Artificial intelligence (AI) does not pose an existential threat to companies in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. However, it is expected to significantly transform the ways certain tasks are optimized within the construction industry. According to a recent study by an international consulting firm, AI will have a substantial impact on production processes and business models in AEC.

AI User Categories and Benefits

The report identifies two main groups of AI users: those who leverage technology to automate key tasks, and those who use AI as a tool to boost productivity. The greatest benefits are realized by companies that control their own project data, decision-making processes, and can charge for final outcomes rather than for the work process itself. Already, there is noticeable productivity growth in design, modeling, and feasibility assessment, but these advantages are expected to become industry standards in the future.

Recommendations for Technology Implementation

It is recommended to use AI to transform end-to-end processes that span entire business domains. Even small-scale processes can deliver significant business value when compared to isolated implementations.

Automation Potential

The study indicates that AI can automate up to 39% of non-physical work in construction, and up to 50% in architecture and engineering. Researchers identified 150 workflows across 25 AEC-related areas, each with varying automation potential. Significant changes are anticipated in tasks such as data entry, invoicing, and equipment inspection by 2030.

Stages of Automation Implementation

The adoption of AI and automation is divided into three timeframes:

• Short-term (up to 18 months): Optimization of end-to-end processes, including application analysis and proposal preparation.
• Mid-term (18 months to 4 years): Leveraging the advantages of working with proprietary data, such as information requests, drawings, and project completion reports.
• Long-term (over 4 years): Applying AI directly on construction sites, including autonomous machinery and coordination of transport between sites.

However, not all tasks can be fully automated by 2030, as some will still require human involvement.

Features of Automation

Automation affects not so much entire professions as specific tasks and actions. The key is how these actions are integrated to reduce friction and simplify workflows throughout the entire lifecycle of a construction project.

Development and Acquisition Considerations

The report notes that AEC companies have traditionally faced challenges in developing and scaling their own software solutions, and the pace of AI development is too rapid to rely solely on in-house efforts. Large construction firms have already begun creating their own tools for internal needs, but it is recommended to focus on unique advantages that are difficult for competitors to replicate, such as proprietary data or client relationships.

Companies should develop solutions where their expertise is a unique asset, and acquire solutions where external providers can invest more resources than the company itself.

Recommendations for Preparing for AI Integration

For successful AI integration in construction, it is advised to:

• Identify and prioritize the 3–5 most valuable workflows for automation.
• Choose a strategy between buying, developing, or partnering when implementing new technologies.
• Scale solutions with a focus on managing and measuring key performance indicators.

Productivity Trends in the Industry

It has previously been noted that productivity in construction lags behind other industries: from 2000 to 2022, global productivity growth in construction was only 10%. The adoption of AI is seen as one of the ways to accelerate this growth and improve industry efficiency.