Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to revolutionize the construction industry, offering significant potential in areas like estimating, compliance, and project management, according to experts at a recent webinar on the future of construction in 2025. The panelists, who spoke at the event hosted by Built by Builders, highlighted how AI is making high-level tech tools accessible even to nontechnical users.

With the help of natural language AI, construction companies can now rapidly develop tools and applications that would have once taken months to create. This accessibility extends across a range of functions, from improving estimates to ensuring compliance with fire codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and egress planning.

Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Togal.AI, a Miami-based construction software firm, emphasized the broad possibilities: “You don’t have to be a technical developer anymore to come up with a new product. The limitation is creativity.” Murphy predicts that many of the industry’s most tedious tasks will soon be automated, leading to a wave of new technologies designed to make work more efficient.

The impact of AI in the field is already being felt. Automation and robotics are making headway on jobsites, streamlining communication between project stakeholders, a crucial area of innovation according to Chris Callen, founder and CEO of Plot, a Wichita-based construction software firm. Younger workers, he noted, expect a high level of integration in communication and collaboration, and companies failing to keep up with this trend may struggle to retain talent.

Despite the rise of automation, skilled tradespeople will remain essential, said Callen. “We’re going to see rebar-tying robots, long-haul automated equipment, painters. But you’re not replacing a concrete contractor or rodbuster,” he said. “You’re replacing the worst 20% of their job and allowing them to do something else, something that requires decision-making or craft.”

One pressing issue for the industry is the impending retirement of a significant portion of the workforce, which will lead to a gap in knowledge and experience. This generational shift is a particular concern for Gabe Guetta, co-founder and CEO of Salus, a Vancouver-based safety management platform. “How does software start to solve this? This is not a solved problem right now, I don’t even think we’re close to it,” said Guetta. He believes that AI could eventually bridge the knowledge transfer gap by helping new workers access lessons from experienced industry veterans.

The lack of structured knowledge-sharing in the preconstruction phase, according to Steve Dell’Orto, founder and CEO of ConCntric, a California-based preconstruction management platform, is another challenge for the industry. “Very little of that information is truly reposited in a structured way for other people to access it and use it,” Dell’Orto noted. This knowledge gap, he argued, is a crucial issue since a third of the construction workforce is set to retire in the next two to three years.

Tom Dean, co-founder and CEO of ProjectMark, a San Francisco-based construction software firm, pointed out the importance of reaching younger generations to address workforce shortages. He advocates for more outreach and apprenticeship programs in schools to spark awareness about career opportunities in construction. “Every construction company needs to have some sort of initiative locally with their community to educate the market on why the industry is such a great place,” said Dean. “That’s the quickest problem to solve. It’s going to be to educate the younger generation.”

The conversation at the webinar underscores how AI and technology can help solve many of the challenges facing the construction industry, from improving communication on the jobsite to addressing the looming workforce gap. As the industry evolves, embracing AI could be the key to remaining competitive and meeting the demands of the future.

The Role of AI in Improving Safety and Efficiency

AI’s influence isn’t limited to the technical aspects of construction work—safety is also a major area of impact. By analyzing data from various sources, AI can help predict potential hazards on the jobsite and improve safety protocols. Companies like Salus are already using AI to enhance safety management systems, tracking worker health and environmental conditions to minimize risk.

By using AI to proactively address safety concerns, construction firms can ensure that they are not only increasing productivity but also protecting their workers. The integration of AI into safety management systems could reduce the number of jobsite accidents, saving lives and reducing costly downtime.

AI and Sustainability in Construction

Another key benefit of AI is its potential to promote sustainability in construction. AI-powered tools can help optimize material usage, reduce waste, and identify the most environmentally friendly building practices. These innovations could play a significant role in helping the industry meet sustainability targets and address growing concerns about environmental impact.

Companies adopting AI-powered tools for sustainability can better track their carbon footprint, make more efficient use of resources, and reduce waste. This will not only benefit the environment but also help firms cut costs and enhance their reputation as forward-thinking, environmentally conscious businesses.

The Path Forward for AI in Construction

As AI continues to evolve, it’s clear that the construction industry will need to adapt to these changes. From project management and estimating to safety and sustainability, the potential applications for AI are vast. Companies that are early adopters of AI technology will be better positioned to innovate, improve efficiency, and remain competitive in the years ahead.

Ultimately, the real challenge for the construction industry will be finding ways to integrate these new technologies while ensuring that the human workforce remains central to the industry’s success. With AI set to change the landscape, embracing its potential while maintaining a skilled, knowledgeable workforce will be the key to thriving in the future of construction.

Originally reported by Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.