Webster
Driven by the desire to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve productivity and safety, the construction industry is undergoing rapid transformation. In 2025, we expect to see a continuation of this trend, with construction companies adopting even more digitization and automation solutions. In the new year, we anticipate that companies will make strides in democratizing access to critical project information and related data, empowering their workforce with efficient tools and knowledge.
Here are the top five trends that we at Oracle believe will define the industry’s trajectory in 2025:
AI for predictive security and beyond
Artificial intelligence-based safety modules are on their way to becoming more prevalent on construction sites, leveraging real-time data analysis to help predict potential hazards and enable proactive interventions. Imagine AI algorithms analyzing live video feeds of workplaces to instantly identify unsafe practices such as workers not wearing proper protective equipment or operating equipment incorrectly, and they help immediately notify the humans in charge so they can take action.
By identifying and mitigating risks with the help of predictive AI tools, construction companies can help protect their workforce, minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency. AI can also analyze historical data to identify patterns and predict potential risks, such as equipment failures or accident-prone areas, as well as the root causes of accidents. This can help companies develop more effective security protocols, training programs and other preventative measures. This proactive approach to safety has the potential to significantly reduce workplace accidents and create safer workplaces.
AI-powered conversational interfaces to improve data access
The construction industry will look to conversational AI interfaces to interact with data and deliver a seamless and intuitive experience. Users can simply ask questions and receive answers, eliminating complex software interfaces and siled information. This natural language query capability allows users to easily access project information, improving their overall experience.
As the construction industry embraces conversational and natural language AI, broader AI discussions come to the fore, including data rights, intellectual property, and large public language models. Navigating the ethical and practical implications of AI requires establishing clear guidelines and standards. Respecting privacy and data ownership while harnessing the power of AI can be essential, and understanding intellectual property rights is crucial as AI evolves.
Additionally, the rise of public LLMs presents new opportunities and considerations for the construction industry. These models offer powerful capabilities, but assessing the far-reaching implications, including the impact on data privacy, security, and potential biases, is vital. By engaging in these critical discussions, industry can harness the full potential of AI while helping to enable responsible and ethical use, mitigate risks, and maximize the benefits of this transformative technology.
Increased democratization of data
New interfaces, such as the aforementioned conversational AI chatbots, will also help democratize data access and AI model training, empowering project managers with the information they need, when they need it. These tools will allow users to train AI models without data science experience. No longer will specialized technical skills be needed to extract valuable insights from project data. Making this information more readily available will enable faster and more informed decision-making, leading to improved efficiency, reduced errors and improved collaboration across all construction projects.
From optimizing resource allocation to proactively addressing potential delays, the new interfaces will help unlock the true potential of construction data, transforming the way projects are planned, executed and managed.
Accelerated automation
The construction industry is witnessing a growing trend towards prefabrication and modular construction, aided by accelerated automation and the adoption of next-generation AI platforms and solutions. This trend is further driven by the demand for faster project delivery and cost reduction, as traditional construction methods can lead to further delays and cost overruns. Modular construction offers a compelling alternative by manufacturing complex building components in controlled factory environments, enabling efficiency, precision and waste reduction.
As the industry embraces technological advances and more sustainable construction practices, the appeal of modular construction will continue to grow. That’s because modular construction makes it easy for builders to incorporate sustainable materials and energy-efficient designs right into prefab modules. With its potential to optimize construction processes, reduce costs and improve efficiency, modular construction is poised to become even more prevalent throughout the industry.
AI agents as “eager assistants”
Modern project management software has helped streamline workflows, improve collaboration, and improve decision-making in construction projects. The next leap in this area will come from further integrating AI technology into these software platforms, particularly in the form of AI agents. These “eager assistants” can help teams handle many of the complex project tasks currently burdened by project managers, freeing them up to focus on higher-level strategic thinking and problem solving.
Imagine an AI agent able to plan and execute a drone survey to gather accurate site data, then use that data to optimize material delivery routes and proactively flag potential delays based on weather patterns or power outages supply chain This level of automation could not only help improve efficiency and reduce costs, but also allow human project managers to devote their expertise to more strategic efforts, such as fostering innovation, managing customer relationships, and navigate the complexities of the project.
The industry is on the cusp of a transformative era, driven by technological advances that are expected to redefine project execution. The integration of AI and modular construction methods can help contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and their partners maximize profitability and productivity. This shift can also help lead to more successful projects that are delivered on time and on budget, while allowing construction professionals to focus on the most impactful aspects of their work.
Mark Webster is Senior Vice President and General Manager in Oracle Construction and Engineering.
