Towards a responsible integration of artificial intelligence technology in the construction sector

Abstract

Abstract The uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) innovations in the construction industry implies new physical and socio-political risks. Risk analysis is crucial to managing these risks, but is challenging due to the inherent complexity and lack of applied knowledge specific to construction activities. We forecast potential AI innovation trends related to construction from a keyword concurrence analysis of 974 journal articles. We use this analysis to identify potential sector-specific risks in construction activities by forming a risk map based on an analysis of ninety-four articles related to the ethics and impacts of AI technologies. We found that trends in innovation more often involve areas in construction considered ‘back-end’ tasks, as opposed to ‘on-site’. Thus, the potential risks and regulatory challenges from the use of AI technology in the construction sector will be legal, financial, and social, as opposed to risks involving physical harm to users on construction sites.