The post Is AI Adoption Lagging Behind in the UK Construction Industry? appeared first on UK Construction Blog.
The UK construction sector, which contributes a very substantial portion of income to the GDP, is considered a leader in the UK economy. Now everyone expects the sector to grow even further as AI adoption grows. But there are also challenges — let’s explore them.
AI, Stephen Dodds, founder of Midlands-based Aec Building Consultancy explains, can help developers at all stages of the project. For example, apps like Overchat AI can help managers save time on routine tasks, while specialized AI tools can essentially help the team model different stages of the project and accurately estimate resources.
Not Adopting AI Isn’t an Option
“Using technologies is now a must in construction — if you don’t, you’re already a step behind those who are,” says Dodds. “In 2025, new technologies, like AI, will become the standard in building, surveys, and compliance.”
Dodds sees great opportunities for the construction sector in using AI. As an example, he cites:
“Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is becoming an increasingly data-oriented tool, especially when combined with AI capabilities. Dodds talked about how BIM with enhanced AI capabilities will enable real-time data acquisition, predictive planning, and detailed modeling that optimizes project management based on construction analysis, thereby reducing project time and decreasing errors.
As AI and BIM develop, we can expect seamless integration of construction design and subsequent building maintenance. Dodds highlights the ability to identify potential design flaws and optimize construction schedules, significantly reducing potential costs and expenses.
“AI allows us to optimize workflows and analyze huge volumes of data faster and more efficiently,” says Dodds. “In the next few years, AI will play a more important role in identifying and solving problems before they arise. Ultimately, efficiency will increase and costs will be minimized. This can help introduce innovations not only in construction but also make it more environmentally friendly,” added Dodds.
AI tools are also a great help for engineers and architects, who can use them to streamline their day-to-day tasks. For example, a tool like Math AI can help quickly and accurately solve equations for load-bearing structures, stress-strain analysis, moment of inertia, or quickly compute areas, volumes, angles.
As construction companies increasingly design and integrate intelligent construction technologies, not everyone agrees with him.
Many UK Construction Companies Are Still Lagging Behind
According to the ONS Business Insights report, only 21% of UK companies have implemented AI technologies.
The ONS says that 40% of companies use AI to optimize business operations. Meanwhile, 40% of companies implemented AI to improve customer service through personalization of services.
Mark Tabbot, Technical Director of SFG20, explains how AI sees that building maintenance will soon be — and the biggest help in determining which tasks need to be performed on each facility in a building to preserve people’s lives, reduce expenses, and ensure compliance with the law.
Thus, the application of AI in building maintenance is growing and benefits everyone: managers and owners, engineers and attendants. AI reduces the time spent planning and performing maintenance tasks and helps reduce costs and act in accordance with requirements.
Tabbot explained that AI analyzes assets, comparing them with SFG20 parameters, which is the largest part of risk management.
“AI can now take on the categorization of these tasks and, based on the harm assigned to them, determine what should be understood as an asset — and by applying SFG20 data, automatically create its tasks. Many sectors provide typical questions that AI won’t ask if information is insufficient.”
There Are Yet Challenges to Overcome
While automation is incredibly beneficial for saving time and increasing accuracy, human oversight over AI is still required.
“AI is getting smarter, but as of now, human review is still required and we always ensure to use expert oversight to assess how AI tools perform,” Mike Talbot, CTO at SFG20 says.
The way forward, many experts believe, is to combine AI and human expertise, which is especially important to ensure reliability in safety-critical areas.?
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC), in collaboration with nima, has launched the Information Management Initiative (IMI), a project designed to enhance information management across the built environment sector. Richard Robinson, CLC deputy co-chair and President UK and Ireland at AtkinsRéalis, states:?
“Effective management of trusted, quality information across the whole life of built and managed assets is a key foundation for growth, supporting a safe, healthy and sustainable environment where people, businesses and civil society can thrive.”
The IMI aims to provide a framework and resources to support organizations in applying role-specific rules, standards, and guidance, thereby facilitating the adoption of emerging digital technologies such as AI.?
To support the integration of AI in construction, the Bridge AI program, run by Innovate UK, offers various forms of assistance. This includes a 14-week accelerator program for UK-based startups and SMEs to develop AI and machine learning solutions, as well as innovation vouchers worth up to £15,000 for expert support in data science and AI technologies. ?
What’s Next?
As AI continues to evolve, its role in the UK construction industry is set to expand, offering opportunities for increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability. However, it is crucial to address challenges related to human oversight, data integrity, and skills development to fully realize the benefits of AI integration.
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