ChatGPT shows what is possible with AI. AI uses a large number of data sets to write entire specialist articles, design websites, generate program codes, write recipes or reformulate complex contexts, among other things. In everyday life, we can already see the benefits of AI-based chatbots from these examples.
But what about other industries? What is the current status in the construction industry, where companies are often still in the early stages of digitalization? To what extent is AI already being used to automate processes and work steps? Dr. Dierck Segelke, Head of Data Science and Innovation at syniotec, explains how AI can revolutionize the construction industry.
“ChatGPT is already demonstrating the immense potential of AI,” says Dr. Segelke. “What ChatGPT makes possible in another field of AI, I believe will soon also be possible in the construction industry. After all, there are a large number of areas that could benefit from it here too – we at syniotec are noticing this through our close exchange with companies and are already developing various projects.”
The basics of AI: how artificial intelligence works
AI stands for artificial intelligence. This means that a program is able to recognize patterns from a large amount of data, interpret them and learn independently. In addition to ChatGPT, examples from everyday life include Google Translate, Apple’s Siri and product recommendations on Amazon.
“For any artificial intelligence, one thing is essential: data,” says Dr. Segelke. “A central database with as much data as possible is the basis for a well-functioning AI.”
AI in the construction industry
The ever-increasing amount of data available today means that AI is already being used in a wide range of areas. With regard to the construction industry, this is already being used to some extent in the following areas, for example:
- Architecture and planning: development of new designs
- Building material production: Optimization of production
- Building management: Automatic control of building technology
- Construction companies: Use of drones and autonomous machines
Data quality as a decisive factor
“In addition to the amount of data, however, it is equally important that the data is prepared appropriately. Unfortunately, this is a key problem in the construction industry. Many people ask us: Why don’t you just use the data information from the machine’s CAN bus? In discussions with our customers from the construction industry, we find that the information is often incomplete and therefore cannot be used. We have therefore decided to develop our own solutions. This allows us to ensure that the data has an appropriate quality standard and is available in the correct format,” says Dr. Segelke.
Increased efficiency through AI-based products
In the construction industry, there are large amounts of data and also a lot of historical data. The big problem, however, is the lack of networking of data volumes and sources. This area must progress so that AI-based applications can be generated from it, which ultimately contribute to increasing efficiency. “Due to this fundamental problem, our approach at syniotec is to first identify small AI use cases that deliver the greatest possible added value,” says Dr. Segelke. “This allows us to start generating data and ensure extremely precise evaluations.”
Making the construction industry more efficient step by step with artificial intelligence
Our aim at syniotec is to develop solutions very quickly that deliver direct added value. The aim is to make the work of every construction employee easier – whether by avoiding paperwork or by automating processes. This saves time and therefore increases efficiency, which the industry urgently needs.
Curious? Then look forward to our upcoming article, which will take a closer look at our AI solutions for the construction industry. Keep an eye on our blog and check back in a few days!
