Construction Digital Magazine April 2021 | Page 67

DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION

ML , AI AND AR :

WHY YOU SHOULD BE EMBRACING TECH ’ S BIG THREE

Machine Learning , Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality are being utilised on construction sites today . Learn why it ’ s time to adopt and innovate
WRITTEN BY : DAN BRIGHTMORE

Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) is a game changer we already see in our everyday lives - from Netflix streaming recommendations to online shopping and travel apps . Meanwhile , the Machine Learning ( ML ) bringing the data to life that powers that AI is also driving transformation in the built environment by providing the ability to analyse such data and detect patterns capable of transforming the delivery and management of capital projects .

Taken a step further , and as technology adoption matures , when ML & AI have been successfully implemented to predict the probability of risk - such as safety , project delays and cost overruns - with ‘ explainability ’, Virtual Reality ( VR ) or Augmented Reality ( AR ) can provide the lens to deliver an immersive experience of any construction site . VR can allow for the assessment of the design to identify potential challenges and areas of concern which can aid in planning a project schedule . AR can then deliver the experience of being inside a building or structure to both improve workforce safety and give customers the opportunity to visualise and develop a space before fully committing to its design .
Embracing disruption In 2017 , a McKinsey report highlighted that the construction industry was a digital laggard needing to evolve to improve efficiency , safety and productivity . That call to action was heard and we ’ ve seen disruption accelerate and take on even greater value against the backdrop of the global pandemic . So why should your business join the revolution ?
“ Embracing disruption and onboarding new technologies is going to be a competitive differentiator that cannot be ignored ,” argues Oracle ’ s Karthik Venkatasubramanian , Vice President , for Data & Analytics . “ It ’ s no longer just a nice to have . Therefore , when companies are preparing their bids , the vendors using predictive analytics for lag indicators to bring a project in ahead of time will be preferred . Handing over a digital twin of a project with all of the relevant data will be the chosen model . It further enhances the case for AI and ML because you don ’ t want to get left behind .”
The fact that all aspects of our lives are being digitally transformed is a strong indicator of the way the wind is blowing .
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