"AI in the Built Environment: Friend or Foe?", a panel discussion in partnership with Place North West

Our latest panel discussion event, "AI in the Built Environment: Friend or Foe?" was held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Liverpool in partnership with Place North West.

With the help of Place North West Editor Julia Hatmaker, and industry experts including our own digital construction manager Owen Ashton, the event delved into the current state of AI, explored its future applications, and discussed how built environment industries can incorporate this technology in a safe and ethical manner.

AI in practice

Another presentation during the event was delivered by Yazan Qarout, a senior research engineer at MTC. Qarout shed light on the fundamental aspects of AI, acknowledging the complexity of the term itself and the divergent interpretations people have. For the purposes of the discussion, Qarout proposed his own definition, describing AI as the simulation of human intelligence using data-driven processes built upon mathematical models and computer science.

Qarout shared several applications of AI in the built environment, including visual inspection technology combined with drones for high-rise building inspections, accident detection, and monitoring personal protective equipment on construction sites. AI also offers significant value in optimising building designs, energy consumption forecasting, and modelling.

Qarout emphasised the dynamic nature of AI, highlighting the rapid pace of advancements in the field. Staying abreast of the latest developments is crucial for the industry to harness the full potential of AI effectively.

A tool for sustainability

The discussion expanded to the topic of AI's role in sustainability, particularly in achieving net-zero goals. Steve Nesbitt, the chief technologist at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, expressed his belief that AI can have a profound impact on the built environment's sustainability efforts.

Nesbitt cited the technology's ability to forecast energy usage by analysing extensive data sets, such as historical weather patterns and a building's current infrastructure. He emphasised the significance of understanding where the largest gains and impacts can be made through scenario analysis facilitated by AI, ultimately leading to necessary policy changes.

Owen Ashton, digital construction manager at Morgan Sindall, echoed Nesbitt's sentiments on AI's potential for sustainability. By leveraging AI and generative tools effectively, Ashton highlighted the transformative impact that could be achieved, even with a slight increase in design investment.

He explored the technology's capacity to assist in minimising waste throughout all stages of a building’s lifecycle, right through to the re-use or recycling of materials upon its eventual demolition. Ashton referenced work currently being undertaken by his team in this area as part of a Research and Development partnership known as RECONMATIC.

Ethics of AI

The panel discussion also delved into the ethical considerations surrounding AI.

Caro Ames, the data science strategy lead at Arup, emphasised the importance of human involvement and the need for a "human in the loop" approach to AI development and use. This approach acknowledges that AI can enhance job performance and cost-effectiveness but places the ultimate responsibility on humans, recognising that algorithms are not infallible.

Transparency emerged as another ethical concern, as highlighted by Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani, chair of robotics and AI at the University of Birmingham. Nefti-Meziani stressed the importance of knowing the data sources and algorithms employed by AI systems to ensure human validation and verification.

The panel agreed on the necessity of government regulation and a safety framework to govern the future of AI. However, Ashton pointed out the challenge of regulating an ever-advancing field like AI, suggesting the need for a flexible and comprehensive framework.

Is lack of understanding breeding a culture of fear?

The panelists also reflected on the industry's slow exploration of AI's potential, attributing it in part to a knowledge gap and the requirement for improved skills and data availability. Nefti-Meziani called for greater government involvement in promoting AI integration across different business sectors, emphasising the need for a long-term strategy.

In response to a question about dystopian futures and the fear of AI surpassing human capabilities, the panelists expressed a consensus that such "evil" AI scenarios were not imminent. Nesbitt acknowledged concerns about the potential for AI-enabled technology to outperform humans, but he emphasised the unique capabilities of human intelligence and the power of collaboration. He believes that by harnessing AI as a toolset and leveraging human networking and collaboration, the industry can achieve its aspirations without the need for an AI super being.

Nefti-Meziani concurred with this sentiment and dispelled any concerns of a future reminiscent of Skynet - the fictional self-aware Artificial Intelligence of the Terminator movies. Nefti-Meziani acknowledged the interconnected nature of robotics and AI, but reassured that humans remain in control as they are the ones responsible for programming and directing the robots.

Summary

The event showcased the current state and future prospects of AI in the built environment, highlighting its potential for sustainability, the importance of ethics and transparency, and the need for a proactive approach in embracing and regulating AI. Guests, who represented a cross section of disciplines across the built environment, gained valuable insight into the transformative possibilities and responsibilities associated with incorporating robotics and AI across the sector.