A new survey conducted by DeWalt shows that construction professionals see artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a standard industry capability. The AI in the Trades survey adds that AI is becoming a practical tool for supporting construction professionals and that there is high optimism about AI’s role in the construction field.
The survey found that 90 per cent of respondents believed AI would become indispensable on the job over the next five years. When it comes to adoption within the industry, 88 per cent expect AI adoption to increase within the next year. Additionally, 84 per cent anticipate AI will become an industry standard within three years.
The survey adds that 88 per cent see AI as the most transformative shift within the construction industry. For reference, the survey listed AI, building information modelling (45 per cent), drones for surveys/inspections (22 per cent), advanced materials (22 per cent), and augmented/virtual reality (20 per cent) as the top five expected transformational technologies in construction.
The survey adds that 91 per cent felt positive about the use of AI in construction. From respondents, the top emotions related to AI were confidence (66 per cent), excitement (57 per cent), empowerment (29 per cent), relief (13 per cent), and uncertainty (five per cent).
However, the survey highlighted some concerns about AI among tradespeople and decision-makers. With tradespeople, 23 per cent had concerns about the lack of training and skill gaps, 23 per cent about the accuracy and reliability, and 20 per cent about privacy and data security.
Among decision makers, 24 per cent had concerns about the accuracy and reliability, 22 per cent had concerns about the complexity of implementation/integration, and 21 per cent had concerns about the return on investment.
The survey adds that only 25 per cent felt prepared to work with AI in their role and that only nine per cent currently use AI in their day-to-day work.
The DeWalt AI in the Trades survey was conducted among 3,409 professionals across six countries: Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States.