Evolutions in computer vision and AI technology are about to disrupt the construction industry on a global scale. The construction industry is constantly seeking for better equipment and more efficient machines to improve work productivity. However, the rate of technological and innovation adoption has been slow.

“Looking at construction projects today, I do not see much difference in the execution of the work in comparison to 50 years ago.”

Source: John M. Beck, Executive Chairman, Aecon Group, Canada

Construction works often face problems in tracking progress, low productivity, safety compliance, and wastage. These problems can be avoided by adopting computer vision technology at worksites. 

This article aims to help you to better understand how we can apply computer vision at construction sites and what are the benefits of doing so.

What Is Computer Vision?

Computer vision is a computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) field that allows computers to recognize and comprehend visual images and videos. Specifically, computer vision can perform tasks in the same manner as human vision. This includes “seeing” and interpreting the images and providing useful insights. The technology creates neural networks that aid systems in image processing with the use of cameras, sensors, cloud-based software, deep learning algorithms, and AI technology. Once the model is fully trained, the system will be able to perform facial, body, and object recognition.

Computer Vision in Construction

1. Monitoring Progress At Worksites

For the construction industry, it is often a tedious process for project managers to provide accurate and up-to-date progress reviews as workplace monitoring is done manually and physically. The inaccurate review is due to frequent deviations from the projected timeline, rework of defects, and late acknowledgment of these deviations. As a result, it restricts the ability of the businesses to take prompt mitigating steps. This would also lead to severe financial and reputational consequences.

“Large-scale projects on average experience 20 months delay in completion and 80% over budget.”

Source: McKinsey & Company

Remote and real-time monitoring enables you to track construction progress without being on-site, reducing the need for manual inspections. It provides accurate, real-time insights into project quality and development, allowing immediate detection and correction of issues. This helps minimize delays, improve cost control, and keep projects on track.

2. Monitoring Workers

According to Turner and Townsend International construction market survey (ICMS) in 2018, labor shortages are becoming an issue for the construction industry globally. Furthermore, the ICMS in 2019 also noted that two-thirds of the 64 global markets surveyed are facing a skills shortage.

The construction industry is currently facing a significant manpower shortage globally. Thus, it is important to utilize human resources efficiently. Moreover, inefficient coordination of the labor force and task delegation can also result in significant costs.

On top of monitoring the workplace, computer vision can also monitor the presence of your workers through facial and body recognition. The technology allows you to oversee the workers’ productivity and identify workers’ idle time. As a result, you can improve workflow by removing any bottlenecks and idle time, thus better utilizing human resources. Over time, the deep learning algorithms will be able to provide you with optimal planning in manpower coordination and task delegation.

3. Ensuring Safety Compliance

All construction workers must follow safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment (PPE), but manual monitoring by safety inspectors is limited and cannot cover all areas at all times. Computer vision helps overcome this by automatically detecting PPE violations such as missing helmets, safety vests, or proper footwear. When a safety breach is identified, the system immediately alerts inspectors, enabling quick action to prevent potential accidents.

In addition, during pandemics, computer vision can monitor compliance with health measures like mask-wearing and safe distancing. With rules requiring workers to maintain at least 1 meter of distance and wear masks at all times, this technology ensures continuous enforcement and reduces the risk of virus transmission at the worksite.

4. Reducing Material Wastage

Material management is an important aspect of project management as it accounts for the majority of cost input in construction. Improper management of material used during a project can result in high and avoidable costs. For instance, cement is often wasted at construction sites due to poor storage and handling. Specifically, workers tend to use only materials that are close to their work area, and excess materials stored at other levels will be wasted.

There is a way for you to minimize this material wastage with computer vision. The technology can help you to track materials stored on site. Not only will this help you to improve project performance by identifying the under-utilized materials, it will also help you to reduce material wastage and result in better cost control over time.

5. 3D Scanning Of Infrastructures

Computer vision can also be used to create as-built models of existing structures. This is especially useful for construction projects that involve renovating or expanding an existing building.

Point cloud algorithms are a way to understand the 3D shape of an object or room, with many use cases in architecture and engineering. They work by taking pictures of an object from many different angles and then combining all of the pictures into one 3D image. Point clouds can be used to create a model of an object, or to analyze the distance between objects.

6. Construction Vehicle Identification

Automated number plate recognition (ANPR) is useful at construction sites to help control traffic. Computer vision applications can analyze real-time video feeds from common CCTV or security cameras to recognize license plate numbers.

The information can help managers track vehicles entering and exiting a construction site. This helps to ensure safety by knowing who is entering or leaving different areas – without depending on human operators. Automated number plate recognition can also identify vehicles without proper permits or that are involved in suspicious activities.

Transforming Construction With AI

In summary, computer vision technology allows you to perform remote and real-time monitoring of the workplace and workers, ensure safety compliance, and reduce material wastage. Ultimately, implementing computer vision at construction worksites will help you to improve the project’s progress tracking, increase productivity, ensure a safe working environment, and achieve cost efficiency.

At groundup.ai, we will support and guide you through the process of implementing such systems into your business. Using computer vision, AI, and deep learning algorithms, we can efficiently leverage data to gain valuable insights and create evolutionary changes to your construction project management. Furthermore, we develop customizable AI solutions to fit your strategic needs and wants.

Have a chat with us to see how we can help you to achieve better efficiency in your construction project management.

Request a call from us today!