction (IDC) methods, which are integral to fast track projects. These IDC manufacturers, in turn are embracing AI, including AI driven robotics, Logistics, and integration with architectural platforms dealing with design for manufacture.

Given the region's focus on mega-projects and rapid urbanization, what are the unique challenges and opportunities for AI in construction within the GCC?

The GCC’s focus on mega-projects presents both unique challenges and opportunities for AI. One challenge is the scale and complexity of these projects, which require sophisticated AI tools for effective management. For example, we use AI to manage logistics and workforce deployment across our sites. The opportunity lies in the ability to leverage AI to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and innovation. The giga projects, for instance, are using AI to create a fully automated city, setting a new benchmark for smart urban development.

The current wave of visionary development across the region is proving to be the perfect incubator for the advancement all construction related technologies, including AI. The work being done here is setting new standards and represents a paradigm shift in the industry.

What role does AI play in addressing labour shortages in the GCC construction sector?

This might be considered a trick question! Many people in the industry and in the world at large are apprehensive that they will be replaced by AI, and this is an understandable concern. At the same time there are labour shortages in certain areas for a multitude of reasons. There will be some jobs that become obsolete with the introduction of AI driven processes, however, the reality is that many existing roles are enhanced by AI, and new roles associated with the use of AI are being created all the time.

With every revolution, job loss concerns arise, but new roles and industries emerge, requiring different skills. People adapt, gaining new abilities that align with evolving demands. This cycle of change ensures that the workforce evolves, creating opportunities and sustaining employment through technological and industrial advancements.

AI can address labour shortages effectively by automating tasks and improving worker efficiency levels in various industries. During the development of one of our projects as an example of this technology in practice, we integrated AI driven robots to handle tasks such as bricklaying and pouring concrete. These robots collaborated with workers to boost overall productivity rates and decrease the need for manual labour. Furthermore, AI based training initiatives were implemented to enhance the skills of workers and equip them with the expertise needed to operate advanced construction tools effectively.

I previously touched on industrialised design and construction. We are increasingly seeing AI driven efficiencies from manufacturers. This allows for increased pre-assembly, reducing the labour demand on site.

Can you provide examples of how AI has been successfully implemented in high-profile GCC construction projects?

During the building of the Burj Khalifa Tower and the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Saudi Arabia AI technology played a role in various aspects such as monitoring structural health and managing energy efficiency respectively.  Sensors embedded in the building provided real-time data on structural integrity, which was analysed by AI algorithms to predict maintenance needs. Another example is the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture in Saudi Arabia, where AI was used for energy management. AI systems optimized HVAC operations, resulting in a 20% reduction in energy consumption.