Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing construction equipment, from self-driving vehicles to smart maintenance. How is this technology being applied in construction equipment management? What does the future hold for AI in construction? There are some exciting developments already underway to energize the construction industry using the capabilities of AI. These AI advancements are helping the industry meet some of today’s most pressing challenges.
Filling Staffing Shortages
The construction industry at large is grappling with a persistent shortage of skilled workers. Specially trained professionals are needed to operate the heavy equipment needed on millions of construction sites. The shortage of people in these roles can cause delays and hiring headaches. Luckily, AI may just be the solution.
While autonomous vehicles haven’t hit public roads yet, they are quickly becoming popular around construction sites. Interestingly, industry leaders are finding it is actually easier to utilize driverless vehicles in construction rather than roads. Since the environment is more controlled and the work more predictable, AI can handle construction vehicles well.
When autonomous construction vehicles do become mainstream, they will be great for things like hauling and excavation. With the right skid steer attachment, autonomous excavations, roadwork and backfilling jobs could be done seamlessly, freeing up valuable employees for more complex tasks. Hauling is a similarly monotonous task, largely consisting of driving from one point to another around a construction site. This kind of work is perfect for AI to handle with the help of sensors to spot obstacles and assist in navigation.
Improving Equipment Performance
AI can be used in a variety of ways beyond driving construction vehicles. There is already technology available today that can optimize equipment performance with the help of AI software and algorithms. Often taking the form of advanced sensors, these AI devices can help improve maintenance and fuel utilization.
One of the top uses for AI in construction beyond autonomous vehicles is predictive maintenance. Sensors are attached to equipment to passively track performance data over time. An AI algorithm analyzes that data and identifies performance declines that could indicate maintenance needs. This allows equipment technicians to tune up equipment well before it starts showing signs of damage or breaks down. Over time, this will drastically reduce maintenance costs and equipment downtime.
This same strategy can be applied to optimizing fuel consumption. AI sensors are capable of a wide variety of applications, which continue to grow as engineers cater more to the construction industry’s needs. Optimizing fuel usage is a priority shared by virtually all construction teams, since it can save significant amounts of money on any project. The data collected by the AI sensors can reveal areas where fuel is being used inefficiently, such as a pattern of equipment running while not actively in use.
Optimizing Equipment Utilization
AI has several applications behind the scenes, as well. AI algorithms are great for optimizing and streamlining things. They can easily run through countless models and find the most efficient one, even with numerous factors to account for. This is why AI is so effective for creating logistics strategies.
With the previously mentioned AI sensor technology, extensive amounts of data can be collected around construction sites. An AI algorithm could use that data to create the most efficient hauling routes around a site or create an optimized schedule for equipment usage that maximizes productivity. Many AI sensors can remotely monitor equipment as well, enabling real-time optimization in the field.
Construction companies could even use AI software to track what equipment they use on each project. Over time, the AI will become familiar with patterns connecting equipment needs to project types. Eventually, the AI could predict what vehicles and equipment would be needed for a project, helping construction teams plan ahead to prevent delays due to supply and equipment shortages.
An AI-Powered Industry
The future of the construction industry is rapidly evolving, with autonomous vehicles and advanced sensor technology. These innovations are bringing construction into the future, making project sites safer and more efficient. Construction equipment management is no exception. With the help of AI, teams of any size or scale can make the most of their equipment and soon may even have autonomous vehicles in the field.
