Articles

AI Primer: The Internet of Things (IoT)

What is the Internet of Things? A network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. Devices range from simple sensors to complex industrial machinery. IoT can create a system where physical objects communicate, monitor conditions, automate processes and enhance decision-making through real-time data insights.

Better AI Prompts for Construction Health and Safety

Throughout several articles, we have yet to devote many words to the topic of prompting. However, crafting good prompts leads to better output from generative AI. So, let's cover some basic prompting techniques that will help anyone using generative AI get better results.

Employing AI: XYZ Reality’s Augmented Reality [Video]

XYZ Reality addresses the complexities of delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining high-quality standards with Atom™, an advanced augmented reality (AR) solution transforming construction teams' operations.

AI’s Potential to Enhance Preconstruction Phase Hits Early Snags

When it comes to leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in preconstruction, the problems begin ... well, at the beginning, said panelists at the 2024 Toronto Summit: Future of Preconstruction. They may actually begin before the beginning. "The challenge in fusing AI with preconstruction is that the preconstruction phase is the “most human-tasked part of the construction.”

AI: Automation Versus Augmentation

At a talk on artificial intelligence in a recent safety conference, my excitement turned to disappointment when the speaker promoted a camera system with basic AI functionality—tracking hardhat compliance and flagging puddles. I'd hoped to hear about how generative AI is revolutionizing construction work at a fundamental level. Our industry is still grappling with meaningfully implementing AI technology.

Focus on Specific Pain Points to Leverage New Artificial Intelligence Tools

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzword in today's construction landscape. But to move beyond the talk, it will have to demonstrate clear value by addressing specific industry pain points if its immense potential is to be realized, said panelists at "Applications for AI in AEC" in September at the BuiltWorlds 2024 Toronto Summit.

Three Keys to Successful Use of AI

AI is technology. Wading through the hype to understand what it can and cannot (so far) do, knowing your professional pain points, and then identifying internal technology champions on your team, are the three keys to success when it comes to building a foundation to most effectively harness artificial intelligence (AI).

AI Primers: Intelligent Document Processing

Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) is an advanced, AI-driven approach to managing, analyzing, and extracting meaningful data from a variety of document types. From invoices and contracts to forms and, critically, unstructured files, IDP technology enables organizations to handle documents automatically and with remarkable accuracy.

Streamline Construction Safety with Google’s Notebook LM

Google recently introduced Notebook LM, which it calls an AI collaborator. The notebook was created with assistance from writer Steven Johnson, who wanted a digital Notebook to track ideas, quotes and thoughts ultimately helpful for writing projects. It’s ... an AI agent that you can load with multiple information sources.

Legal, Data Quality Questions Hamper Foundation Model Acceleration in Construction

The limits of foundation models – legal and otherwise – to more effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to advance construction projects were in discussion at the 2024 BuiltWorlds Paris Summit earlier this year. Foundation models are hampered by legal issues surrounding who owns what data in a construction project ...

AI Primer: Robotics

Robotics is a branch of engineering and science that involves the design, construction, operation, and use of robots. Robots are machines capable of carrying out complex tasks autonomously or semi-autonomously, often mimicking or replicating human actions. How does that help construction?

Panel: AI Should Enhance, Not Replace, Human Decision-Making

Calling them “exciting and also scary times” for the construction industry and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Michael Colapietro, CEO and co-founder, Smartapp urged attendees of a recent webinar to leverage AI to “help us reimagine” how to improve construction operations across the board. And he shares what AI really stands for.