According to a report from the World Economic Forum, approximately 5.1 million jobs are expected to be lost in the coming five years due to advances in technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, 3D printing and robotics. This impact will threaten job security mainly for the people in the construction industry. The main question here is : How will artificial intelligence impact the construction industry? It is of immense importance to identify where we presently are and where we are heading with respect to artificial intelligence in the construction sector.

When we talk of the construction industry, vivid images of cranes, workers and building materials form a perfect picture in mind. But this vision is set for a change as the construction industry emerges as one of the most indulgent fields for the latest technologies in automation and artificial intelligence.

Robotics systems, technologies that sense, think and then act in the physical world, make use of artificial intelligence techniques like machine learning. So where does this leave the construction industry? How will this impact the jobs in future? Answering these questions are essential.

Robotics is a common feature on job sites for applications like bricklaying, concrete dispensing, welding, demolition etc. Moreover, as the robotic techniques become more autonomous through the use of Artificial Intelligence, they will be used in a large number of new construction applications. Mainly focusing at the construction industry, AI techniques are best suited to optimize development and quality control testing of different products and design structures.

Key Takeaways :

• Humans are subject to limitations and are affected by sleep, heat, cold and fatigue. On the other hand, robots are not prone to any such limitations and can work continuously on building sites completing construction work in a significantly lesser time.
• Robots also bring in more accuracy and precision than humans, which means that the work they do will be much more valuable, simultaneously reducing the cost and doubling the output for construction firms. When it comes to the construction industry, AI has the potential to help in applications like BIM (building information modeling).
• Automation can make it much easier and safer to inspect construction sites. It’s difficult for an inspection engineer to check the sturdiness of skyscrapers where on the other hand robots are not afraid of heights. Drones are an excellent way to conduct daily surveys and layout a complete plan.
• Artificial Intelligence-based technologies can help in completing the tasks, more quickly, efficiently and safely when compared to humans. The benefits of such technology include fewer errors, safer job-sites, improved work and more on-time completions.

Many jobs that will be replaced by robotic automation include tasks that are repetitive, monotonous and require a significantly smaller amount of decision making. But this change is certainly not a negative one. Adopting digital solutions would mean delivering efficient, effective and safer solutions to customers.

As far as the job security of the construction workers are concerned, re-training of employees into specialized roles with respect to automation should start so that they can be prepared for the paradigm shift.

In the phase of this AI apocalypse, employers and educators are being urged to equip people with specific skill sets that they will need in order to work alongside robots, rather than competing with them.