The construction industry increasingly is using artificial intelligence for scheduling, safety planning, job-site data analysis and more. However, there are things AI cannot do on a job site.
For Construction Pros shares the following things humans do that AI currently cannot replace.
- Make gut-check calls in the middle of a task. Humans have experience and instincts to guide them while AI requires data. Snap decisions—such as feeling a piece of equipment strain before a gauge shows it—are made using a wealth of personal experience and knowledge, and AI currently cannot match that.
- Handle on-the-fly field fixes. Construction projects are unpredictable. Issues arise, and sometimes a creative fix is needed with whatever resources are available. AI does not have the improvisation ability of those who work in the field and can grab tools and troubleshoot a situation.
- Manage people. People are complicated, and managers need patience, emotional intelligence, empathy and toughness to manage different individuals. AI cannot effectively motivate or help address tension between co-workers.
- Keep morale up. Humanity is crucial when a morale boost is needed. Crew members can laugh, lift each other up and keep everyone in good spirits—something AI cannot handle.
- Take pride in a job well done. Although AI can report positive data and metrics showing success, it does not feel pride when a job is completed. The feeling of creating something real and finishing what you started is purely human and cannot be replaced.
