In late 2022 / early 2023, AI became mainstream with the introduction of ChatGPT. Although AI had been used in various forms for decades, this was a turning point, drastically changing the way individuals and businesses completed tasks.
Three years later, AI is poised to play a transformative role in the construction industry, which will have a tremendous impact on companies like Varia.
Our industry is suffering from a labor shortage and experience drain due to an aging workforce and a lack of incoming qualified individuals. Can AI alleviate this burden? Time will tell, but we do foresee AI aiding the construction industry in a few specific ways:
- Administrative & Project Management Efficiency
- Data & Information Analysis & Optimization
- Design Intelligence
- Drawings, Submittals, Accuracy & Coordination
- Automation
- Communication – improved digital tools in the office and in the field
- Production
- Innovation
- Improved Decision Making
AI will help us improve accuracy and efficiency, easing the workload and reducing costly mistakes. But the use of AI tools is no simple decision. Proper discernment is required. Policies and principles must be established before venturing into the uncharted waters of artificial intelligence. We hope AI will deliver what it claims, but there will inevitably be challenges along the way.
Taking a balanced approach to AI is the best option as it is not a panacea for all the challenges of the construction world. We still need to check AI for errors and misleading information. We still need to encourage young people to pursue skilled trades.
Mike Rowe of the show Dirty Jobs, holds a “skeptimistic” view on AI, arguing it poses a greater threat to white-collar, creative jobs than to skilled trades. He believes AI will boost efficiency in construction and manufacturing, but that welders, plumbers, and electricians are safe from replacement, creating a “golden age” for blue-collar careers.
As AI advances, we must not let our guard down. We will keep researching, testing, and utilizing AI when appropriate. The construction industry has the obligation to hold AI to a high standard. In the words of Mike Rowe, “It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”
