By Yermys Peña
Special for El Inmobiliario
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, and construction is no exception. From tools that optimize architectural designs to robots that lay bricks with millimeter precision, technology is redefining how construction projects are planned and executed. However, as this revolution progresses, concerns about the loss of traditional jobs are growing. Is AI a threat to the workforce or a tool to empower the industry?
A tangible impact on construction
The benefits of AI in the sector are undeniable. Design tools like Autodesk Revit, equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities, allow for the analysis of millions of data points in seconds, optimizing material usage and reducing costly errors. According to a McKinsey report, implementing these technologies can decrease initial design errors by up to 45%, resulting in significant savings for developers.
Safety is another area where AI is making its mark. Computer vision systems and smart sensors can identify risks in real time, alerting workers to unsafe movements or hazardous conditions at construction sites. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that these technologies could reduce workplace accidents by 20%, saving lives and improving working conditions.
Furthermore, predictive algorithms are transforming project management. These tools anticipate delays, optimize budgets, and adjust resources in real time. Recent studies indicate that AI can increase productivity in construction by up to 30%, a significant shift in an industry known for its delays and cost overruns.
The employment dilemma
Despite the advances, the fear of automation is legitimate. Robots like the "SAM" (Semi-Automated Mason) can lay up to 3,000 bricks a day, far exceeding the capacity of a traditional bricklayer, who lays an average of 500. Likewise, data analysis systems are beginning to take over tasks previously exclusive to project managers.
A report from Oxford University warns that up to 40% of traditional jobs in the sector could be automated by 2030. Manual tasks such as transporting materials and mixing concrete are the most vulnerable, leaving thousands of workers uncertain about their future.
Complement, not replacement
However, many experts argue that AI will not necessarily eliminate jobs, but rather transform them. The World Economic Forum projects that for every job lost due to automation, 2.1 technology-related jobs will be created. Training workers in areas such as programming, maintenance, and operation of intelligent systems is becoming an urgent necessity.
Furthermore, technologies like exoskeletons, which help workers lift heavy objects with less effort, illustrate how collaboration between humans and machines can improve both productivity and working conditions. In this sense, AI doesn't replace, but rather complements.
Challenges and barriers
Integrating AI into construction is not without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles is the initial cost. Implementing advanced technologies, such as robots and smart sensors, requires multimillion-dollar investments that are beyond the reach of many small and medium-sized enterprises.
Resistance to change is also a significant challenge. Many workers fear that automation will leave them jobless, while some traditional companies lack the knowledge needed to adopt these technologies. Furthermore, the lack of clear regulations on AI use raises questions about privacy, accountability, and ethics in automated decision-making.
Inspiring success stories
Despite the challenges, several projects have demonstrated the enormous potential of AI. In Dubai, 3D printing has been used to build entire offices in record time, reducing material costs by 60%. Meanwhile, companies like Boston Dynamics are developing robots like "Spot," capable of inspecting construction sites with 99% accuracy, detecting structural flaws before they become major problems.
In China, the implementation of AI systems in large infrastructure projects has reduced material waste by 25%, significantly improving sustainability in the sector.
A smart and sustainable future
For AI to effectively transform industry, several key aspects must be addressed. First, it is essential to invest in training programs that prepare workers to operate and maintain these technologies. Second, governments must establish clear legal frameworks that promote the ethical and safe use of AI, ensuring that the benefits are distributed equitably.
Finally, access to these technologies should be facilitated for small and medium-sized enterprises, allowing them to compete on equal terms with large corporations.
The author is an architect and construction entrepreneur. Member of the Forbes Business Council.
