Exploring AI's impact on construction: Insights from FutureBuild 2024

FutureBuild 2024, an annual gathering dedicated to sustainable construction and emerging technologies, recently concluded, leaving behind a wealth of insights for the construction industry. As the Construction Knowledge Transfer Manager for Innovate UK BridgeAI, I had the privilege of participating in this event, where industry experts discussed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of construction.

Panel discussion highlights

During the event, I had the opportunity to contribute to a panel discussion titled For Better or for Worse: The Role of AI as an Industry Disruptor.

Here are five key takeaways from our insightful discussion:

• Sector-focused AI strategy: Emphasising the need for a national AI strategy tailored to the construction industry’s unique requirements. This strategy should foster collaboration among construction firms, tech companies, and regulatory bodies to establish industry-wide standards for AI infrastructure.
• Consent and privacy challenges: Addressing the delicate balance between efficiency gains and privacy concerns in AI adoption. The panel discussed the importance of ensuring individual privacy and consent, especially in projects involving personal data or sensitive information. Establishing clear guidelines and frameworks for data protection is essential to building trust in AI technologies.
• Learning from financial institutions: Drawing lessons from the AI adoption journey of banks and financial institutions. These sectors have navigated challenges related to data security, privacy, and ethical use of AI. By studying their experiences and best practices, the construction industry can glean valuable insights into risk management, customer interaction, and operational efficiency.
• Public sector support: Highlighting the role of organisations like Innovate UK in driving AI adoption through funding and guidance. Public sector initiatives play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technological advancement and practical application. By offering funding, resources, and guidance, these entities facilitate innovation and accelerate AI adoption across industries.
• Balancing climate goals and regulations: Exploring ways to integrate AI in support of sustainability efforts while avoiding regulatory overreach. The panel discussed the importance of striking a balance between regulatory compliance and innovation. Incentives for adopting green technologies and AI solutions that contribute to energy efficiency were highlighted as key drivers for industry-wide sustainability.

Conclusion

While AI offers immense potential for the construction industry, addressing challenges such as privacy, consent, and regulatory frameworks is crucial. By leveraging insights from other sectors and collaborating with organisations like Innovate UK, we can chart a path towards successful AI implementation in construction.

For further discussions on these insights or to explore how AI can benefit your organisation, feel free to reach out to me. And if you missed the panel discussion, you can watch it online to catch up on the conversation.

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Author: Mike Moseley, Knowledge Transfer Manager – Construction, BridgeAI