Under the Hard Hat

Tag: AI

  • ALICE Technologies’ optioneering is shaping the future of building

    ALICE Technologies’ optioneering is shaping the future of building

    Delays, cost overruns, and logistical nightmares—construction projects are notoriously difficult to plan and execute efficiently. With so many moving parts, even the best-laid schedules can crumble under unexpected disruptions, material shortages, or labor constraints. But what if there was a way to test thousands of potential project outcomes before ever breaking ground? ALICE Technologies’ AI-powered construction optioneering platform helps builders explore multiple scheduling scenarios, identify the best path forward, and adapt to real-world challenges—all while cutting costs and saving time.

    Quick look

    • ALICE Technologies’ construction optioneering platform uses AI to generate and evaluate thousands of project scenarios, helping teams optimize schedules, reduce costs, and minimize risks.
    • ALICE allows construction teams to adapt to real-time challenges by continuously adjusting project plans for maximum efficiency.
    • Major projects, such as the HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct, have successfully implemented ALICE, achieving faster timelines and significant cost savings.
    • With AI-driven predictive analytics and automation, optioneering is becoming essential for the industry’s shift toward smarter, data-driven decision-making.

    Understanding construction optioneering

    Photo source: ALICE Technologies

    When it comes to large-scale construction projects, planning is everything. Traditional scheduling methods often lock teams into a single approach, leaving little room for flexibility. Construction optioneering flips that script. Instead of relying on a fixed timeline, this AI-driven process generates and analyzes thousands of possible project schedules, identifying the most cost-effective and efficient way to complete the job.

    Think of it like a construction GPS, rerouting around potential roadblocks, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring crews work smarter—not harder—while maintaining quality and safety standards. For contractors, developers, and project owners, this means better decision-making, reduced risk, and a final product that meets deadlines and budgets without unnecessary stress.

    Traditional planning vs. optioneering

    For decades, construction scheduling has relied on rigid, single-scenario planning. Most scheduling tools allow teams to create detailed project timelines, but making changes can be a logistical nightmare once a schedule is set. If material delays, weather disruptions, or labor shortages occur, teams are left scrambling to adjust, often leading to costly setbacks.

    Construction optioneering takes a different approach. Instead of committing to one fixed plan, it explores thousands of possible scenarios, evaluating different sequences, resource allocations, and scheduling strategies. With AI-powered modeling, project managers can instantly compare options and pivot when challenges arise without wasting time on manual rescheduling.

    It’s the difference between plotting a single route on a map versus using a GPS that continuously updates based on real-time conditions. By embracing optioneering, construction teams can find the smartest, most efficient way to complete a project—before ever breaking ground.

    The role of ALICE Technologies in construction optioneering

    Founded in 2015 based on research from Stanford University, ALICE Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer in construction optioneering. Their mission is to revolutionize how construction projects are planned and executed by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence.

    At the heart of their innovation is an AI-driven platform that not only assists in planning but transforms it. By analyzing a project’s unique parameters, ALICE’s platform generates a multitude of potential scheduling scenarios, allowing teams to explore various strategies before committing to the optimal path. This proactive approach enables contractors and owners to minimize risks, reduce costs, and accelerate project timelines.

    Key features of the ALICE platform

    ALICE Technologies’ platform is designed to transform construction planning through several standout features:

    AI-driven scenario exploration

    The platform’s strength is its ability to automate scenario exploration using artificial intelligence. The system rapidly generates and evaluates numerous potential construction sequences by inputting project parameters. This allows project teams to identify the most efficient, cost-effective, and risk-mitigated paths forward. It’s like having a supercharged brainstorming session, where the AI does the heavy lifting to uncover optimal strategies that might not be immediately apparent.

    Integration capabilities

    Understanding the importance of seamless workflows, ALICE Core is designed to integrate effortlessly with existing scheduling tools such as Oracle Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project. Users can import their current project schedules into ALICE, allowing the platform to analyze and optimize them. Once the optimal scenarios are identified, the refined schedules can be exported back to the original tools, ensuring continuity and ease of use.

    Optimization objectives

    Every construction project has unique goals, whether it’s minimizing duration, reducing costs, or balancing resource utilization. ALICE’s Optimization Objectives feature empowers users to fine-tune the platform’s optimization algorithms to align with specific project priorities. By setting and prioritizing these objectives, the platform generates tailored scheduling solutions that best meet the project’s needs, providing a customized approach to construction planning.

    Benefits of construction optioneering

    Photo source: ALICE Technologies

    Enhanced project efficiency

    By leveraging ALICE’s AI-driven platform, project teams can explore many construction scenarios before breaking ground. This proactive approach allows for identifying the most efficient sequences and resource allocations, leading to streamlined project execution and timely delivery.

    Risk mitigation

    ALICE enables users to model constraints and conduct ‘what-if’ analyses, providing insights into potential challenges and their impacts. This foresight allows teams to proactively address issues, adjust plans accordingly, and reduce the likelihood of unforeseen complications during construction.

    Cost savings

    Implementing ALICE’s construction optioneering platform has demonstrated tangible financial benefits. On average, users have reduced project duration by 17% and labor costs by 14%. These savings contribute to more competitive bids and improved profit margins.

    Case studies and real-world applications

    Align JV’s Use of ALICE on the HS2 Project

    The Align joint venture (Align JV), a collaboration between Bouygues Travaux Publics, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick, is spearheading a significant segment of the UK’s High Speed 2 (HS2) railway project. One of their key responsibilities is constructing the Colne Valley Viaduct, a 3.4 km bridge that will be the longest railway viaduct in the UK once completed. Given the complexity and scale of the project, Align JV turned to ALICE Technologies to optimize scheduling and resource allocation.

    The team used ALICE’s AI-driven construction optioneering platform to generate millions of potential sequence options and ran “what-if” analyses to determine the most efficient construction methods. This data-driven approach helped Align JV make better-informed decisions, significantly saving time and cost. Encouraged by the success of the viaduct planning, Align JV expanded its use of ALICE Technologies across additional aspects of the HS2 project, further enhancing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. 

    Zachry Construction + ALICE

    With ALICE Technologies’ AI-powered platform, Zachry Construction Corporation, a major player in heavy civil construction, is taking its project planning to the next level. Traditional scheduling methods often rely on manual adjustments that can be slow and rigid. With generative scheduling, Zachry’s teams can explore multiple project scenarios in minutes, testing different strategies and identifying the most efficient path forward—all before breaking ground.

    By automating time-intensive processes, ALICE frees project teams to focus on high-value tasks like strategic planning and risk mitigation. It also optimizes resource allocation, ensuring labor, materials, and equipment are deployed where needed most—critical for keeping heavy civil projects on track and within budget.

    “With ALICE, we’re taking our capabilities to an entirely new level,” said Ranjeet Gadhoke, Vice President of Project Controls at Zachry. “By using AI-powered generative scheduling, we can evaluate risks and opportunities across our projects in a fraction of the time it previously took, allowing us to deliver better outcomes for our clients.”

    Other notable projects

    ALICE Technologies has played a transformative role in optimizing large-scale construction projects worldwide. In Asia, a leading Japanese contractor leveraged ALICE for an airport expansion project, where efficient crane placement and sequencing were crucial. By exploring various planning scenarios, the contractor cut the project timeline by 10.2%, significantly reducing costs while maintaining construction quality.

    Meanwhile, in Norway, AF Gruppen, one of the country’s largest construction firms, used ALICE to refine scheduling and crew configurations for a mid-rise residential development. By identifying the most efficient resource allocation strategy, AF Gruppen reduced project duration by 18% and overall costs by 30%.

    In the United States, a general contractor working on an eight-mile interstate highway widening project faced significant delays. With ALICE’s platform, the contractor could resequence the project plan, recover lost time, and complete the project ahead of schedule. “We were able to get many variable scenarios that we could analyze,” the contractor said. “In the end, it became a much more efficient tool for us to use than traditional solutions.” This early completion translated to over $25 million in savings from early completion bonuses and cost reductions.

    The future of construction optioneering

    The construction industry is at a turning point as AI-driven technologies become a core part of project planning and execution. With 94% of businesses planning to adopt AI and machine learning, the shift toward digital transformation is happening fast—and for a good reason.

    AI-powered construction optioneering is changing project planning. Instead of relying on rigid schedules, teams can analyze massive datasets to predict project outcomes, optimize resource allocation, and spot potential risks before they become costly problems. This proactive approach helps crews make smarter decisions, leading to faster, more efficient, and cost-effective builds.

    Beyond smarter planning, AI also automates complex scheduling, allowing project managers to test multiple scenarios in seconds and choose the best strategy to keep projects on track. By adapting to real-world challenges in real-time, AI is helping construction teams reduce delays, cut costs, and build confidently.

    Bottom line

    By replacing rigid, single-scenario scheduling with AI-driven scenario exploration, ALICE Technologies is helping contractors, developers, and project managers reduce costs, mitigate risks, and accelerate project timelines, proving that smarter planning leads to smarter building. As AI continues to evolve, the potential for optioneering will only grow, making it an indispensable tool for industry professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve.

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  • Automated Architecture is reshaping housing with AI and robotics

    Automated Architecture is reshaping housing with AI and robotics

    Automated Architecture (AUAR) is reshaping the home construction industry with robotics, automation, and quality design. The team is building a global ecosystem of micro-factories, automated and built using robotics, to address age-old construction inefficiencies. AUAR is committed to people and the planet and is driven by its vision of highly accessible sustainable housing. It leverages its AI-powered robotic pop-up factories to produce the core and shell of a home in less than 12 hours. 

    A challenge in the market

    It’s no surprise that the housing market is largely unattainable and inaccessible for most young people and a significant hindrance to residential home builders—this became AUAR’s inspiration. The company acknowledges that skyrocketing costs, an increasingly fragmented value chain, and an increasing labor shortage make it extremely difficult for the home-building industry to produce sustainable and affordable homes. 

    According to AUAR, large modular factories are also failing. They’re expensive to open and maintain, and they’re often unable to provide the cost savings they promise consumers. 

    Internal structure of an AUAR home. Image source: AUAR.

    How Automated Architecture swoops in with a fix

    AUAR provides remote support partners with AI-powered software that helps with everything from design to manufacturing. Their No CapEX ‘hardware-as-a-service’ model allows pop-up Micro-Factories to take on a project, which is then executed by an AUAR partner, who is quickly set up without significant capital expenses. 

    These partners can automate thousands of hours of otherwise inefficient manual home construction processes. They can make a single timber home in less than 12 hours, which results in a $3.1 million ROI opportunity annually for each Micro-Factory. 

    Key features include:

    • Pop-up, Plug & Play Micro-factories for partners to utilize
    • AI-driven software streamlining the design-to-manufacturing process
    • Flexible, No CapEx contracts
    • Low-cost and high quality Timber Frame Building Systems
    • Resources and learnings from across the AUAR ecosystem

    AUAR is committed to providing a sustainable and accessible global automated construction ecosystem. With the features and technology they leverage, they might make this a reality. 

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  • How America’s $500B AI infrastructure investment will impact construction

    How America’s $500B AI infrastructure investment will impact construction

    The new president’s recent announcement of a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure is set to significantly affect multiple industries, particularly construction. The demand for new data centers, advanced building materials, and cutting-edge construction technology will grow as AI infrastructure expands. This initiative will create job opportunities, increase project demand, and accelerate innovation in construction-related fields.  

    A construction boom: Building the backbone of AI

    The demand for data centers will skyrocket  

    AI models require immense computing power to function, and that power comes from specialized data centers. These buildings house high-performance servers, extensive cooling systems, and complex electrical grids to support AI operations. The need for more secure, energy-efficient, and scalable facilities will drive massive construction efforts nationwide.  

    Major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have already invested heavily in AI and cloud computing. With additional federal backing, hundreds of new data centers could be built in urban and rural areas across the U.S. This would directly impact contractors, architects, and construction workers, as they would be responsible for designing and building these high-tech facilities.  

    Specialized skills will be in high demand  

    Constructing AI-focused data centers requires a highly skilled workforce. These projects demand expertise in:  

    • Electrical engineering – data centers require specialized power distribution to support AI servers  
    • HVAC and cooling systems – AI generates extreme heat, requiring advanced cooling solutions  
    • Structural engineering – these buildings must be sturdy, earthquake-resistant, and expandable  
    • Cybersecurity construction – with AI systems handling sensitive data, facilities need secure physical structures to prevent breaches  

    With the increased demand for these skill sets, companies may need to invest in training programs to ensure workers are prepared for these high-tech projects.  

    How AI will change construction itself   

    As AI becomes more integrated into the construction industry, its impact on efficiency, safety, and cost management will be significant. From improving blueprint analysis to optimizing supply chains and enhancing worksite safety, AI-driven solutions are changing how projects are planned and executed. These advancements lead to faster completion times, fewer mistakes, and better resource allocation, helping construction firms stay competitive in an AI-driven economy.  

    AI-powered blueprint analysis  

    Traditional blueprint analysis is time-consuming and prone to human error. AI can analyze thousands of blueprints in minutes, identifying potential design flaws, structural weaknesses, or inefficiencies before construction even begins. This early detection helps architects and engineers refine their plans, reducing costly mid-project changes. 

    AI also assists in optimizing space utilization and material usage, leading to more sustainable and cost-effective designs. By catching errors at the planning stage, AI-powered blueprint analysis streamlines the construction process and minimizes delays.  

    Smarter supply chain logistics  

    AI is revolutionizing supply chain management by predicting material shortages, tracking price fluctuations, and optimizing delivery schedules. Construction projects rely on precise timing, and any disruption in material availability can cause costly delays. 

    AI-driven logistics platforms use real-time data to anticipate supply chain issues and suggest alternative suppliers or materials before problems arise. This predictive approach helps reduce waste, lower costs, and ensure projects stay on schedule. As AI continues to refine its forecasting abilities, construction companies will be able to maintain more efficient and reliable operations.  

    Enhanced worksite safety  

    Construction sites are inherently hazardous, but AI is making them safer. Wearable technology equipped with AI-driven sensors can monitor workers’ movements, detect fatigue, and alert supervisors to potential dangers. AI-powered cameras and drones can scan worksites in real time for safety violations, such as missing protective gear or unstable structures. 

    Additionally, predictive analytics can identify high-risk areas based on historical accident data, allowing companies to implement preventative measures before incidents occur. By integrating AI into safety protocols, construction firms can significantly reduce workplace injuries and improve overall job site security.  

    Robotics and 3D printing will become more common  

    As AI advances, robotics and automated systems will become more prevalent in construction. AI-powered robotic arms are already being used to lay bricks, weld steel, and perform repetitive tasks with greater precision than human laborers.  

    Additionally, 3D printing in construction is expected to grow. With AI-driven design, companies can print entire structures from sustainable materials, reducing costs and construction time. These technologies will be crucial in building the next generation of AI data centers quickly and efficiently.  

    The impact on costs, sustainability, and labor  

    Higher demand may drive up construction costs  

    With an increased demand for AI infrastructure, the prices of materials such as steel, concrete, and high-performance insulation may surge. As demand outpaces supply, the cost of skilled labor could also increase.  

    However, the widespread adoption of AI-powered project management could offset some of these costs by making construction more efficient, reducing waste, and optimizing supply chains.  

    Energy-efficient and sustainable construction will be a priority  

    AI infrastructure is energy-intensive, requiring massive cooling and power systems. This will push sustainable construction methods into the spotlight. Expect to see:  

    • Advanced insulation and energy-efficient building materials  
    • On-site renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power  
    • Smart grid integration to optimize electricity use  

    As the industry shifts toward green solutions, construction companies will need to adapt to new energy standards and incorporate sustainability into their building practices.  

    A surge in construction jobs and workforce development  

    With billions being poured into AI infrastructure, thousands of new jobs will be created in construction. Positions in civil engineering, electrical work, and mechanical systems installation will see significant growth.  

    However, new skill sets will be required. Companies will need to invest in worker training and apprenticeship programs to keep up with the industry’s demands. Expect an increase in construction tech courses and certifications tailored to AI-driven projects.  

    Professional construction services vs. AI-driven software  

    With AI playing a larger role in construction, firms will have to choose whether to hire professional takeoff and estimating services or adopt AI-driven software solutions. AI-powered tools can generate precise cost estimates, automate material orders, and predict project timelines. While these tools improve efficiency, they require training and initial investment.  

    On the other hand, professional services provide human oversight and expertise that AI may not yet match. The best approach for many companies will likely be a combination of both—leveraging AI to handle repetitive tasks while relying on experienced professionals for critical decision-making.  

    Bottom line  

    The president’s $500 billion AI infrastructure investment will bring unprecedented growth to the construction industry. From building high-tech data centers to adopting AI-powered project management and robotics, construction will see massive technological advancements in the coming years.  

    As demand for new projects, skilled labor, and sustainable building methods increases, construction professionals must adapt and innovate to stay ahead. Whether you’re a contractor, engineer, or project manager, now is the time to prepare for the AI-driven future of construction.  

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  • Kaya AI is making supply chain management a breeze

    Kaya AI is making supply chain management a breeze

    Supply chain delays and interruptions can quickly derail a project, causing pushed-back deadlines and ballooning budgets. Kaya AI has created a platform dedicated to helping construction companies manage supply chain issues, keeping everyone in the loop and on the same page. By identifying potential problems and suggesting solutions, Kaya AI helps companies simplify project management processes and reduce costly delays. 

    The Kaya AI program connects all project teams, enabling open communication and up-to-date supplier coordination. Kaya’s proprietary AI model learns on the job, using progress updates from material suppliers to create a realistic timeline of materials deliveries. 

    Kaya helps companies save time and money by ditching cumbersome Excel spreadsheets and gathering project submittal data, supplier lead times, and schedules all in one place, easily accessible to the whole team. 

    The platform can also identify project risks and offer suggestions to avoid them, reducing costly delays. Kaya links to existing industry software like Autodesk and Oracle P6, making it simple to track budgets and payments. Companies can also use Kaya’s vendor price comparisons to get the best bang for their buck in negotiations.

    On their website, Kaya says that companies using their platform have saved 185 hours a month per team, 98% of the time they would usually spend managing procurement, and $450,000 per project due to “catching a near miss in mission-critical infrastructure.”

    Many companies are wary about adopting new technology due to the training time required to get all stakeholders up to speed, but Kaya eliminates the need for additional training by offering a unique AI chat feature called Jarvis. Your team can chat with the Jarvis digital assistant to receive up-to-date information about a project’s status or create workflows by simply describing it to Jarvis in a conversational way. 

    Kaya AI has earned recognition for its efforts to help clients simplify the project management process and stay on top of supply chain issues. An audience of hundreds of construction executives recently named Kaya the Startup of the Year at Suffolk’s Demo Day, and the company was also one of the winners of the 2024 Construction Startup Competition.

    By streamlining financial management, project operations, and team updates, Kaya AI is helping construction companies work smarter, not harder.

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  • How Trunk Tools is revolutionizing construction with AI-powered workflows

    How Trunk Tools is revolutionizing construction with AI-powered workflows

    Trunk Tools is changing how construction teams work using artificial intelligence (AI). With its AI-powered tools, Trunk Tools helps project managers, superintendents, and other team members get the information they need right when needed. This means fewer mistakes, faster work, and less wasted time. With tools like TrunkText and TrunkSchedule that easily integrate with other systems, Trunk Tools is a seamless option for construction firms of all sizes.

    What Trunk Tools offers

    Trunk Tools’ core offerings feature three main products, each designed to address consistent problems faced in the construction industry. 

    TrunkPerform: Trade Incentive Agent

    This tool transforms how construction teams track performance and manage incentives. It automatically monitors crew productivity, aligns it with project goals, and links incentives directly to measurable outcomes. This motivates teams to deliver quality work and ensures projects stay on time and within budget.

    TrunkText: Q+A Agent

    TrunkText is like having a construction expert at your fingertips. It integrates with existing software to analyze and organize project documents, schedules, RFIs, submittals, and more into searchable data. Field workers can simply ask questions and get instant, accurate answers backed by project-specific documentation, all through an intuitive chat interface. Unlike generic AI tools, TrunkText is explicitly trained on your project’s data, making it a helpful tool for construction teams.

    TrunkSchedule: Schedule Agent

    This is the first fully autonomous, AI-powered scheduling agent built for the construction industry. It creates a live connection between scheduled activities and supporting documentation, providing timely notifications to keep projects on time and within budget. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and top general contractors, TrunkSchedule reduces the risk of delays and ensures projects stay on track without extra effort from your team.

    How Trunk Tools saves time and reduces mistakes

    Utilizing construction-centric AI, Trunk Tool’s organizes vast amounts of unstructured data, automate repetitive workflows, and significantly boost field productivity. The platform puts knowledge in one place: one giant construction brain specifically dedicxated to your workflows, your documents, your project.

    One of Trunk Tools’ biggest benefits is its ability to save time. Using AI to simplify daily tasks, the platform can save each worker up to two hours daily. For instance, project managers no longer need to spend valuable time manually tracking progress—Trunk Tools automatically updates them with live data on tasks completed, materials used, and issues reported, making the workday more efficient.

    Trunk Tools also helps reduce rework (fixing mistakes) by up to 65%. By using real-time data, superintendents can catch discrepancies or misalignments early, preventing larger issues down the line and ensuring smoother project completion.

    Easy to add to existing systems

    Trunk Tools is also designed to integrate with other software that companies may already be using. This makes it a simple solution for construction companies looking to add additional measures for project oversight without making major changes or requiring extra training.

    As construction companies look for ways to work faster and with fewer errors, Trunk Tools offers a modern solution. By reducing rework and improving communication, they’re helping construction teams do their jobs better and more efficiently.

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  • Mixteresting: AI-optimized concrete revolutionizes green construction

    Mixteresting: AI-optimized concrete revolutionizes green construction

    Concrete production is one of the most significant contributors to global CO₂ emissions, but innovative solutions are emerging to tackle this challenge. Mixteresting, an Austria-based company, uses AI-powered software to revolutionize concrete mixing, making it faster, greener, and more efficient. Their approach paves the way for sustainable construction by reducing emissions and optimizing materials for better performance.

    If you’re wondering how concrete—a construction staple—can go green, Mixteresting has the answer. This innovative Austrian company is on a mission to make concrete smarter, greener, and better for the planet.

    Mixteresting has developed an AI-powered software platform that completely rethinks how concrete is made. Instead of the trial-and-error approach traditionally used to create concrete mixtures, Mixteresting’s tech simulates the mixing process digitally. This means they can develop high-performance, CO₂-efficient concrete blends in a fraction of the time it used to take—up to ten times faster, to be exact. The best part? The AI software accelerates the development of these concrete mixtures, potentially reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20%.

    Concrete production is one of the biggest contributors to global CO₂ emissions, thanks to the heavy use of cement. Mixteresting’s software tackles this head-on by using advanced math, physics, and artificial intelligence to optimize every aspect of the mix. The concrete is stronger, more sustainable, tailored to specific construction needs, and has fewer emissions.

    Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, Mixteresting’s technology saves time and resources. By digitally simulating promising mixtures, they cut down on lengthy lab experiments and speed up the innovation cycle. Their mixes aren’t just green—they’re consistent, high-quality, and reliable, which is a win for builders and the planet.

    Mixteresting’s groundbreaking work hasn’t gone unnoticed. They recently took home a top prize in the Green Construction category of the 2024 Construction Startup Competition, an achievement that highlights their role as a leader in sustainable innovation.

    At a time when construction is under pressure to become more eco-friendly, Mixteresting is showing that progress doesn’t have to be slow or expensive. With AI and a bold vision, they’re paving the way—literally—for a future where concrete builds more than just structures; it builds a better world.

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  • 2024 top construction tech companies for AI

    2024 top construction tech companies for AI

    AI has impacted hundreds of industries, and construction is no exception. Tech companies like Document Crunch, AIM, and Togal have developed AI-powered tools to help construction professionals simplify the contract process, design buildings from start to finish, and even operate heavy machinery autonomously.

    Top 7 AI tech companies impacting construction

    1. Document Crunch 

    Most construction projects involve multiple contracts, and these long, complicated documents can pose a significant pain point for everyone involved. In a survey, 60% of people say they take more than a day to review a contract, while 75% said that they were a “pain in the butt to review.” 

    Document Crunch has leveraged their AI-driven platform to change that, simplifying the complex language of contracts and making them simple to understand, revise, sign, and comply with. By uploading a contract to Document Crunch, you can reduce review time by 80%, receive an in-depth summary (that’s also easy to understand), and review any relevant issues, omissions, or provisions. 

    Its program is designed to increase the efficiency of the contract review process and support project execution by enabling teams to understand and comply with critical contract provisions to mitigate risk.

    2. Hypar

    Hypar uses AI-powered generative design to make it simple for design teams to create plans and building models. Hypar explains that their software allows you to create intuitively instead of having to start each design from scratch: “Rather than drawing individual walls, you can tell Hypar how your walls should be built and let it generate them in a way that coordinates with your other systems and surfaces useful project data. You can also reuse your wall logic on a similar project.”

    The Hypar program also creates an environment perfect for collaboration, allowing multiple users to work together in real-time. This planning application enables users to design, analyze, track metrics, and visualize the finished space all in one program. Users can take elements from one project (like a code-compliant fire sprinkler layout) and apply them to another, saving time and maintaining consistency and accuracy across designs.

    3. Togal.AI

    Project estimating used to be an onerous task. It can take days—or even weeks—to measure and label everything in an architectural drawing to accurately estimate the materials needed and their cost. Togal.AI created a program that uses AI to automate this process, making it up to 80% faster. The Togal.AI platform eliminates manual counting and measuring, using an AI-image search to quickly find any object, symbol, or tag in the construction plans, from electrical outlets to sprinkler heads, making it easy to provide project totals. 

    In an interview with the South Florida Business Journal, Togal.AI founder Patrick Murphy says that the technology is already helping companies save thousands of hours and millions of dollars, “To give an example, estimators at Coastal Construction used Togal.AI to cut their workload by 40%. That saved about 10,000 hours of work, or roughly $1 million in a year’s time.” Togal’s revenue increased by 940% in 2023 as companies eagerly embraced the AI-driven method of improving the project estimating process. 

    4. Dozer

    Dozer creates AI-powered cameras that can be attached to almost any construction equipment, providing a 360-degree view of your surroundings—including the cabin and bucket. With its innovative AI platform, Dozer provides a live video feed that can be accessed remotely, and its AI-powered software documents collisions, near misses, and human proximity and calculates each machine’s risk level. Dozer compiles all this data into a handy dashboard, allowing you to keep tabs on the job site no matter where you are. You also receive real-time safety alerts about accidents or close calls, so you’re always kept up to speed instead of getting an incident report after the fact.  

    To install the Dozer system, you just need a 12V power source. With its included wire management system, sensor clips, and camera mounts, the camera can be retrofitted to virtually any machine. 

    The Dozer platform is available for desktops and as an app for iPhones and Android devices.

    5. Augmenta

    According to tech company Augmenta, architects, engineers, and construction (AEC) professionals spend up to 20% of their time and up to 6% of a building’s total cost simply fixing mistakes made during the critical design and planning process. These errors lead to the waste of up to 30% of new building materials. 

    Augmenta wants to eliminate costly human error by handing the design reins to AI. By automating sustainable building design, companies can quickly reduce the time, cost, and waste involved in most construction projects. With Augmenta, users can explore several variations of the same design simultaneously to find the best option. In electrical applications, users can specify device and panel locations, no-go zones, blockouts, and more, then use Augmenta’s Design Rules feature to specify support methods, spacing, and clearances. Best of all, your generated designs will easily export to Revit, so all your tech tools can play nicely together to create error-free designs.

    6. AlwaysAI

    AlwaysAI Smart Construction uses cameras to identify risks, safety issues, and potential liabilities on construction sites to make projects safer. Their system easily connects to a worksite’s existing camera systems to monitor site access points like entry gates, provide real-time information about site occupancy numbers, identify any employees who aren’t wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and even track the project’s progress—including idle machine time. 

    You can access this data through the SmartAI software, which displays it in real-time. This means you can manage multiple projects quickly and efficiently without driving from site to site for updates. AlwaysAI has made a name for itself by creating innovative solutions for construction and several other industries, such as restaurants, retail, and mining. 

    7. AIM

    If you ever wished your heavy machinery could operate, you might not have to wait much longer. Based in Washington state, tech company AIM has created an AI-driven program that can operate heavy construction equipment, including skid steers, bulldozers, and excavators. AIM’s autonomous system can be added to older machinery and installed in a day. By enabling AIM, heavy equipment becomes fully autonomous and can operate day and night in any weather, giving users a choice of three modes: fully autonomous, operating via remote control, or being driven manually with an operator. 

    Every AIM-enabled machine is insured for autonomous operation by a global insurance company, so you don’t need to worry about liability issues with your newly futuristic, self-operating equipment. 

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  • Why thousands trust Document Crunch with their contracts

    Why thousands trust Document Crunch with their contracts

    Document Crunch is an AI-driven platform that simplifies legal contract understanding. Its program is designed to increase the efficiency of the contract review process and support project execution by enabling teams to understand and comply with critical contract provisions to mitigate risk.

    Any good lawyer will tell you to review your contracts with a fine-toothed comb before signing them, but no one ever mentions how long that can take or how hard it is to decipher convoluted legalese and understand what you’re reading. 

    This can become a big problem in construction because every project involves multiple contracts—they’re long, complicated, and pose a significant pain point, wasting precious time and money.

    Document Crunch plans to change that. They’ve developed a solution that simplifies the complex language of contracts, making them simple to understand, revise, sign, and comply with.

    For many companies, this is a lifesaver. In a survey, Document Crunch found that 60% of respondents take more than a day to review a contract, and 75% said that they were a “pain in the butt to review.” However, uploading a contract to Document Crunch and its AI-driven platform can help you reduce review time by 80%, providing an in-depth summary and highlighting any relevant issues, omissions, or provisions. It also standardizes your contract review process, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

    The Insights feature makes it easy to understand what you’re signing—spelling out the contract terms, risks, and critical provisions (plus any missing provisions). Making changes gets easier, too. Instead of sorting through endless email chains to ask questions or approve revisions, you can markup, comment, or redline right within the platform—or open the chat to ask questions, clarify terms, and help draft revisions. 

    Of course, signing the contract is only part of the process—now, you have to make sure you stick to the terms. To ensure compliance and avoid contract breaches, the Document Crunch Project Playbook empowers your team with detailed information about adhering to contract terms and ensuring compliance. Instead of re-reading the entire contract to figure out how to deal with a weather delay, your team can simply check their Playbook.

    Document Crunch streamlines the process from start to finish, making contracts quicker to review, more straightforward to understand, and easier to comply with.

  • Foresight and BuilderX collaborate for remote-controlled operation systems for construction equipment

    Foresight and BuilderX collaborate for remote-controlled operation systems for construction equipment

    Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. and BuilderX have announced a multi-phase collaboration agreement to enhance safety and operational efficiency in hazardous industrial environments. After successfully completing a proof-of-concept (POC) project, the two companies will integrate Foresight’s 3D perception technology into BuilderX’s AI-driven teleoperation systems for heavy machinery. This system lets operators remotely control and monitor equipment, providing real-time feedback using multiple cameras mounted on machinery.

    The technology is particularly valuable in environments where operators face exposure to toxic chemicals, severe dust, or poor visibility. The partnership aims to significantly reduce accidents and health hazards by removing operators from these high-risk zones. In addition to visible-light cameras, future integration plans include both visible-light and thermal cameras, which could eventually enable fully autonomous heavy machinery operations under harsh conditions.

    Shaolong Sui, CEO of BuilderX, highlighted the importance of this partnership in addressing the unique challenges of hazardous work environments. He stated, “As hazardous environments pose significant challenges for heavy machinery, we believe that our collaboration with Foresight will provide our equipment with the advanced AI capabilities needed to navigate these demanding conditions and deliver exceptional performance.”

    Oren Bar-On, CEO of Foresight Asia, added, “We are excited to partner with BuilderX to bring our advanced 3D perception technology to the heavy machinery industry. This collaboration will enable us to leverage our expertise and enable heavy machinery to operate reliably and safely in even the most extreme conditions.”

    The benefits of using AI and tech in the construction industry

    By implementing Foresight and BuilderX’s AI and 3D perception technology, companies can see significant cost reductions through several vital benefits:

    • Lower labor costs: Reduced need for on-site operators due to remote-controlled and autonomous systems.
    • Decreased insurance premiums: Fewer workplace accidents lead to lower insurance expenses.
    • Operational efficiency: Improved precision and reduced downtime cut maintenance and fuel costs.
    • Increased productivity: Autonomous equipment enables continuous operations in harsh environments without human intervention.

    The partnership represents the growing integration of AI and 3D perception technology in construction, offering new solutions for improved safety and performance across the industry​. As technology advances, fully autonomous operations could become the industry standard, driving further innovation and cost-efficiency.

  • Companies using AI to make job sites safer

    Companies using AI to make job sites safer

    Artificial intelligence (AI) models can write and create art; now, companies are leveraging the power of AI to use on construction sites. From alerting site managers of missing PPE to autonomously controlling heavy machinery, AI technology is increasing job site safety, accuracy, and efficiency. Dozer, AIM, and AlwaysAI are some companies leading the way in AI-driven workplace safety.

    AI in construction

    Construction isn’t necessarily the first industry you’d think of when envisioning how AI can be applied in the real world. Still, in recent years, innovative companies have shown how useful it can be.

    • Project planning: AI programs can reduce errors and expedite the planning process by analyzing environmental, material, and regulatory data, making the process simple and seamless. 
    • Project management: Assisting with accurate costing, estimating, risk management, and monitoring construction progress takes many onerous project management tasks and leverages the power of AI to get them done quicker and easier.
    • Robotics and autonomous machinery: AI-operated heavy equipment, robotic devices that can create accurate design layouts, and robots to handle dangerous construction tasks—AI is moving beyond the screen and into the job site to make construction safer and more consistent. 
    • Safety monitoring: Artificial intelligence software can detect when workers have failed to protect themselves by wearing appropriate PPE and monitor sites for human collisions, safety risks, and hazards.  

    Human beings are fallible. We make mistakes, miss details, and forget to wear PPE; our decision-making and cognitive abilities are affected by a poor night’s sleep, worries about loved ones, or extreme weather conditions. Conversely, AI provides a consistent, accurate source of data, tracking, and information. Here are four companies leveraging the power of artificial intelligence models to make worksites safer.

    4 companies using AI to improve job site safety

    Dozer

    Like an AI-powered dashcam for your construction equipment, Dozer cameras provide a 360-degree view of each machine it’s installed on at the construction site, including the cabin and bucket. In addition to a live video feed you can access remotely anytime, Dozer uses an artificial intelligence platform to document collisions, near misses, and human proximity and calculate each machine’s risk level. All information is compiled in an easy-to-read dashboard, allowing you to track machine operations remotely.  

    Dozer also sends safety alerts about incidents or close calls, ensuring that you are notified about accidents in real-time without waiting for an incident report after the fact.  

    The Dozer system is easily installed with included wire management, sensor clips, and camera mounts, and requires a 12-volt power source. The platform is available for desktops and as an app for iPhones and Android devices.

    AIM

    Bellevue, Washington-based AIM has created an AI program capable of operating heavy construction equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, and skid steers. By enabling AIM, heavy equipment becomes fully autonomous and can operate day and night in any weather.

    The autonomous system can be retrofitted to older machinery, installed in a day, and allows users to operate in three modes: fully autonomous, via remote control, or manually with an operator. 

    Although AIM has experienced no accidents to date, its website pre-empts concerns about safety and insurance by stating that every AIM-enabled machine is insured for autonomous operation by a global insurance company.

    AlwaysAI

    Always AI creates pioneering solutions in a wide variety of industries, including restaurants, retail, mining, and construction. Their AI software uses cameras to identify risks, safety issues, and potential liabilities on construction sites, making projects safer.

    AlwaysAI Smart Construction uses existing cameras to identify workers not wearing appropriate PPE, monitor entry gates and other site access points, provide information about site occupancy numbers, and track project progress, including machine idle time. All data is updated in real-time and accessible through the SmartAI software, allowing users to manage projects quickly and efficiently.  

    Dusty Robotics

    This aptly named company leverages AI and robotics to help create multi-trade design layouts for build sites. Its AI platform reduces total layout time, shortens traditional building methods by 60%, and does everything with 95% precision.

    The Dusty Robotics device maps looks like a miniature Zamboni and traverses job sites and building interiors to create accurate layouts. It can map up to 15,000 square feet daily with a single operator up to 1/16” accuracy. The AI-powered model shortens design time, eliminates errors and inaccuracies, and provides tailored layouts for each trade, virtually eliminating accidents due to inaccurate plans.

    Using futuristic tech to make job sites safer today

    Finding innovative ways to apply AI-powered technology allows companies to make projects run more efficiently while also protecting workers. Artificial intelligence can identify hazards, recognize potential accidents, and ensure proper safety protocols are followed, making it one of the most valuable tools on any job site.