AI in Construction: Navigating its evolution with a balanced approach

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and the construction sector is no exception. As businesses explore how AI can enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety, many are approaching its implementation with both enthusiasm and caution. The potential of AI in construction is vast, promising improved processes and enhanced safety standards that should inspire optimism about the industry’s future.

In an industry where precision, regulatory compliance, and safety are paramount, we examine the history of AI, its current applications in construction, and how Harwood is navigating this technological shift. With a balanced perspective and a methodical approach to AI implementation, the industry can ensure that safety standards remain high, reassuring all stakeholders and safeguarding building occupants.

The Evolution of AI: A deeper history

While many view AI as a recent innovation, its roots extend back to the 1950s. Early AI research focused primarily on symbolic reasoning and rule-based systems that attempted to mimic human decision-making processes. Throughout the decades, AI has experienced cycles of rapid advancement and stagnation – periods often referred to as “AI winters” – when progress slowed due to computing power and research funding limitations.

The remarkable resurgence of AI over the past 10-15 years has been driven by three key factors:

• Exponential growth in computational power
• Unprecedented availability of large datasets for training algorithms
• Significant advancements in machine learning techniques, particularly deep learning and neural networks

These developments have enabled breakthroughs in image recognition, natural language processing, and automation—technologies now being explored for their transformative potential in industries like construction. Recent government initiatives, including the UK Labour government’s ambition to position Britain as a “world leader” in AI, further support its adoption and growth across sectors.

AI’s role in construction: Potential and limitations

AI’s applications in construction span a wide spectrum of activities. From automating repetitive tasks to analysing complex structural data, AI has the potential to minimise human error while enhancing productivity. Large language models can assist with documentation, reduce administrative burdens, and help interpret safety regulations.

However, AI’s accuracy must be carefully managed to be effective and trustworthy in this sector. Unlike software development, where errors are often low-risk and easily rectifiable, mistakes in construction can result in significant safety risks, regulatory violations, or even structural failures that put lives at risk. Therefore, while AI can assist by automating tasks and offering decision support, human oversight must complement its use to ensure regulations are followed and safety is prioritised.

The key lies in striking a balance where AI augments human expertise rather than attempting to replace it – enhancing capabilities while maintaining the irreplaceable value of professional judgment and experience.

Current use cases in construction: Practical applications

AI is already being deployed across various aspects of construction, helping companies improve efficiency, safety, and cost management. Key applications include:

Project Management and Scheduling: AI-powered tools now monitor site progress in real time, helping managers adjust timelines, allocate resources effectively, and predict potential delays. These systems can integrate data from multiple sources, including weather forecasts and supply chain information, to provide comprehensive project insights that were previously impossible to obtain.

Estimations and Bidding: AI-driven estimation software quickly analyses blueprints, detects measurements, and generates accurate cost estimates, significantly reducing the time needed for project bidding. Advanced systems can even suggest alternative materials or methods that might reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.

Risk Mitigation and Safety: Computer vision and machine learning tools identify safety hazards in real-time, alerting workers to potential dangers before accidents occur. These systems can:

• Detect when workers are not wearing proper safety equipment
• Identify unsafe behaviours or practices
• Monitor environmental conditions that might affect safety
• Detect security threats such as unauthorised access or theft

Robotics and Automation: AI enables construction robotics, from bricklaying and painting robots to monitoring drones and self-operating heavy machinery. These technologies enhance efficiency and reduce physical strain on workers while maintaining safety standards. For example, robots can now handle dangerous tasks like demolition or working at extreme heights, reducing worker exposure to hazardous conditions.

Design and Planning: AI algorithms assist architects and engineers by optimising designs for cost efficiency, sustainability, and constructability. AI-powered tools can analyse 3D models and Building Information Modelling (BIM) data to detect design flaws, conflicts, or inefficiencies before construction begins, potentially saving millions in rework costs.

Predictive Maintenance: AI-driven predictive maintenance monitors machinery performance and detects anomalies before failures occur, reducing downtime and improving equipment longevity. These systems analyse data from sensors embedded in construction equipment to predict when maintenance will be needed, allowing for scheduled repairs rather than emergency fixes.

AI in building control: Harwood’s approach

As a leader in building control, Harwood is actively investigating how AI can enhance service offerings for clients. While AI can significantly streamline repetitive tasks, the company focusing on determining what value it can bring to daily operations and, more importantly, clients.

Ben Cheeseman, Commercial Director at Harwood, explains the company’s current stance:

“We are looking into AI solutions to improve our processes, but with close oversight and careful consideration. Any AI implementation must enhance customer service, streamline processes, and maintain our high safety and compliance standards.”

“We view AI as a support tool rather than a replacement for skilled staff. Any AI technology we adopt in the future must not compromise the quality of inspections, regulatory compliance, or the high standard of service our clients expect. At Harwood, we think AI is better described as “Augmented Intelligence”.

This approach reflects the industry’s need to balance technological advancement with the irreplaceable value of human expertise and judgment in building safety and compliance.

What lies ahead: The future of AI in construction

As AI continues to evolve, its role in construction will undoubtedly expand. Emerging technologies like generative AI for design optimisation, autonomous construction equipment, and advanced predictive analytics for project management are already on the horizon.

While these technologies present exciting opportunities to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness, a balanced approach remains essential. By integrating AI as a support tool that complements rather than replaces human expertise, the construction industry can harness its benefits while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and compliance.

At Harwood, the commitment remains to explore AI solutions that add tangible value to services while prioritising client needs and building safety. This approach – embracing innovation while maintaining a foundation of expertise and caution – will likely define successful AI adoption throughout the construction industry in the coming years.

Looking for expert building control services for your next project? Please call 01227 931 777 (Canterbury), 01908 012 6669 (Milton Keynes), or email enquiries@harwood.uk.com.