Empowering our people, not replacing them:

Artificial Intelligence in Construction

Artificial intelligence is already part of our everyday lives, often without us even realizing it. It shapes the recommendations we see on our phones, powers features in our vehicles and analyzes data collected by our smart devices. And its role in the way we work continues to grow.

At Pomerleau, AI is finding its place across different areas of our business, from project management and communications to design, data analysis and job site operations. But our approach remains the same: using AI to empower our people, not replace them.

In an industry as complex as construction, where every project comes with its own challenges and countless decisions to make, human expertise remains essential. AI complements that expertise by automating certain tasks, making information easier to analyze and giving our teams new tools to make informed decisions.

So, what does that look like across the different areas of our industry?

AI on construction job sites

On our job sites, the expertise, judgement and adaptability of our people are essential. AI can support that know-how by making certain tasks easier and providing teams with better access to information.

Computer vision and construction progress tracking

Computer vision, for example, can help identify certain risks or equipment on a job site. Data collected through cameras, sensors, drones or robots can also help document project progress. 3D scans and 360-degree images can then be compared with digital models to identify discrepancies or track how work is progressing.

Construction equipment and operator assistance

Equipment is evolving as well. Some semi-automated machinery and AI-assisted systems can analyze multiple parameters at once to support operators in their work. AI becomes another tool that complements the expertise already present in the field.

 Artificial intelligence in design and BIM

Architects, engineers and designers already work with applications that incorporate artificial intelligence in different ways.

Generative design and simulation

Generative models can make it easier to explore and compare different design options, while simulation tools can help assess factors such as structural behaviour or energy consumption.

BIM coordination and inconsistency detection

In BIM, AI can also support coordination between architectural plans, structural systems and mechanical and electrical equipment, helping teams identify potential inconsistencies earlier. By automating some repetitive tasks, these tools can give teams more time to focus on collaboration, analysis and complex problem-solving.

AI in construction project management

Construction projects generate a tremendous amount of information, from estimates, schedules and costs to historical data, tender documents, suppliers and market trends. AI offers new ways to process, compare and interpret that information.

Cost estimation and construction scheduling

Estimators can draw on data from previous projects, while planners can use predictive models to refine certain duration estimates. Other tools can facilitate document analysis, cost categorization or comparisons between different scenarios.

Risk analysis and project portfolio insights

On a broader scale, AI can also help managers and leaders identify trends, anticipate certain risks and analyze project portfolios. Spending less time searching for and compiling information means more time to understand it and make informed decisions.

AI applications in business support functions

AI is not only changing how we design and deliver our projects. At Pomerleau, its potential extends to different areas of our business, including communications, where it can support certain stages of research, ideation, analysis and content creation.

How AI is used will naturally vary from one role to another. A project team and a communications team will not use the technology in the same way, but the objective remains the same: putting technology to work for our people and their expertise.

The future of construction careers with AI

Artificial intelligence will continue to shape the construction industry and, more broadly, the way we work. Some tasks will evolve, new tools will emerge and new skills will become increasingly important.

This evolution will require us to learn how to work with AI and understand both its possibilities and its limitations.

At Pomerleau, we see AI as a way to enhance what our people can do, not replace them. Technology can analyze thousands of data points, automate certain tasks or uncover new possibilities. But it is our people who bring the judgement, experience, creativity and ideas that turn those possibilities into real solutions.