Construction has always been cyclical in nature, resilient, and critical to rebuilding cities and infrastructure. But for too long, the construction industry has lagged others when it comes to embracing digital transformation. For years, many have debated why the construction industry was slow to adopt technology. And really nothing has changed over the years. However, that’s about to change, and fast.
AI (artificial intelligence) is no longer just a buzzword, but rather it’s becoming a critical tool on the jobsite and in the backoffice. Construction companies are not just catching up. They are now poised to lead the charge, and other industries are starting to take notice. Two recent announcements prove just how far construction has come—and how much further construction is about to go.
Bring Intelligence to Capital Planning
Let’s start with PMWEB, a name that’s been synonymous with project management in capital construction. The company’s recent unveiling of a new approach to lifecycle capital portfolio management is exactly the kind of bold move this industry has needed for a very long time. What’s the key? The company is not just improving project tracking—the company is enabling owners to strategically manage the entire lifecycle of assets. That means smarter investment decisions powered by data. Kudos to Huw Roberts and Co., for invigorating the company by celebrating the best of the best.
With integrated workflows, dynamic forecasting, and analytics, AI is transforming how we predict risk, optimize cash flow, and ensure long-term value. In simple terms: we’re moving from reactive to proactive. And that’s a true game-changer.
Robotics Reimagined
Then there’s Bedrock Robotics, founded by three former Waymo leaders. This is where things really get interesting. This new robot isn’t just another gadget—it’s a leap forward in jobsite safety, labor efficiency, and precision.
Led by Boris Sofman who earned his PhD in robotics at Carnegie Mellon, cofounded, and led Anki—a consumer robotics company known for its innovative entertainment products—and led autonomous trucking and core technologies at Waymo, Bedrock’s launch signals a shift in the conversation in construction.
This fully autonomous robot can learn, adapt, and work alongside crews in dynamic environments. The implications are massive. Fewer jobsite injuries. Faster timelines. Data-rich environments where decisions are made in realtime.
The Big Picture
Construction doesn’t need to follow in the footsteps of manufacturing or healthcare when it comes to AI adoption. Construction has the opportunity to lead. The combination of lifecycle planning from companies like PMWeb and autonomous robotics from innovators like Bedrock, is laying the groundwork for smarter, safer, and more sustainable construction.
Let me be clear: this is not a tech trend. It’s a tectonic shift. One that empowers owners, GCs, and project managers to build the homes, infrastructure, and cities of tomorrow. The real question isn’t whether AI will transform construction. It is who’s ready to lead the charge or just be a fond memory like the dinosaurs.
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This article was written by Peggy Smedley for Connected World.