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Navigating the Future: AI's Role in Shaping Modern Project Delivery

From AI's Impact on Construction Safety to the Battle for AI Chip Dominance

Author

James Garner
April 15, 2024

This Week’s Wisdom:

For those navigating the complex landscape of AI in project delivery, understanding the hurdles data teams face is key. Of all the pain points, 96% say that delivering immediate business impacts through AI, a demanding yet vital goal. Data security, managing unstructured language data, and the triad of cost, complexity, and risk are significant concerns, cited as top pain point for 92%, 91%, and 90% of teams respectively.

Regulatory compliance and seamless data access are also on the list, each at 89%. Meanwhile, 83% of teams are working hard to build scalable capabilities to stay ahead in a fast-evolving field. Finally, ensuring AI's trust, understanding, and explainability is a challenge for 81%, indicating a crucial need for transparent and user-friendly AI systems.

These pain points are the current hurdles facing data teams in implementing AI. Addressing these areas with targeted solutions can pave the way for more resilient and successful data teams.

Quote of the Week

“We are narrow thinkers, we are noisy thinkers, and it is very easy to improve upon us.”

Spotlight Event

Mark your calendars for a pivotal session on 'Data Analytics and AI in Government Project Delivery.' Our host, Erin Hewitt, introduces Karina Singh, Director of Insight & Professions at the Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA), who will unveil the IPA's fresh perspectives from their latest report.

Discover the transformative impact of data analytics and artificial intelligence as Karina presents the report's key findings and actionable recommendations, illustrating how data can be a game-changer in project delivery within the government sector. The session will illuminate the IPA's strategy to infuse data analytics into UK projects, enhancing decision-making and project management efficiency.

Also contributing their insights are Andy Murray, Executive Director of the Major Projects Association, and James Garner, Global Head of Data, Insights & Analytics at Gleeds.

This is an unmissable gathering for professionals in construction, project delivery, and digital innovation, offering a chance to engage with IPA's thought leadership and discuss the integration of these findings into your projects.

Come, enrich your understanding, and network with peers at Gleeds' London office. Dive into the evolution of data-driven project delivery and see how AI can shape the future of government projects.

Event Details:

Location: Gleeds, 95 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6XF

Focus: Leveraging data analytics and AI to revolutionise government project delivery.

SOLD OUT

For more insights, delve into the backgrounds of PDA Task Force members and understand the technology's role in project management and its societal implications. Regrettably, this event has reached capacity, and tickets are no longer available. Keep an eye out for similar events and future opportunities to be at the forefront of the industry.

What You Need to Know This Week

The Next Wave in AI Technology: Advanced Chips

"In technology, those who own the infrastructure rule the future," reflects the ongoing battle in the artificial intelligence sector. Much like essential infrastructure in a bustling city, specialised chips are crucial for powering the demanding AI models that are shaping our digital world.

Leading tech giants, Intel and Meta, are intensifying their efforts to challenge Nvidia's dominance in the specialised chip market:

Intel has recently unveiled its Gaudi 3 AI chip, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of AI model training for technology firms. When compared to Nvidia’s latest H100 GPU, the Gaudi 3 is reportedly 50% faster and delivers up to 1.7 times the performance in training large language models (LLMs).

Why this is significant: The Gaudi 3 chip's compatibility with various software types could democratise access to high-powered AI technology, enabling more startups to bypass Nvidia’s expensive CUDA platform.

Meta has also stepped into the arena with a new version of its Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA). This chip is set to boost the AI capabilities of its platforms including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. While the MTIA may not match the power of its competitors’ chips, it provides Meta with the autonomy to use its in-house technology instead of depending solely on Nvidia.

Nvidia is currently under pressure, with its stock value dipping approximately 10% from a recent peak. However, the dynamics of the tech giants are ever-evolving, and with the anticipated release of new powerful AI models from OpenAI and others this summer, the competition in the chip industry is expected to intensify further.

Flux Feed: Curating the Latest Industry News

AI in Construction and Project Delivery

Digital twin technology has been found to reduce energy consumption by 23% in a study conducted by IES and the University of Liverpool. The technology allows for real-time evaluation and monitoring of energy consumption in buildings, leading to cost savings and improved operational performance.

Architects, engineers, builders, and owners are using GIS technology to improve workflows and increase collaboration in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. By adding location intelligence to design, AEC firms can understand projects in context and deliver more efficient solutions.

GIS integration with BIM allows for better collaboration and a more predictable outcome, while digital twins and reality mapping provide virtual representations of the built and natural environment.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to transform the construction industry, with companies integrating advanced AI systems into their operations. AI has the potential to improve worker safety by monitoring worksites for hazards and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

It can also make the industry more accessible for workers with disabilities. However, companies should carefully consider the costs and benefits of integrating AI into their business models.

The increasing demands of future occupants in the construction industry are discussed by Mark Seaman, head of Samsung B2B Integrated Offering Team. He highlights the importance of smart technology in meeting customer expectations and ensuring connectivity throughout modern homes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) wearable devices are revolutionising workplace health and safety in the construction sector. AI technology helps reduce workplace accidents and provides better protection for workers at high risk of injury.

These devices collect detailed data that can inform future health and safety policies.

The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve processes in the structural engineering sector. It highlights areas where AI is making significant advancements, including design optimization, structural health monitoring, construction management and scheduling, and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The article emphasises the potential benefits of incorporating AI technology in structural engineering, such as enhanced efficiency and improved outcomes.

AI impact on work

The Top 100 AI for Work platforms have been identified through data analysis, showcasing the variety of AI tools that can enhance productivity in the workplace. The platforms cover categories such as image and video generators, writing and editing aids, research tools, and audio generators.

These tools demonstrate the potential of AI to improve work processes and efficiency.

OpenAI and Meta have developed new AI models that are capable of "reasoning." These models have the ability to understand and generate more complex forms of language and are a step towards achieving artificial general intelligence.

Microsoft has announced plans to open a new AI office in London focused on research and development. The company will be hiring "exceptional individuals" for various AI roles, although the exact number of jobs created has not been disclosed.

Microsoft is heavily invested in OpenAI and will collaborate closely with the organisation on AI advancements. The move is seen as a significant vote of confidence in the UK's AI sector.

Tech News

Apple has highlighted the various enterprise use-cases for its Vision Pro headset, including customisable workspaces, collaboration on 3D designs, employee training, and remote fieldwork. 🏢👥🔧

The high-resolution displays and processing capabilities of the headset allow for the creation and manipulation of digital twins of products, facilities, and processes. 🖥️💡🔄

Apple has also partnered with industry leaders to encourage the development and integration of the Vision Pro in business workflows. 🤝💼

Overall, the Vision Pro offers enhanced productivity and integration with popular applications like SAP Analytics Cloud and Microsoft 365. 📈💻

(Source: MacRumors) 💻📰

Apple is set to revamp its entire Mac product line, including the MacBook Air and Mac Pro, with a new family of in-house processors called the 🍎 M4 chip. The company aims to boost sluggish computer sales and highlight artificial intelligence capabilities. 💻🚀

🎉 Google's Gemini Pro 1.5, a generative AI model, is now available in public preview on Vertex AI. The model can process up to 1 million tokens, allowing for 📚🔬 analysis of code libraries, reasoning across lengthy documents, and holding long conversations with chatbots. The model is 🌍🌐 multilingual and can understand text, images, videos, and audio streams. Early users are leveraging the large context window for tasks such as mortgage underwriting and automating metadata tagging on media archives. Gemini 1.5 Pro is being optimised to reduce latency. The model will also power new features in Google's Code Assist tool. 💪💻

Former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are collaborating to design an AI-powered personal device and are currently seeking funding. The device will not resemble a smartphone, and it's possible that it will be similar to Altman's previous investment in the Humane AI pin, a wearable AI device without a screen. 📱

• Jony Ive and Sam Altman are partnering to design an AI-powered personal device 🔬
• The device will not resemble a smartphone 🚫📱
• Altman has previously invested in the Humane AI pin ⌚️💡

The article discusses the state of generative AI in 2024, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. The author argues that while there may be decreasing interest and hype surrounding AI, advancements in task-specific productivity enhancements and the continuous development of state-of-the-art models suggest that the AI revolution is still progressing. However, concerns are raised about security doubts, low public interest, and the potential damage caused by overhype and exaggerated promises. The author concludes by suggesting that only time will tell if generative AI will become a true revolution or be forgotten like other technologies. 🔍💡⚙️📈📉🔄

Please note that the emojis are added for visual enhancement and should not be considered as part of the original article.

Meta has confirmed that it plans to release Llama 3, its open-source language model, within the next month. The company hopes this next-generation model will address previous criticisms of limited capabilities and broaden its range of question answering. 🚀 Llama 3 is expected to have about 140 billion parameters, twice as many as its predecessor. Meta also aims to power multiple products with Llama 3 and play into wider favor with developers. However, Meta is staying cautious and has not yet released Emu, its image generation tool. 🖼️✋

Here is the latest Linked In Newsletter

GPT of the Week

Enhance your productivity and streamline your workload with The Mavy, an AI-powered personal executive assistant. This tool offers exceptional management of your schedule, task prioritisation, email handling, and meeting preparations, ensuring your day is both manageable and efficient.

While maximising The Mavy's capabilities involves a subscription to Mavex starting at $25/month, you can still enjoy many features without any financial commitment. For non-account holders, The Mavy assists with daily planning—just provide your to-do list, priorities, and schedule, and it'll craft a detailed plan for your day, explaining each decision. Additional free services include drafting emails, setting up meeting agendas and talking points, offering productivity tips, and guidance on decision-making and work-life balance.

Opting for a paid Mavex account elevates The Mavy's functionality, providing daily summaries, calendar management, tailored reminders, and proactive communication facilitation, all aligned with your preferences and availability.

New Tools in Tech

  • Canva's Magic Design tool is transforming the way we create visual content. With its intuitive interface, users can effortlessly generate custom designs for presentations, social media graphics, and more. Magic Design streamlines creativity by automating the design process, offering an array of templates and design elements that cater to all levels of design proficiency. Ideal for project managers and teams looking to enhance their visual communication. Experience the simplicity of design with Canva Magic Design at Canva Magic Design.

  • ConstructAI is paving the way for smart communication in the construction industry. Their latest offering, a specialised AI-powered chat session, allows project teams to obtain real-time assistance on complex issues. Whether it's risk assessment, resource allocation or compliance queries, this platform provides instant, data-driven responses, streamlining decision-making and problem-solving processes. Tailor-made for surveyors, architects, and builders requiring rapid, reliable answers. Engage with ConstructAI Chat at ConstructAI Chat Session.

Podcasts: Must-Subscribe List

AI's Great Expectations vs. Industry Reality

Dive into a fascinating discussion on AI with Nicki Cons in our latest podcast episode. We explore the disparity between AI's rapid rise and industry expectations, the transformative presence of AI in the workplace, and Apple's teasing of groundbreaking generative AI technology. Plus, a critical examination of project management's reliance on AI, the accessibility of AI in design, and a reflection on the timeless value of legacy content in the digital realm. A must-listen for professionals seeking a balanced perspective on AI's future in tech.

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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!