4 Misconceptions About AI And Machine Learning In AEC
For those in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around the future Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning in our industry. AI is often seen as a costly technology that isn’t really necessary, even threatening, while machine learning is something that only large corporations have access to, or understand.
In reality, both AI and machine learning offer numerous advantages to AEC professionals if they are embraced. Let’s take a look at some of the misconceptions around AI and machine learning and bust them wide open.
What are AI and Machine Learning?
AI and machine learning are emerging technologies that have been rapidly adopted in architecture and construction. AI is the broader of the two terms. It simply means, the use of computer technology to accomplish a task that was formerly considered only possible with the human mind.
What constitutes an AI technology is a constantly moving yardstick . Years ago, any form of optical character recognition was considered AI technology because previously only a human mind could read and recognize characters based only on their images. Today OCR has become ubiquitous, and is built into nearly every program that processes character-based data. OCR is no longer considered AI mostly because it has become so prevalent. Other examples of formerly considered AI applications include voice recognition and computer based game opponents. In fact, the very first AI program was a program written in the 1950s that played checkers.
Much of today’s AI is focused on facial recognition, chatbots, recommendation algorithms, complex financial analysis, and compliance software; however, AI applications are being developed in nearly every industry today, including the AEC industry.
Machine learning is a subset of AI that involves the use of computers to solve complex problems through exposure to large quantities of data, allowing them to “learn” and improve performance on a specific set of tasks. Machine learning applications are initially “trained” using training data and human identification of the correct outcomes, and then the software adapts to the larger dataset presented to improve performance over time.
Through the use of machine learning algorithms, AI can identify patterns in data and gain insights to predict outcomes more efficiently. This is achieved by utilizing systems capable of analyzing vast datasets to learn from the data itself, which can then be used to determine future behavior or actions. Machine learning has been focused primarily on medicine, email filtering, speech recognition, agriculture, and computer vision and speech.
AI-driven software is starting to make notable advances in AEC fields. From optimizing design processes and construction schedules, automating building operations to automating safety processes, and even analyzing project costs, there is no shortage of problems that AI-driven software can tackle that would have previously been deemed as too difficult to program, or relied on the exclusive domain of human intelligence to complete.
This technology offers a host of potential benefits for the AEC industry. Such as, enhancing operational efficiency, saving considerable time and cost, reducing human error, and promoting faster decision-making to ensure successful project deliverables and results. As AI-driven software further develops, it stands to revolutionize the AEC space in ways no one has ever dreamt possible before.
Myth 1: AI and Machine Learning is Only Available to Large Companies
AI and machine learning technology isn’t just for large companies anymore. In fact, a growing number of AEC firms across the globe are discovering the potential benefits of AI and machine learning in their daily operations through the use of commercially available software that operates on an AI or machine learning basis.
From helping complete projects faster and more efficiently, to providing new insights into project management, AI can very well become a significant edge for many AEC firms. As such, understanding the available AI offerings and implementing strategies to leverage its power should no longer remain an option, but instead have become an absolute necessity.
Myth 2: AI Will Replace Humans
The idea that someday human involvement will no longer be necessary in architecture, engineering, and construction might be one of the most pervasive myths when it comes to AI. While machines can definitely lighten the load of some of the rote labor, humans are still essential for programming algorithms and making decisions based on the data obtained from AI generated models.
Myth 3: AI Will Make Everyday Jobs More Difficult
Another one of the most popular misconceptions about AI is that it will make every day jobs more difficult. This could not be further from the truth. In architecture, engineering, and construction, AI is poised to dramatically improve job performance by automating mundane and time-intensive tasks, leaving the humans free to address the aesthetic and functional aspects of the project more thoroughly.
This automation allows professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction to focus on the decisions that require human interaction and structured problem-solving so that they can produce better results in less time. Ultimately, this will lead to more efficient services for their customers at lower costs. AI in AEC represents an opportunity for companies to create more value for their clients by focusing on what really matters, the human experience in the space.
Having an experienced architect or engineer guiding an AI-backed project is essential for success. After all, a computer does not (yet) have the ability to assess aesthetic beauty, simplicity, or the human functional elements required for decision-making in architecture or engineering. AI has definitely advanced architecture and construction far beyond where it was even five years ago, but humans are still an integral part of any project involving AI.
Myth 4: AI Will Make Unpopular or Inappropriate Decisions
AI architecture, engineering, and construction experts have worked hard to create technology that can help make decisions with accuracy and precision. However, many fear that AI will make unpopular choices based on this precision, but this fear is simply a myth.
In reality, the objective of AI is to use data from many sources, more than could possibly be analyzed by the human mind, and develop the most logical and efficient solution to the problem at hand. As such, AI can be used to make decisions in alignment with a wide range of correct decisions, and generate reliable outcomes. The human still controls the input parameters and the required outcomes. The AI software just gets you from point A to point B. If the result is not as anticipated or desired, you simply adjust the parameters and objectives until the most efficient solution is found.
Although it may sometimes push boundaries and challenge the status quo, it is equipped to do so in an ethical fashion, while still being in line with the more popular decisions and norms in the industry. In the end, the human approves the resultant design and delivers a superior product to the client.
Conclusion
Though there are many incredible advantages to using AI and machine learning technologies, unfortunately, there are still a lot of misconceptions associated with them. We hope that by debunking some of the most common myths about AI and machine learning, we have been able to show you just how powerful and useful these technologies can be.
With advances in technology happening so quickly, now is the perfect time for AEC professionals everywhere to explore what AI and machine learning can do for them. If you haven’t already done so, give them a try today! You won’t regret it!
If you’re looking for more information, or support in utilizing these technologies effectively, Schnackel Engineers is here to help. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you take advantage of everything that AI and machine learning have to offer! AI for MEPTM is at the pinnacle of today’s AI technology in AEC.
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