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The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence represents a new technological paradigm for the construction industry, with global leading solutions and companies in construction focused on helping the people who build our infrastructure.

The last three tech reports have focused on construction-specific technologies, along with the adoption and achievement of ROI with innovative solutions. This year, because of the mass interest and thirst to

understand how AI will affect contractors of all sizes, we have created a report to explain how this technology is used by stakeholders in the construction industry. AI is going to have an enormous impact on how businesses attract and educate their top talent and win and deliver their work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. We hope that this report will sharpen that focus for ABC members.

Matt Abeles, Vice President, Construction Technology and Innovation, Associated Builders and Contractors

 

 The construction industry is constantly evolving as we strive to deliver successful projects that benefit our customers and fulfill the ambitions of all our industry professionals. Advancements in construction come in various forms, ranging from improvements in tools, materials and equipment to innovations in building techniques and technologies. Keeping pace with these developments can be challenging, but it is essential for personal growth, business enhancement and, ultimately, better project delivery.

To fully leverage these opportunities for improvement, we must remain engaged and surround ourselves with people and experiences that encourage learning and growth. By doing so, we can pass this knowledge forward, benefiting the industry as a whole.

This year’s tech report provides an invaluable opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence is set to make a significant impact on construction. As our understanding of AI deepens and its applications become clearer, it will be crucial to learn the pros and cons, identify best practices and be aware of the risks involved to ensure AI becomes a tool that works for everyone.

In this tech report, we hear from experts with hands-on experience in AI for planning, development and execution within the construction sector. The ABC Tech and Innovation Committee hopes that this report enriches your understanding of AI technology, benefiting you, your company and those you serve. Thank you for reading the ABC AI Tech Report.

Patrick Irwin, Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President, Leonard S. Fiore Inc., and 2024 Chair of the ABC Construction Technology and Innovation Committee

Executive Summary

By Brianne Stewart, Group Product Manager, Milwaukee Tool

It has been a privilege to serve on the ABC Construction Technology and Innovation Committee for the past three years. This has given me a front-row seat to watch the evolution of technology growth and maturity among ABC members and the entire construction industry.

The 2022 and 2023 Tech Reports provided a guide to the principles of adopting and evaluating technology. This year’s technology report is a blend of both. When I’ve canvassed members, I’ve seen a distinct shift in responses to my question, “What technologies and trends interest you?” Conversations center around how to use ChatGPT and which of the main artificial intelligence software creators are developing the best AI functions to streamline workflows in the office or on the jobsite.

The ABC AI Tech Report is the singular resource that a construction executive will need to make an informed decision about whether to adopt AI technologies. This page offers a resource guide, a case study, insight papers and an essay to help you make the best decisions for your company.

The Hensel Phelps case study focuses on how it partnered with Track3D, an AI-powered platform, to enhance construction efficiency and innovation in complex projects. The insight essays provide an overview of how artificial intelligence can transform the construction industry by improving data maturity, project outcomes and safety. Dodge Construction Network discusses the concept of augmented intelligence, which is a form of artificial intelligence that supports human decision-making and productivity rather than replacing them.

The ABC AI Tech Report shows that AI holds much promise to transform our world while challenges remain in determining the best path to realize this opportunity for individual contractors. My recommendation is to approach AI by following the same principles introduced in the last tech report. AI is a technology, and it can be best understood through the lens of two critical questions: What problem are we solving by applying this technology? And how can we focus on our people to understand the stakeholders critical to adopting this transformational technology?

2021 Tech Report Cover

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Cover ABC AI Tech Report