The age of artificial intelligence is upon us. Ever since OpenAI unleashed the inaugural public version of ChatGPT, its innovative generative AI tool, in November 2022, use of the technology has boomed, with nearly every industry investing to discover current and future uses and applications.
Companies in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry are also wading into the fascinating world of AI, harnessing the tool to limit mundane tasks and streamline work.
Potential AI uses in the industry include:
Analyzing Data: AI can analyze swaths of data to identify patterns and uncover insights that were previously stored away in scattered drawings, files, invoices and safety reports. AECO companies can use this information to improve design accuracy, streamline project management, bolster safety, optimize energy consumption and calculate sustainability metrics.
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Browse case studies, watch webinars, and see what’s new with Bluebeam.Iterating on Designs: With AI-powered software, AECO companies can quickly update and iterate on designs, testing out the appearance and performance of different features and allowing for easier collaboration with owners and other stakeholders.
Optimizing Facilities Management: Using data from sensors and smart meters, AI can adjust heating, cooling and other energy use based on real-time occupancy data and climate information. The technology allows building owners to reduce energy consumption, operating costs and environmental impact.
Creating Content: AECO companies are using AI to fine-tune proposals and client emails, as well as organize and annotate meeting notes and transcripts.
“Construction and building is a complicated process,” said Don Jacob, co-founder and chief innovation officer at Bluebeam. “It’s got laws of physics that impact it. It’s got people and scheduling challenges. There are costs and all sorts of other factors that contribute to the successful completion of a project or not. And I think that’s where AI has the potential for this very wide scope of ways to impact problem-solving. It’s a unique tool, a multidimensional tool that can help us identify new ways to complete projects.”
Time will tell where the construction industry is headed with AI. But it appears many companies in the industry have already taken advantage of it to improve workflows and make their project teams run more efficiently at every level.
