Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t a buzzword anymore. It’s here to stay and construction professionals should embrace it as an important tool to improve their work and project management. This is according to Daniel Anvari, Ph.D., a presenter at the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA)’s recent Infrastructure Summit and Trade Show held in Regina.
An expert in system dynamic modelling, predictive data analytics, business intelligence and machine learning, Anvari is primarily focused on AI startups and driving innovation in AI applications.
He has contributed to Toronto’s York University, the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Speaking at the summit, Anvari stressed how AI is making construction more efficient and “smarter.”
“Don’t be afraid that AI will eliminate your job – it won’t. It will make your job easier and you will be more efficient,” said Anvari. He said three of the biggest areas to use AI in construction are:
- Climate-resilient infrastructure
- Advanced sensor networks for proactive maintenance
- AI algorithms for sustainable urban planning
Anvari offers examples of how industry can use AI.
AI-driven traffic optimization:
Tools like DeepMind Traffic Flow use real-time data to optimize traffic lights and reduce congestion.
AI sensors in infrastructure management:
- Predictive maintenance sensors: Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, devices that collect real-time data and are a key component of the IoT, are used on bridges, roads and utilities to predict failures and schedule timely maintenance.
- Smart water and energy meters: AI-powered sensors that enable efficient resource management, leak detection and power load management.
Public safety and emergency response:
AI-enabled surveillance systems and sensors: For detecting accidents, fires and other emergencies, thereby allowing faster response times. AI sensors for safety and efficiency:
- Wearable AI sensors: For monitoring worker safety, such as detecting fatigue and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
- On-site monitoring sensors: IoT sensors for monitoring equipment performance, construction progress and environmental conditions, such as dust, noise and vibrations.
AI tools for automation:
- Autonomous construction equipment: AI-powered cranes, excavators and bulldozers that enhance precision, reduce human error and speed up processes.
- Construction robotics: AI-driven robots for tasks like bricklaying, concrete pouring and welding.
- AI planning software: Tools like PlanGrid and Procore use AI to manage project schedules, budgets and material supply chains.
“You will find AI particularly useful to manage schedules, budgets and supply chains,” said Anvari. “The technology is there now and it will help you.”
He used the example of government inspections as an area where AI will make projects more efficient. Calling government officials for inspections during construction can often cause delays, creating problems in meeting tight timelines. Using AI, someone can walk around a project with augmented glasses (that have the approved designs and plans pre-loaded), look at the project’s construction and progress, and AI will compare what you are looking at to the pre-loaded designs, letting officials know whether the work is compliant.
“Don’t be afraid that AI will eliminate your job – it won’t. It will make your job easier and you will be more efficient.”
Daniel Anvari, Ph.D.
Regarding future applications for AI, especially in construction, Anvari said applications are coming faster than ever. “When email was introduced, it took 10 years for wide adoption. When ChatGPT was released, 1 billion people were using it after three months. “Applications coming now, especially with the introduction of super computing, will come faster and faster,” he said.
Anvari’s recommendation is to start now. “You have data in your company. Make sure you are recording all your data. Then you will feed this data into your AI, and it will continue to gather more and more data as you use it,” he said. “The more data it gathers, it will get better and better in helping you with your work, and helping you make good decisions.”
Anvari compared AI to the maturation process a human goes through. “It takes a person 20 years to mature. AI matures quickly. The more data you incorporate into your AI technology, the better it gets, and it makes better decisions. So, record your data and get ready so you can make the best use of this tool in the future,” said Anvari. Rather than being afraid of AI, Anvari recommends embracing it. “You need to get trained and get on top of the technology. If you have the tools, there are many opportunities,” he said.
Shantel Lipp, president of SHCA, says her organization is working with Anvari and other experts in the AI field to offer AI training to heavy construction professionals.
“We are working to have short, accessible courses available, hopefully sooner than later, in 2025,” said Lipp. “We envision webinar courses that you take at your convenience and that will be broken up into small, easy-to-handle segments. We will also make sure the content is relevant to our members and what they face in the Saskatchewan economy.
“Stay tuned – we will have an announcement as soon as things are ready.”
Martin Charlton Communications is the largest public relations company in Saskatchewan and one of the largest in western Canada.