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AI in Focus: This Week's Breakthroughs in Construction and Tech
From Virtual Cities to AI-Enhanced Construction: Your Weekly Digest of Cutting-Edge Developments
James Garner
January 28, 2024
Today's Menu of Must-Read Content
This Week’s Wisdom: Tip of the Week
Tip of the Week
Meet the GPT designed to pinpoint other GPTs! Start a chat to discover and harness AI's full potential. Discover more: AI-Powered Discovery
Timeless Words: Quote of the Week
“It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."
Albert Einstein
Flux Feed: Curating the Latest Industry News
AI in Construction and Project Delivery
This article discusses the contrast between physical and virtual cities, exploring how technology is transforming the way we live and interact in urban environments.
An online conference from The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) on the impact of and opportunities brought by artificial intelligence (AI) in the built environment will take place on 1 February. The event will feature panel discussions and presentations from industry experts on the use of AI in construction.
The tokenisation of real estate is seen as a potential solution to funding extensive commercial renovations. This process allows for more affordable and streamlined transactions in the real estate market. Two real estate agents with experience in trading real estate with cryptocurrency explained how tokenisation works and its benefits at the Inman New York conference.
FARO Technologies explores the use of stationary and mobile scanning technologies in construction projects, highlighting their benefits and applications.
The article discusses the use of L.O.A.F GenAI 24, developed by DVC Consultants, as a versatile and innovative tool in the construction industry.It outlines the steps involved in a case study where the tool was used to develop a new silica-based product and emphasizes its role in promoting innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. Overall, the article presents L.O.A.F GenAI 24 as a valuable resource in navigating the complex world of technology and business strategy.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise residential solar installations by making them cheaper, faster, and more efficient. AI can assist in designing solar systems, analysing properties, optimising home batteries, and predicting maintenance costs. It can also reduce customer acquisition costs and design errors, leading to lower overall costs for customers. AI's role in residential solar is expected to expand in the future, with applications in customer acquisition, pre-construction planning, site examination, supply and demand predictions, and predictive maintenance.
The use of drones in the construction industry is rapidly growing, with their ability to carry out site surveying and monitoring tasks improving efficiency and safety on construction sites. Drones provide real-time updates and gather actionable data, allowing construction managers to make better-informed decisions. Additionally, drones can enhance site security and aid in maintenance by monitoring and identifying issues such as fire risks. However, regulatory challenges may impact the use of drones for construction purposes. Overall, drones have become an indispensable tool in the construction industry and are expected to see increased use in the future.
PaintJet, a new start-up based in the US, is using advanced robotics, AI, imaging, drones, data analytics, and proprietary coatings to provide efficient and cost-effective painting solutions for various industries. Their technology offers time and cost savings by improving the efficiency, speed, and accuracy of painting new buildings.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to change the field of civil engineering by introducing creativity, efficiency, and optimisation to design processes. It will also enhance project management, streamline site inspections, and offer optimization opportunities throughout the entire engineering lifecycle.Through a collaborative relationship between humans and AI, engineers will be empowered to focus on problem-solving, innovation, and strategic decision-making. AI will shape the future of civil engineering while working alongside engineers to achieve sustainable and innovative infrastructure.
Autodesk has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Payapps, a provider of construction payment and compliance management solutions, in order to improve the payment process in the construction industry. The acquisition will enhance Autodesk's Construction Cloud platform and provide customers with a more efficient and transparent payment management system.
The use of drone technology is expanding in the real estate industry, with applications including surveys, inspections, and 3D modeling. However, legal and regulatory hurdles still need to be addressed.
Real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield is collaborating with Microsoft to deploy advanced artificial intelligence solutions, including Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365. The partnership aims to enhance service offerings and improve operational efficiency.
On February 1, an online conference will explore the impact and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) in the built environment. The event will feature discussions on topics such as the use of AI in construction and smart building and optimising construction using AI. Dave Philp from Cohesive will deliver the keynote speech.
AI impact on work
The article discusses the current state of AI adoption and trends for the future based on a survey conducted with AI experts. It highlights that AI is still in its early stages and there is a lack of novel AI demos and original thoughts on Twitter.The survey also indicates that there is increasing excitement about multimodal apps and a growing optimism about AI.
A study conducted by MIT CSAIL, MIT Sloan, The Productivity Institute, and IBM’s Institute for Business Value found that only about 23% of wages paid for tasks involving computer vision are economically viable for AI automation, suggesting a more gradual integration of AI into various sectors. The study also discussed the potential for reduced AI costs, new AI services, and the emergence of new business models centered around AI-as-a-Service.
Generative AI is expected to create new job opportunities instead of replacing human workers. Some emerging roles in the field include prompt engineers, generative design specialists, AI trainers, AI ethicists, and AI compliance managers.
Tech News
Google Chrome is introducing several new AI-powered features, including a writing helper, tab organizer, and theme creator, to enhance user experience on the web browser. These features will be rolled out gradually over the next few days.
Disney has developed a solution to VR's movement problem with its HoloTile system. The system consists of small, round tiles that act as mini omnidirectional treadmills to keep users in place while they walk.The HoloTile is currently a research project and may be part of a Disney Parks VR experience in the future.
In the next five years, the impact of AI will lead to a faster pace of life, changes in behavior, and transformations across industries. Privacy concerns, AI laws, and the importance of human-AI collaboration will also play significant roles. Industries such as education, healthcare, finance, law, and transportation will be greatly affected by AI.
Recent research conducted by UCL researchers suggests that advances in generative AI can help explain how human memory and imagination work. The study used a generative neural network model to simulate how the brain learns, remembers, and constructs new experiences.The findings demonstrate how memories are reconstructed and how new events are generated during imagination and planning. The model also explains why existing memories often contain distortions.
The integration of data and AI is increasingly prevalent in daily life, raising questions about regulation, security, and the cultural impact of these technologies on urban planning. Ethical considerations will be key to harnessing the power of data and AI.
The article discusses the concept of AI prompt marketplaces, where users can sell or buy prompts for various AI tools. It highlights the benefits of using these marketplaces and provides a list of the top 5 marketplaces for selling AI prompts.
Samsung is set to showcase the potential of AI on mobile devices at its Galaxy Unpacked event, potentially introducing its own chatbot assistant, Bard, and demonstrating how AI can enhance smartphone functionality. While AI on smartphones has been limited thus far, the industry is poised for advancements in this area.The success of gadgets like the Rabbit R1, an AI assistant for smartphones, indicates a growing interest in AI tools that can streamline smartphone usage.
The article discusses Microsoft Fabric's capabilities for Power BI and its direct query experience on cloud data platforms. It also highlights AtScale's TPC-DS benchmark report comparing Power BI performance on Microsoft Fabric and Snowflake.
Apple is making a significant effort to bring artificial intelligence (AI) to the iPhone, with a series of acquisitions, hires, and updates to its hardware, according to a report. The company has purchased 21 AI companies in the past seven years, and analysts predict that Apple will make a significant AI deal this year to keep up with the AI arms race.
Education
The U.S.National Science Foundation (NSF) and collaborating agencies have launched the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot, aiming to democratize access to resources for AI research and innovation. The pilot will provide U.S.-based researchers and educators with access to advanced computing, datasets, models, software, training, and user support.The goal is to strengthen AI discovery and innovation by connecting researchers with necessary resources and informing the design of the full NAIRR ecosystem. The pilot is a proof of concept and a step towards realising the vision of a shared research infrastructure for AI in the U.S.
AI in Other Industries
According to lawyers in British Columbia, Canada, fake legal cases created by artificial intelligence have been allegedly filed in court, raising concerns about accuracy and potential damage to the legal system.
AI Regulation and Security
The World Health Organization has released AI ethics and governance guidance for professionals and organisations using AI models in healthcare.https://www.who.int/news/item/18-01-2024-who-releases-ai-ethics-and-governance-guidance-for-large-multi-modal-models
State attorneys general in the US are urging regulators to restrict AI in telemarketing in an effort to protect consumers from unwanted calls and texts.
In a first, OpenAI suspends bot developer for presidential hopeful Dean Phillips, deeming it as a misuse of its AI tools in a political campaign.
The head of the UK's cyber security agency has warned that Britons must strengthen their defenses against the growing threat of AI-assisted ransomware attacks. A report from the National Cyber Security Centre has found that AI is lowering the barrier of entry for novice cyber criminals.The technology is expected to increase the volume and impact of cyber attacks. The agency has identified ransomware as the biggest cyber threat facing the UK.Organisations and individuals are urged to follow ransomware and cyber security hygiene advice to boost their resilience to attacks.
After sexually explicit deepfake images of Taylor Swift circulated on X (formerly Twitter), her name is no longer searchable on the platform. The spread of the images has raised concerns about the need for social media companies to enforce their own rules.The fake images were viewed millions of times before the account responsible was suspended.
Here is the latest Linked In Newsletter
88mph Insights: The Key Takeaway from This Week's Journey
In the realm of AI-powered voice technology, ElevenLabs is making waves with an impressive $80 million funding round, valuing the company at $1.1 billion just one year after its inception. Their browser-based speech generation allows users to create lifelike voices, offering adjustable controls for emotion and intonation. With applications in various languages and industries, including video production, audiobooks, and AI chatbots, ElevenLabs leads the way. However, the use of their technology for deepfakes raises ethical questions. Learn more: [Read the full story]
Enchantment Under the AI: GPT of the Week
Discover 'Construction Co-Pilot,' an AI assistant designed for construction management. This innovative tool promises to streamline project delivery in the construction industry. Learn more about its potential impact in this article: (https://chat.openai.com/g/g-oSieVvg1P-construction-co-pilot)"
The Almanac of AI: New Tools in the Tech Time Machine
Guidde: Create amazing AI Generated ‘How-to’ guides. Learn more
Notion: Notion offers versatile workspace tools for collaborative project management and knowledge sharing. Learn more
Grantable: Simplify the grant application process with Grantable, making securing funding easier for organisations. Learn more
Collov.ai: Discovery the future of home design. Learn more
Spinach.io: AI project management solution. Learn more
Lumiere: Introducing Lumiere, a text-to-video model for realistic motion with potential bias challenges. Learn more
Literary Time Machine: Book of the Week
Book of the Week: Applying Artificial Intelligence in Project Management
This insightful book delves into the application of Artificial Intelligence in the field of project management. Explore the realm of AI-driven project delivery, uncovering its potential to boost efficiency, enhance decision-making, and ultimately improve project outcomes. The book provides practical strategies and real-world examples, illustrating how AI is reshaping the landscape of project management. Whether you're an experienced professional or new to the field, this book offers valuable insights into harnessing AI for project success.
Podcasts: Must-Subscribe List
1. AI in the Big Apple: Jobs and the Importance of Critical Path Theory - This podcast delves into the intersection of AI, job markets, and the significance of Critical Path Theory. Explore the impact of AI on the Big Apple's job landscape and understand how Critical Path Theory plays a crucial role. Listen here
2. Invennt Podcast - Tune in to the Invennt Podcast for a wide range of discussions on the construction industry, innovation, and project delivery. Stay updated with the latest insights and trends in the field. Listen here
Meet Project Flux: About Us
At Project Flux, we're committed to pioneering the future of construction and project delivery through the lens of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence insights. Our vision is to be at the forefront of integrating AI into the fabric of project delivery, transforming how projects are conceptualised, planned, and executed.
About James Garner James Garner, the Senior Director at Gleeds and Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics, is the driving force behind Project Flux. With his extensive experience in the field and a track record recognised by Data IQ 100 in 2023, James combines his expertise in data and project delivery with a passion for AI in project delivery.
Our Mission Project Flux aims to not only inform and educate but also to inspire professionals in the construction industry to embrace the transformative potential of AI. We believe in the power of AI to revolutionise project delivery, making it more efficient, predictive, and adaptable to the dynamic demands of the modern world.
What We Offer Through our insightful newsletters, curated content on LinkedIn, and engaging discussions, Project Flux serves as a resource for professionals seeking to stay ahead in their field. We offer a blend of practical advice, thought leadership, and the latest developments in AI and construction technology.
Connect with us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates. Together, let's shape the future of construction and project delivery!