Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the construction industry. Construction companies now have access to AI tools that can automate tasks, increase efficiency, reduce risks—and in some cases, even lower costs. While this is great news for business owners, it leaves many workers wondering: How will AI affect construction working class?
This shift brings both opportunities and challenges. As AI evolves, it may change the roles that construction workers play and the skills they need to succeed. However, it's unlikely that AI will completely replace human workers anytime soon.
In this article, we'll explore how AI is being used in construction, examine the potential benefits and drawbacks, and share how workers can adapt to stay ahead in an increasingly tech-driven industry.
The role of AI in the construction industry
AI in construction began with basic automation tools, such as software that could generate building designs based on specific parameters like budget, site conditions, and material availability. Today, AI construction software has evolved into more advanced systems that can create customized project recaps and reviews, and help businesses predict market shifts to optimize pricing strategies and resource allocation.
“AI is useful in design work, especially creating mock-ups of custom designs for customers,” says Jonathan Palley, CEO of California-based Clever Tiny Homes. “It can also help to keep an eye on materials prices for us and help control costs. In addition to all kinds of back-end administrative tasks, we use AI to help accelerate our design work and to do quality control on our finished units.”
AI is also playing a role in safety with AI-powered systems that can detect hazards and predict potential accidents by monitoring workers’ movements in real-time. However, not all construction business owners are comfortable with this idea.
“One area where I'll never use AI is for anything involving the safety of my team,” says Bar Zakheim, CEO of Atlanta-based Better Place Design & Build. “I know AI can make mistakes, and the idea of a computer glitch leading to the injury or death of one of my workers is not something I'm interested in exploring.”
Areas of construction where AI can be used
AI is being used in a variety of ways to streamline the construction process, from design to completion. “I use AI for managing things like permitting, purchasing, scheduling, and other administrative tasks that go into any build,” Zakheim says. “Keeping track of these things can be a challenge, especially when we're operating in a new suburb where we don't necessarily know the permitting process or specific code requirements. AI makes it much easier to stay on top of that stuff.”
There are many areas of construction where AI can be helpful.
- Robotics and automation: Robots are now being deployed on construction sites to handle repetitive or dangerous tasks. For example, robotic bricklayers and AI-powered machines that are capable of pouring concrete, welding, and even assembling large structural components.
- Project management: AI is transforming how construction projects are managed. AI-driven project management tools can analyze historical data to predict timelines, costs, potential delays, and suggest improvements to help contractors avoid costly overruns.
- Predictive maintenance: Equipment downtime can be costly for construction companies. AI can be used to predict when machines will need maintenance based on data from sensors and past performance. This proactive approach helps reduce unexpected breakdowns, saving both time and money.
- Site surveying and inspections: Drones, equipped with AI technology, are being used to survey construction sites, gather data, and monitor progress. Its algorithms can analyze images captured by drones to detect issues such as structural flaws or potential safety risks. These tools help to provide accurate, real-time data, improving overall efficiency and quality control.
- Material management: AI-powered management systems can predict which materials will be needed at each stage of a project. By tracking inventory and supply chains, these systems can ensure that materials are available when required, reducing waste and preventing delays.
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AI and construction: Potential benefits and drawbacks
AI brings a wealth of benefits to the construction industry, but it also presents several challenges that could impact the working class.
Benefits of using AI in construction
New opportunities for workers
While AI may reduce the need for manual labor, it also creates demand for workers with skills in technology, robotics, and AI maintenance. Workers who embrace these technologies may find new roles that are more specialized and less physically demanding.
Increased efficiency
AI helps streamline tasks that would otherwise be time-consuming or error-prone, such as data entry and procurement. This leads to faster project completion and reduced costs, making construction more competitive.
Cost savings
AI-driven tools can optimize resource use, helping companies save on labor, materials, and time. These savings can be passed on to the consumer, making construction projects more affordable.
Drawbacks of using AI in construction
Job displacement
One of the most significant concerns about AI in construction is job displacement. Automation may replace workers who perform repetitive tasks, such as those in manual labor roles. While some jobs will be replaced, others may evolve or be created, but there is no denying that job loss is a real concern.
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Training and skill gaps
As AI continues to penetrate the industry, there will be a growing demand for workers with technical skills. Construction workers will need to adapt by acquiring knowledge in fields like machine learning, AI systems, and robotics. Without proper training, some workers may be left behind.
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High initial costs
Implementing AI technology can be expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized construction firms. The upfront investment in AI systems, along with the training required to use them effectively, can be prohibitive for some businesses.
Predictions for the future
The future of AI in construction holds the potential for transformative changes, both in terms of technological advancements and workforce adaptation. A McKinsey & Company suggests that technology investments should shift away from trendy tools like drones and instead focus on solutions that streamline and accelerate key aspects of the industry—such as engineering, procurement, and construction.
The report also notes that, for decades, construction companies have historically invested less than 1% of their revenues in IT, a stark contrast to industries like automotive and aerospace, where technology spending is over three times higher.
The pace could be attributed to the costs of certain AI-driven tools vs. their real-world capabilities. For example, Palley says that AI-powered bricklayers aren't as superior to construction workers as people are led to believe that they are: “There aren't that many robotic bricklayers around, they're very expensive, and they need skilled technicians to take full advantage of them,” Palley says.
To Zakheim, these AI advances aren’t yet practical for smaller businesses. “When it comes to AI in construction, there's a lot more hype than there is substance, at least for a small business like mine,” Zakheim says. “I'm not about to go out and buy a robotic bricklayer, or a concrete 3D printer, or anything like that.”
On the other hand, big construction companies are excited to explore AI's potential but also have some concerns. In their Q1 2024 Market Conditions Report, DRP construction—one of the biggest construction companies in the country—stated that “AI isn't magic” and often provides generic responses to complicated questions.
At the 2024 ENR FutureTech—a forum for construction technology—Skanska USA stated that AI can revolutionize data processing in construction. They also created their own generative AI chatbot to answer employees' questions based on a collection of internal data that would otherwise be harder to find and access.
For now at least, it's safe to assume that construction workers aren't about to be replaced by robots. And as the industry begins to realize the potential of using AI for construction, tech developers and AI-driven manufacturers may want to address the concerns of small and big business owners.
What workers can do to stay ahead
To stay competitive in a future where AI is part of the construction industry, workers need to embrace technology and adapt their skills to meet the changing demands.
Here are a few ways you can prepare for the future as a construction worker:
- Invest in technology training. Seek out training programs or certifications in robotics, AI systems, or drone operation. This will give you an edge in the job market and ensure you’re prepared for the evolving nature of construction.
- Focus on soft skills. While AI can handle many tasks, it still lacks the human touch. Workers who can communicate effectively, solve complex problems, and manage teams will always be in demand.
- Be open to change. Workers should adopt a mindset of lifelong learning, staying up to date with new technologies and how they impact their roles. The construction industry will continue to change, and those who can adapt will thrive.
- Collaborate with AI. Rather than seeing AI as a threat, view it as a tool to enhance your abilities. AI can help you make data-driven decisions and reduce physical strain—freeing you to focus on tasks that require human expertise.
While some tasks may be automated, new opportunities will arise for workers who embrace the changing landscape. The key to staying ahead in this AI-driven future is adaptability. By investing in technology skills and staying open to change, construction workers can ensure their place in the industry for years to come.
FAQs
Will AI replace all construction jobs?
While AI will automate many tasks, it is unlikely to replace all construction jobs. New roles will emerge that require technical skills and expertise in managing AI systems.
What are the benefits of AI in construction?
AI can help improve efficiency, handle administrative tasks, reduce costs, and create new opportunities for skilled workers in the construction industry.
What challenges do construction workers face with AI?
The primary challenges include potential job displacement, the need for new skills, and the cost of implementing AI systems in construction companies. “There are still huge cost barriers to implementing AI more fully,” Palley says. “When you're talking about construction, it's not just a large language model; you also need the hardware to go with it.”
Is AI the future of construction?
Yes, AI is poised to become a critical part of the construction industry, optimizing everything from design and project management to labor and safety practices. But there are concerns about the costs of certain machines and how reliable they really are, especially when it comes to the workers’ safety.
Is there a reason why AI shouldn't be used in construction?
No, as of today, there's no reason to completely ban AI in construction. However, experts worry that AI could be seen as a replacement for work instead of a tool to streamline projects, as well as data not being properly processed, which could create redundancies and loss of valuable time and resources.