Four Ways Robots and Artificial Intelligence Are Used To Monitor Jobsite Progress

 

Author: Sophia Young Content Studio 

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a leading factor for success in the construction industry today.

As construction becomes more complex, AI is becoming less and less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

AI saves time by automating repetitive tasks and finding patterns in data that humans typically cannot see. In this way, AI can provide valuable insights into projects’ status, which helps owners make better decisions about timing and budgeting.

A growing number of construction companies are making AI-driven tools such as robots, drones, virtual reality (VR) goggles, and predictive models an essential component of their business strategy.

These tools’ AI can considerably improve construction execution planning, allowing for more precise measurement of jobsite progress at all development points. This knowledge helps construction firms keep track of workers, machines, and other objects within the jobsite—creating a safer, more productive work environment.

This article highlights four of the main ways that AI is used to monitor jobsite progress.

1. Mapping Realistic Timelines

AI can improve your digital layout during the construction layout process. The technology can be used to map realistic timelines, detect potential design problems early on, and identify which aspects of the layout may need further development or refinement.

Mapping out timelines requires an immense amount of data processing time as well as talent for interpreting that information in a way that is easy to understand by non-technical personnel.

However, using AI can facilitate the creation of realistic timelines by drawing up an initial plan that considers all aspects of a project.

Using AI to map out realistic timelines also makes it easier to set expectations for construction teams and suppliers from the very beginning. Firms will have a better idea of when they need to complete specific tasks, which helps them schedule resources more effectively.

2. Real-Time Updates on Progress

In addition to mapping out realistic timelines, AI can also be used to track project progress in real-time by comparing planned versus actual work schedules.

The tool can be configured to alert managers when something looks off-kilter in the planning process, such as a delay or an overlap of tasks, making it nearly impossible for workers to complete all assignments on time. The AI will also provide data about what needs to change and why. This information allows construction executives to adjust their strategies before it is too late.

The ability to identify potential problems in the planning stages prevents costly delays, which could put a project behind schedule or even cancel its completion date altogether. It also helps construction firms complete projects on time and within budget every time, resulting in lower costs for customers.

The AI company Droxel, for instance, offers robots outfitted with cameras that move around the jobsite autonomously. These robots are essentially the eyes and ears of project managers.

They capture a digital 3D model of the jobsite, then measure it against pertinent data points, like the bill of materials or the Building Information Modeling (BIM) model to generate accurate information about jobsite progress—alerting project managers about potential errors and budgetary issues down the line. 

3. Determining Best Practices

AI-powered tools can be used to establish best practices for the construction industry.

In addition to providing real-time updates on progress, AI technologies allow companies by giving them access to data about how other firms have completed similar projects in different geographic regions and across various industries.

This information helps managers identify which strategies are most effective so they can streamline processes and boost productivity at their job sites.

Tools like Robotic Total Stations (RTS) are another promising option for project managers. RTS helps construction firms check more data points, generating precise quality checks and layouts faster. RTS can survey multiple areas on-site, generating more accurate data for project managers to make informed decisions quickly.

4. Evaluating Job Sites' Needs

AI can also help companies determine the best configuration of workers, equipment, and software for their job sites at any given time.

Robots like Spot the Dog, developed by Boston Dynamics, generate real-time information about specific job sites by recording everything from weather to traffic conditions and then comparing that information against specific job requirements.

This allows managers to identify potential risks and determine how best to mitigate them before they become issues.

Furthermore, a surplus of workers or equipment in one area of the jobsite might become a bottleneck for other teams, which can cause delays and lead to costly mistakes.

These automated technologies help pinpoint such sites and can offer suggestions on the most efficient ways to allocate these extra resources. It can also help track workers’ locations throughout the jobsite, which builds accountability into the system.

This type of information is especially helpful for planning purposes that fall outside traditional working hours like evenings or weekends when traffic might be heavier and existing equipment may not operate as effectively.

The need for timely, accurate information about jobsite progress is a growing concern among construction firms. AI-powered tools can help bridge the gap by providing real-time updates on progress and helping companies identify which strategies are most effective so they can streamline processes and boost productivity at their own job sites.

The ability to identify potential problems in the planning stages prevents costly delays which could put a project behind schedule or even cancel its completion date altogether. It also helps construction firms complete projects on time and within budget every time, resulting in lower costs for customers—and ultimately, better buildings for everyone.