b'AImachine. Without human oversight and validation, AI tools can create problems. Part of the AI workflow involves vetting the AI output and thereby not relinquishing management over to AI.AI technologies in construction have workers anxious about their jobs. While AI will replace some tasks that humans have done up until now, these technologies will support and enhance existing workforces rather thanreplace them. The leading AI tool is to manage large amounts of data in a short time period and learn about the use of data as it develops an increasing number of reports. Keep in mind the old computer adage of garbage in, garbage out also applies to AI. When using AI for data AI IN CONSTRUCTION management, it is most important to ensure that the data source contains good data. If the data is not trusted, AI HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS IMPACTINGwill generate garbage responses.THE CONSTR UCTION INDUSTRY As a company starts adopting AI, it has to put in place a detailed process that BY WARREN HEELEY is consistently used to evaluate what AI tools should be pursued, says Palmer. This process should take into account rtificial intelligence (AI) isis the majority of construction data.prerequisites and issues like security, A now used in most industries,[When] used appropriately, generativedata protection and, of course, the and companies worldwide areAI can unlock that data to enhancereturn on investment (ROI).reaping the benefits. Enhanced datatools that improve efficiencies and data collection, automated office tasks andcollection/analysis across the industry.retrieval of lost data are just a few of theAI USES IN CONSTRUCTIONbenefits that AI is providing to increaseHere are a few examples of construction workplace efficiency. AI IN CONSTRUCTIONAI-enabled technologies:WORKFLOWSAI is changing the constructionFor smaller construction companies, theData Efficiencyindustry landscape both in the officeinitial challenge is how to build AI intoIn a recent Procore Technologies report, and on the jobsite. This includesthe companys workflows. In Palmersconstruction industry experts noted better safety practices, more efficientopinion, Companies should start outthey could save as much as 12 per cent processes, increased productivity andslowly by using AI for one or two basicof their budgets if they could handle better management of jobsite costs.processes that provide the best value.their data more efficiently. ChatGPT, Also known as generative AI, the termMicrosoft Copilot and Gemini, all applies to machine systems that emulateGenerative AI is a tool that employeessystems powered by generative AI, a humans ability to learn, adapt andin the company can initially use to findprovide team members with a wide create. The reactive and data-drivenrelatively quick responses to routinevariety of functions including daily logs, aspect of AI assists workforces totasks or day-to-day issues. One idea is tosolving problems with software like function more efficiently have an AI-driven general assistant likeBIM and reviewing specificationsand collaboratively. Microsoft Copilot and discover how itand drawings.can improve processes. An important Generative AI will have a hugepart of onboarding AI is trainingMachine learning is used to improve impact on businesses similar to theworkers to understand and use the toolmaintenance of equipment and track internet and digital technology boomseffectively to maximize efficiencies. material, equipment locations and decades ago that sparked the dot- movement on the jobsite, as well as com era, says Chris Palmer, directorA vital part of AI training is instillingpredict and forecast safety issues. of intelligence and security at PCLin everyone that AI is not perfect, says Construction. Generative AI can tapPalmer. There are already instancesComputer-vision apps (like EarthCam, into unstructured data in many differentwhere companies have abdicatedOpenSpace, etc.) monitor jobsites using formstext, audio, visualwhichtheir management of AI to thedrones or 360-degree cameras. Natural 22 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'