AI Resource Guide Released for Builders and Contractors

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has recently released its artificial intelligence technology guide for the construction community, which includes definitions, use cases, and considerations for builders. The purpose of the AI resource guide is to provide builders and contractors with a base-level knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI).

This should help them become active participants in the conversation around AI in construction.

AI Resource Guide for Builders

The AI resource guide covers brief definitions of different AI technologies: machine learning, generative and predictive AI, deep learning, and more. It also describes uses of AI during the construction project lifecycle, including preconstruction, construction, and building maintenance.

In terms of drafting office AI policies, the AI resource guide offers best practices as well.

“The construction industry is faced with a steep worker shortage of more than half of a million in 2024, and promising technologies like AI can help address this challenge,” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “As younger workers become industry leaders, we must approach AI in construction as beneficial with a balanced view that includes continuous evaluation, developing ethical guidelines and increasing awareness about what AI can and cannot do.”

The AI resource guide’s author Patrick Scarpati, ABC’s director of construction technology and innovation, finds that understanding the basics of AI is the first step.

“We can lean on AI in achieving essential goals like upskilling, workforce development, knowledge transfer, supply chain optimization, enhanced safety design and planning, and much more,” says Scarpati.

Tools for AI in Construction

The guide lists several AI-powered tools that can be used in either the preconstruction or construction phase.

Preconstruction examples:

• Hypar’s artificial intelligence function lets you describe a building and turn your text into a quantifiable building model.
• Blueprints AI generates construction documents quickly and accurately, minimizing errors during the documentation process.
• SubBase streamlines invoice reconciliation through a centralized inbox, utilizing AI for automated logs, cost code confirmation, and a custom-digitized approval workflow.

Construction examples:

• AIM enables existing construction equipment to run at full utilization every day of the year, in any weather, without an operator and with 360-degree safety technology preventing any accidents.
• AlwaysAI’s computer vision enables existing cameras to identify and interpret objects in the physical world, manage direct labor and material costs more efficiently, and provide a safer and more secure working environment by leveraging existing camera infrastructures with practical AI for construction.
• Procore Copilot is a conversational and predictive AI that will provide customers the ability to automate time-intensive, manual processes across the Procore platform.