Bluebeam’s report, Building the Future: Bluebeam AEC Technology Outlook 2025 has shown that three quarters of AEC firms now utilise AI in construction in some way
The report surveyed 400 technology decision-makers within archeology, engineering and construction (AEC) firms globally about their use of AI in construction.
The report demonstrates an industry willingness to invest in AI technology.
AI can be utilised in various ways
The report also highlights that AI in construction is being adapted for several purposes, but it is particularly being applied in the design and planning phases.
48% of AEC firms surveyed use AI for design, while 42% use it for planning. Of those surveyed, over half agree that AI is highly important, and 70% now allocate up to 25% of their budget to AI.
The majority of those surveyed also indicated that they plan on increasing AI usage in the next five years.
The report also highlights that more advanced MMC technology in general is seeing wider use, with BIM being the most used and CAD and project management software following close behind.
AI in construction still faces several challenges
Despite the positive outlook for the adoption of technology and AI, the report also revealed several issues that still block adoption for many firms in spite of the cost-saving potential.
Key issues include a lack of skills and training, as well as integration and technical issues.
Usman Shuja, CEO at Bluebeam, said: “As digitization and the use of AI within the AEC sector increases, reliance on outdated paper-based approaches will continue to shrink, helping to drive cost savings and improve sustainability efforts in construction.
“AI is already revolutionizing the building process, so it is essential that educators, technology providers and construction industry leaders work together to produce new training initiatives that can capitalize on these innovations by helping bridge the AEC technology skills gap so we can continue to move the industry forward.”
