The new playbook on the use of AI in the construction industry has been published by the Chartered Institute of Building’s Digital and Innovation Advisory Panel
CIOB’s playbook was written for organisations in the construction industry that want to understand AI technology and how to get the most out of it.
It includes ways to evaluate its effectiveness while considering ethics, cyber security, and data protection.
There is also a checklist that supports new entrants, early adopters, and experienced AI practitioners in making decisions about using the technology.
AI will revolutionise working processes for SMEs
The playbook highlights AI’s potential to transform the operations of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and allow them to compete on a larger scale.
It explains that SMEs can leverage AI to access capabilities previously exclusive to large construction companies, thereby levelling the playing field.
AI in construction can enhance human capabilities
The playbook also tackles industry concerns and misconceptions regarding AI’s impact on the job market.
AI in construction is meant to strengthen human capabilities rather than replace them.
As AI usage demands a certain level of user skill and understanding, many existing roles will evolve from operators to supervisors, with professionals increasingly responsible for checking and validating AI’s work.
A report released by the House of Lords in February 2024 indicated that construction and extraction roles are among the least likely to be threatened by AI.
Other roles on this list include cleaning and maintaining buildings and grounds and performing installation, maintenance, and repair jobs.
“The construction industry is in the age of AI”
David Philp, chair of CIOB’s Digital and Innovation Advisory Panel, and one of the playbook’s authors, said: “Forms of AI are now prevalent in all walks of life and business, and the construction industry is in the age of AI, whether we recognise it or not. Understanding AI in the context of our sector is vitally important to help determine and shape how it might usher in new opportunities.
“AI can immensely support project and construction management, analysing large volumes of project data across the value chain, spotting potential safety risks through computer vision, and offering insights for smarter decision-making. It can also support the automation of repetitive tasks, such as everyday data entry, form filling, and report generation, all of which can dominate a construction manager’s day so it’s there to be embraced.”
