Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere in conversation, but it is still finding its footing in construction. Despite the growing hype, nearly half of firms in the industry report no use of AI at all, while a further third remain in early pilot phases. Adoption is cautious – but for those ready to learn and adapt, the opportunity is huge.
AI should not be seen as a threat, but as a tool to enhance the work people already do. Construction professionals often underestimate the depth of expertise their roles demand. From design to delivery, every project relies on problem-solving, adaptability and skill, qualities that AI can help to enhance, not erase.
Adopting AI also requires a cultural shift. Training must span generations, from apprentices entering the industry to experienced leaders who have seen decades of change. Creating space for everyone to learn, question and experiment will be key to unlocking AI’s full potential.
How AI can be implemented in construction
AI can be integrated across multiple areas of construction, from data reporting to site management and supply chain onboarding. Centralised dashboards such as Microsoft Power BI give leaders real-time visibility over everything from waste emissions to people analytics, while a Vendor Performance Portal uses the same data to help suppliers track and improve performance.
Automation through UiPath is streamlining repetitive tasks such as site cabin orders, ERP approvals and procurement processes, cutting down admin time and human error. On-site, a chatbot for site managers answers operational queries instantly – from hire status to overdue equipment – saving hours of manual checks.
Supply chain onboarding is also evolving through API integrations that automatically verify certifications and insurance and provide real-time status updates. Looking ahead, an on-premise AI assistant, hosted securely on Seddon’s servers, will allow employees to query live business data across Outlook, SharePoint and OneDrive.
These technologies do not replace human expertise – they make it go further. Construction is complex: it is about problem-solving, regulation and coordination. You cannot automate that, but you can remove the hours of data entry, form-filling and duplication that can hold it back.
AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement
Much of the fear around AI stems from the belief that it will make people redundant. In reality, digital or AI-driven tools in construction can only enhance your role, not replace it. AI is only as powerful as the person using it – and it certainly cannot lay bricks and mortar just yet.
Today, AI is already supporting site managers with real-time progress dashboards, helping teams to reduce service strikes through sensor-based mapping, and guiding retrofit decisions via digital twin modelling. But the human expertise, the judgment, experience and on-the-ground intuition behind these tools remains irreplaceable.
AI should be seen as a co-pilot – a second pair of hands that can spot trends and patterns, but still relies on a human construction expert to interpret what those insights mean. And like any tool, it has its flaws. So-called “hallucinations” – when AI generates inaccurate or even completely fictionalised results – underline the need for this human oversight.
It all boils down to this: if you do not understand the work you’re doing, how will you know when AI gets it wrong?
Bridging the digital divide with cross-generational training
In the UK, 99% of children regularly spend time online, with smartphones being the primary device for 12- to 17-year-olds. This shift has transformed how younger generations learn, work and process information – something the construction industry must recognise when bringing in younger recruits.
While many young entrants are confident using mobile apps, they can struggle with core IT skills. This has created an unexpected skills gap that we are addressing in partnership with the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology, developing basic IT literacy programme to close the digital disconnect and prepare apprentices for tech-enabled roles.
At the other end of the spectrum, experienced professionals bring invaluable practical knowledge but often approach AI with caution. Some embrace it quickly after seeing the efficiency gains, such as time saved through digital inductions and automated admin, while others remain hesitant.
Embedding digital leadership across every department is key to bridging this gap, with subject-matter experts empowered to drive the evolution of their own systems to ensure maximum effectiveness for their teams. By 2026, Seddon aims for full digital literacy across the business and a culture where every generation feels confident using technology to its full potential.
Building a smarter, more connected future
AI is not the future of construction – it is already part of its present. But its true potential lies in how people use it. The next phase of progress will depend not only on the tools we adopt, but on how we train, support and connect the people using them.
It can be easy to assume that construction is not as ‘advanced’ as other industries. But in reality, it is one of the most complex jobs there is. It demands constant problem-solving, coordination, understanding of complex regulation, and the ability to balance commercial pressures with quality, safety and sustainability. This structured, solution-focused mindset is exactly what positions construction to use AI responsibly and effectively.
Digital transformation in construction must be human-led. When every generation feels empowered to learn, AI stops being just technology – it becomes the foundation for building a smarter, safer and more sustainable future.
