The Hurdles of AI Development and Implementation in the AEC Industry

A Comprehensive Roadmap to Tackling AI Implementation Challenges in AEC 

As reflected in a McKinsey Report, AI possesses the potential to deliver an additional estimated economic activity of $13 trillion by the year 2030. With its growing prevalence in the AEC sector, the technology has brought about a digital transformation in the industry, leading to enhanced productivity.  

But why is everyone in the construction industry raving about AI and its boons? 

AI in AEC translates into streamlined workflows, efficient design execution, and accurate project management. Being a multidisciplinary domain, AEC requires the coming together of various stakeholders for a collaborative and enriching outcome. AI caters to this vision by delivering actionable insights. Nonetheless, its implementation isn't necessarily a cakewalk.  

Let’s explore some concerns around AI and its execution in bringing holistic construction outcomes to life.  

Top 6 Concerns Associated with AI Implementation in AEC, Along with Their Solutions 

1. Lack of Organised Data Sets 

AI systems are known to function on relevant data algorithms that form their basis. Thus, ensuring that AI algorithms are fed with the right quality and volume of data becomes a mandate. Due to the availability of data in a scattered and unorganised manner, some AI systems are likely to produce discrepancies, resulting in ineffective AEC workflows.  

Solution: Creating holistic data pipelines and implementing well-designed data management systems can help execute such AI algorithms more comprehensively and consistently. BIM Connections from nCircle Tech help manage AEC projects while keeping the deliverables aligned with the schedule. 

2. Issues Around Accuracy Expectations  

When AI solutions are used to tackle geometry problems, high precision is required. Relying on AI algorithms for such accuracy-oriented tasks can result in difficult-to-figure-out errors. Also, it’s important to note that AI accuracy isn’t always guaranteed. Especially without proper calibration and training. The accuracy graph of AI models only curves upwards if continuous training guarantees the model to adapt to new inputs.   

Solution: Instead of utilising AI for geometry-related issues, it should be implemented to solve more assistive problems. For a better understanding of such problems and some innovative tools that make for their perfect solution, you can go through blogs by nCircle Tech.  

3. Lack of Expertise Around Resources 

AI is often associated with reduced manual intervention in AEC projects. However, its implementation and development still depend on the collective efforts of skilled experts like data scientists, machine learning engineers, software developers and AEC domain experts. The lack of such expertise can be a huge hurdle for AEC initiatives in achieving a smooth transition towards AI adoption.   

Solution: Partnering with experts in the domain like nCircle Tech to get your hands on expert resources that have proven their efficiency in the past can work wonders for your AEC projects. Moreover, switching to automated workflows in some aspects can reduce human intervention to a certain extent, ensuring fewer errors and more precision. Automation tools from nCircle Tech, such as CAD BIM plugins and automated QC checkers, can also compensate for the need for more skilled experts.  

4. Development Cost Considerations 

Developing and implementing AI in AEC projects isn’t cheap. Collaborating with AI experts and acquiring the right equipment to curate a comprehensive setup requires a hefty investment. Thus, cost considerations are a primary issue with AI-based AEC workflows.  

Solution: Use budget-friendly training programs to help your team members fine-tune their AI expertise. You can also integrate budget-friendly tools and plugins from nCircle Tech in your AEC collaborations to achieve automated workflows without burning a hole in your pocket. Some management professionals are also steadily taking steps towards investing in ML-based projects.

5. Integration With Existing Systems   

Now, you’d think adopting AI-centric workflows in AEC can be magically done with a few plugins. While it could be partially true, you need more than plugins. Integrating AI into existing AEC systems is challenging due to the required equipment and cost considerations. Besides, AI systems might also involve the effort of data tagging. 

Solution: AI algorithms can be infused into such workflows to tackle the integration of AI into existing, traditional AEC systems. Additionally, basic solutions like CAD BIM plugins, Deviation nSpector, and Scan to BIM provided by nCircle Tech can help you start at the initial stage. Moreover, utilising low-cost human resources for data tagging or implementing automation solutions for auto-tagging is essential.  

6. Reluctance Towards AI Adoption 

Even with its plethora of potential, a major chunk of the AEC fraternity still needs to adopt AI. Some contributing factors are the technicality of AI software, the probable training challenges associated with it, and resistance to embracing a technology that could probably threaten the existing jobs of AEC professionals.   

Solution: Inculcating change management policies in the work culture could help spread awareness among team members. Additionally, coaches can be onboarded to prepare professionals for competitive market scenarios. Making AI solutions available at a budget-friendly cost proposition can also give AI-oriented AEC projects the perfect kickstart in the fraternity. Project management is one the areas where AI has already started contributing. 

Conclusively, even with its fair share of challenges, AI implementation in AEC offers far more boons than banes. With a meticulous roadmap in front of you, executing AEC projects in fusion with AI’s dynamism, you can achieve better buildings even with more restrictions and fewer resources.  

nCircle Tech offers many tech-oriented products and services to streamline the entire process of assembling an AEC project at the intersection of AI and design.   

You can check some of our articles on the same line to clear your thoughts and know more about AI implementation - 

With over ten years of expertise in delivering top-notch BIM solutions for AEC projects, nCircle Tech has diverse solutions that can help you tackle AI implementation challenges. Want to avail of these tools to elevate your AEC projects? Get in touch with us right away.