CITB Research

January 2021

A CHALLENGE
AND AN
OPPORTUNITY:
Artificial Intelligence
and Automation in the
Construction Industry
Contents Introduction

The coronavirus pandemic, Brexit and the

decarbonisation agenda are radical, game-changing
forces that are already reshaping our society. In turn,
they are changing the way the industries that drive our
economy must function if they are to stay fit for purpose.

Introduction  3 One of the biggest industries in the UK, employing over 2.7 The Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC’s) ‘Roadmap to
million people and contributing 8% of output, construction is Recovery’, published in June 2020 identified the adoption of
The Challenge  4 central to the economy. As such, the industry will be key to digital and manufacturing technologies – such as the use of
the rebuilding effort required once the current crisis is over. offsite or ‘modern methods of construction’ (MMC) as key to
Case Study: Kier 6 what it called the ‘reinvent’ phase of the recovery from the
But COVID-19, Brexit and decarbonisation are not the only Covid-19 pandemic. The CLC predicted that adopting these
Case Study: Sublime consortium 7 engines of change in today’s world. Technological innovation technologies at scale could be worth as much as £15bn per
is advancing at an ever-more rapid pace and, for our industry, year to the industry through increased efficiencies.
Is the sector ready?  8 some of this innovation will revolutionise what we do and
how we do it. In the CITB’s strategic plan for the next five years, we also
The role of CITB  10 identified the development of digital skills and processes,
A new cohort of workers with new skills will be required, including automation and offsite manufacturing, as key
What CITB is doing  11 while the existing workforce will need to adapt and, in many ingredients to modernising the sector and its workforce.
instances, retrain.
Case Study: Costain  13 But how far along the path to a more technologically enabled
This is an enormous challenge. But it is also an enormous industry are we? How prepared is the workforce for the
opportunity to open construction to a broader, more diverse set potentially seismic changes that are to come? And what role
of people, able to apply themselves to build the infrastructure can CITB play in making sure the sector is up to the challenge?
and homes we need for the 21st century.
To answer some of these questions CITB has carried out a
Indeed, if anything, the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for major research project, combining data from a survey of 1,500
technology driven changes to the construction sector that have employers with qualitative research involving focus groups and
been taking place – albeit slowly – over the past decade. in-depth interviews.

Progress over the past 10 years has been driven in large part Our findings reveal that the construction sector has so far
by the widespread adoption of Building Information Modeling produced an uneven approach to AI and automation, with larger
(BIM). And while BIM has served as a great demonstration companies and those in certain sub-sectors much more ready
of the transformative power of technology, it is likely that to adapt to the demands of new technology. But they also show
more widespread digitalisation, automation and artificial that the sector is gearing itself up for the challenges it faces.
intelligence (AI) will be the technologies that help the sector
make the next leap forward.

2 3
The Challenge

Even before Covid-19

effectively brought
the global economy to
a standstill in spring
2020, construction
was facing a period of
unprecedented change.

The decarbonisation agenda will require an enormous effort Decarbonisation Post-Grenfell safety Safety and automation
in terms of both investment and training. According to the
UK Green Building Council, the built environment as a whole, Achieving net zero will challenge the construction industry It’s also clear that the Grenfell Tower Inquiry will result in new Safety should always be the primary focus for any contractor –
accounts for 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint. And in a number of ways. These challenges will not only need safety requirements for tall buildings. This is another area in large or small. This was the case before COVID-19 hit, but the
while it’s hard to establish an exact figure, it is estimated that organisation and invention but will also require us to become which increased and better use of AI and data management pandemic has made it even clearer.
an annual investment of between £15-25bn could be required more efficient. Office for National Statistics (ONS) data from has the potential to make a huge difference.
in properties and infrastructure if we are to meet the 2018 cites UK construction as the least productive in the The automation of some processes – whether in the context
Government’s 2050 target of net zero emissions. national economy, a full 20 percentage points lower in terms Increased use of sensors, for example, could greatly improve of modular construction, offsite or MMC – will contribute
of output per hour than the UK average. the monitoring of structural integrity, while better recording to a safer environment for our workforce. In its Roadmap
In addition to this, safety has never been higher up the agenda and use of data will help pinpoint issues with components and to Recovery, the CLC identified the implementation of the
for construction. This is not just about the workers’ health – Increased digitalisation, better data collection and the use of materials and identify which buildings might be affected. ‘presumption of offsite’ in public sector jobs and the increasing
both physical and mental – but also about the safety of the machine learning technology can help in two ways: it can use of offsite in the private sector as key actions for reinventing
finished product. The ongoing Grenfell Tower inquiry has shone help decarbonise the construction process itself but it can If Grenfell proves to be a wake-up call for construction, AI the sector. This will help not only to deliver a safer environment,
an unforgiving light on safety and procurement practices in also help address the huge maintenance and improvement is likely to become one of the key tools to help it modernise but also to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
parts of the industry and has demonstrated the urgent need for challenge that the industry faces as the race to retrofit gathers itself. And with the draft Safety Bill likely to place an increased
change. At the same time, the cost of fire remediation work for in the lead up to 2050. onus on the maintenance of accurate records, improved data There is something of a virtuous circle at play when it comes
residential developers post-Grenfell is growing all the time. collection and sharing will become even more vital. to automation in construction. It can lead to a safer working
AI, particularly where it is used to produce better data-led environment and, as a byproduct, a more efficient delivery of
AI and automation can play a part in addressing all decision-making, is a proven booster of productivity. On a macro projects. Meanwhile an improved safety record will also help to
these challenges. level, this could involve project management systems that use attract more people with more diverse skillsets into the industry,
AI to predict how likely projects are to be completed on time. again helping to boost productivity.
At a more granular level, wearable trackers can help enhance
logistics and the management of onsite activity to improve
safety and enhance productivity.

4 5
Case Study Case Study

Kier: nPlan Sublime consortium:

Augmented
Worker System
Tier one contractor Kier is working alongside Cambridge
University and software developer nPlan to develop and
use software that detects patterns in task performance and
schedule adherence based on data from previous projects.
Augmented software specialist Sublime has worked
nPlan’s AI program uses this data to assess the likelihood with a consortium of industry stakeholders to develop
that individual tasks within an overall project plan will be the Augmented Worker System (AWS) — a platform
delivered on time and how that assessment will impact that uses AR technology to improve several aspects of
the overall project timescale. The programme plays a key site management.
role in identifying risk and helping clients make decisions

There are already

around commissioning. AWS is a great example of collaboration being used to drive
efficiencies. It is being developed by Sublime along with Laing

many examples of
The program demonstrates the key role that collaboration O’Rourke, the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at
can play in helping contractors and clients make better the University of Sheffield, Strathclyde University’s Advanced

employers using
use of data. That’s because contractors that sign up to use the Forming Research Centre and Pinnacle Business Solutions,
software agree to share their data with the developer so that with funding from Innovate UK.

AI and automation
the AI algorithm can learn from data on as many projects as
possible and improve future performance. It is also an example of how a platform-based solution, as

technologies to
opposed to a stand-alone point model, can help solve the
Kier is using the tool to monitor projects and appraise delivery twin problems of scalability and change management, and in

improve the way

plans proposed by clients. Fellow major contractors Costain, doing so get crucial buy-in from industry and employees.
The BAM Group and Skanska are also investigating the

they work, drive

possibility of using nPlan. AWS explores how various data driven augmented reality (AR)
applications can be used across the whole lifecycle of a

efficiencies and
It is hoped that the program can provide more certainty for project by creating a mechanism – or platform – in which
clients but also better financial security for contractors at a time they can be integrated and connected with one another and

deliver better
when margins are tight and the economic future of the sector is existing software systems.
uncertain. If widespread adoption follows, nPlan could reduce

outcomes for
delays on large or high-profile projects and in doing so improve The system focuses on six areas of improvement: real
the image of the construction sector as a whole. time collaboration and engagement; digital guidance;

employees and
process monitoring and control; smart site and site safety;
asset management and maintenance; and through-life

for clients.
performance. These are, in essence, different working
processes where the greater collection and use of data through
AWS can enhance efficiency, productivity and safety. Laing
O’Rourke has been testing AWS since the start of 2020, and the
firm is looking at how it can use the system to improve KPIs.

6 7
Is the sector ready?

Our research paints a mixed picture

In our survey, which was completed before the pandemic hit, Skills of the future
only 3% of employers said they used AI and less than 10% said

of the construction industry on

they used automation or related tools such as augmented reality Whether it is a short-term or long-term process, technologies
(AR), virtual reality (VR) or drones. However, there is a good such as AI and automation are going to change the nature

the adoption of automation and AI

chance that the figures for AI are lower than they should be as of the construction workforce. The number of jobs currently
AI technology is very often embedded in another program, described as skilled worker roles is likely to decrease over the

technologies. It also shows that

such as a data analytics or diagnostics tool. next five to ten years. In 2017, Mace predicted that there would
be a substantial drop off in the requirement for skilled worker

different forms of these technologies

That said, when presented with a longer list of technologies roles by 2040, with specialist jobs such as bricklaying and
(including more common technology such as WiFi or mobile plastering most at risk.

are expected to have quite varied

computing onsite) three quarters of employers said they used
at least one, while 14% use more than five. In the shorter term demand for skilled work will continue as

impacts on construction.
the need for quality assurance work, for example, remains.
The survey also found that this group of ‘early adopters’ of But over the medium term, defined as three to five years, there
technology were more likely to include medium or large will be an increase in demand for other roles. These include
companies, with smaller ones slower on the uptake. Nearly data analysts, software developers, technology maintenance
three quarters (63%) of companies with 250 or more employers staff and project managers.
said they use at least five of the technologies we listed in
the survey, but that proportion drops to 31% for firms with This kind of change, even a few years into the future, will mean
25-99 employees and 15% for those with 10-24 employees. that training needs to be adapted in the present to prepare the
Broadly, the same relationship holds true specifically with AI new generation of workers for what the industry will look like
and automation, which have been taken up more regularly over the next 10 to 20 years. Meanwhile, the current cohort of
so far by larger employers. workers will need additional training to develop new digital
skills, with our research suggesting that 50% of the workforce
will need retraining in one form or another.
Long-term vs short-term
Operatives will need to be trained in specific technologies.
The level of take-up for these potentially transformative However, the fast-paced nature of technological change
technologies tallies with a 2018 report from consultancy means that this will often need to be done on the job.
McKinsey. It predicted that the near-term adoption of AI and
automation in construction would be limited. The areas most Both new entrants and existing staff will need to be trained
likely to see increased take up were identified as: to a higher standard in IT literacy and security and in data
handling and analysis skills. Our research found that most
 R and AR used to create and compare planning models
V employers felt these skills would be useful across broad
Infrared and laser imaging on drones to create detailed ranges of technologies. However, they will also require systems
maps of sites and builds of accreditation of competence, which may in themselves be
Sensors to monitor building deterioration and wearable digitally based assessments.
sensors to monitor onsite workers

Although the report was written pre-COVID-19, it is likely

that the pandemic and the need for safer working
conditions will accelerate the adoption at least of the
first two of these technologies.

In the longer term, McKinsey predicts that robotics, assistive

technologies and AI will become more commonplace
as costs come down and safety issues are addressed.

8 9
The role of CITB

With the skills needs of the sector changing

in perhaps a more fundamental way than they
have for a generation, CITB has a crucial part
to play in helping training providers and
employers shape this new environment.

The evidence we have accumulated through this study CITB also has a crucial role in promoting construction as a
shows which skills and competencies will be most valuable career to an ever-wider group of people, including graduates
to employers that are likely to lean more and more on AI and in disciplines not traditionally associated with construction.
automation in the coming years.
As with all our work, through operating in partnership with What CITB is doing
Part of our job is to help shape policy in this area so that employers, further education colleges and universities, our
qualifications and courses are fit for purpose. This includes influence can be stronger. Together, we hope we can use our
using our influence to ensure that college courses and collective voice and network of contacts to guide government
apprenticeship programmes feature modules on the policy and regulation to factor in and enable the greater use
use of new technologies. We also want to see schemes of technology in our industry. Encourage collaboration Support the supply chain and SMEs
like the Construction Skills Certification Scheme start to In the implementation of new technologies, data sharing will CITB’s research suggests there is a mismatch between the
include references to training in AI, automation, MMC and be crucial to help AI and machine learning drive efficiencies. use of technology among larger employers and smaller
other new technologies. But to get there the industry needs to work together as one ones. The industry and CITB should work together to make
to focus on recognising and achieving the priorities that drive sure supply chains and smaller contractors adopt common
the greatest change with the greatest speed. approaches to technology. The industry’s structure - with a
large proportion of micro employers as well as large numbers
In support of this, CITB is working collaboratively across of self employed workers - sometimes makes adopting new
industry and with influential stakeholders to support initiatives technology and practice difficult.
that are driving change. This includes supporting work being
led by the Construction Leadership Council, CITB is funding a number of pilot projects aimed at providing
the Centre for a Digital Built Britain, the Construction digital leadership training. Several of these projects focus
Innovation Hub and others. specifically on the needs of SMEs and the supply chain.

Policy and regulation Drive attitudinal change

Government policy and regulation can support the expansion AI, automation and other transformational technologies should
and development of training to embrace new skills and be seen as essential tools in improving the industry, rather than
attitudinal and behavioural competencies. ‘nice to have’ additions.

By working with governments on skills policy and by CITB analysis and forecasting will continue to push for a
continuing to support the setting of underlying standards, greater understanding of industry needs and work to identify
CITB will help ensure that future training is high-quality, the opportunities that will guide change. CITB will use this
transferable and relevant for a digitalised industry. insight to work with other influencers, employers and training
providers to maintain the push for modernisation and develop
a wider range of competencies for the existing and future
workforce to adapt to technological transformation.
We’ll also continue to engage with industry, in collaboration
with others, to communicate the potential for, and benefits
of, change and the need to bridge the skills gap. The
effort made to communicate the CITB report Unlocking
Construction’s Digital Future has already helped promote
the need for change.

10 11
What CITB is doing (continued)

Update training courses Widen the appeal Case Study

Further and higher education providers will need to CITB has a huge role to play in attracting a new cohort of
progressively update training to ensure students understand young people into the construction industry and communicating
their role in a data-influenced working environment. This means the diversity of opportunity in construction.
developing human skills; it isn’t about training on how to use a
specific technological solution. CITB will support activities (e.g. through initiatives like

Costain: Automated Site Diary

Go Construct) that will highlight the new roles that are
CITB’s support for government policy will help with this drive. needed and the skills required, particularly STEM skills
But we’ll also support those who are leading the development and the requirement for digital, programming, project
of FE and HE curricula. And we’ll work with apprenticeship management and technological expertise.
training providers to ensure that apprentices are not left This is expected to increase construction’s appeal to a
behind, particularly those in specialist skill areas. digitally native generation interested in working with new The diary replaces the traditional paper version by allowing
CITB is investing in pilots of new ways to provide training. technologies such as drones, augmented reality, imaging, data to be gathered on the go and in real time through onsite
Provision of training through e-learning has increased data capture and digital twins. mobile applications. The software produces progress reports
exponentially and improved significantly in quality. on individual tasks, helping workers share information about
CITB will continue to support these developments. Invest in short-term courses onsite issues. Some details – such as weather data, time stamps
In addition, we are investing in a range of pilots to test Training to adapt the sector to the increased use of AI and and location – are added automatically.
immersive learning technologies and that will enable others automation technologies is both a long- and a short-term project.
to develop courses using virtual and augmented reality. These reports help project managers review progress
In the short-term, CITB is investing in a number of pilot and understand at an earlier stage where project costs
Review standards and qualifications projects to deliver digital leadership training. These include or time might overrun.
Standards and qualifications will need to reflect a workplace those that support shorter training courses, often using
that will increasingly incorporate technological developments. e-learning, to raise senior leaders’ awareness of new Costain has already used the automated diary on major projects
More and more workers will need to know when and how to technologies and the value they can bring. These courses including the Thames Tideway Tunnel, which involved construction
securely use data based systems, sensors, drones, AR/VR could also include ‘masterclasses’ to demonstrate the value across three sites, overseen by a single project manager. 1
and risk-based commissioning. of individual technologies. Costain’s automated site diary is a great example of
how automation can drive efficiencies for employers. Although it is not mandatory and take up has been patchy, the
 ITB has already defined a set of bodies of knowledge
C automated diary has already brought efficiencies for projects on
that we will use to define the broad categories into which The idea of the site diary was to improve communication which it has been used. Onsite workers found they saved time
digital competencies fit. between onsite and back-office workers on projects based on by not having to complete paperwork at the end of a day, but
Our strategy commits to update, by 2025, competency remote or expansive sites. The diary, which is a commercial instead recording progress flexibly on their mobile devices.
standards for construction. This will include working with software application, allows information to be shared quickly
employers to develop models of competence (knowledge, regardless of the users’ relative locations. The technology underpinning the site diary application is
skills and behaviours) to provide clarity on what is needed for continuing to be developed and improved, with developers
existing and new employees. This will need to include digital exploring the increased use of AI to help the program better
for it to be incorporated into existing training and for new analyse the data it collects. As with other AI programs, it will
methodoligies to be established alongside. improve with greater take-up and collaboration across the sector.
CITB will also work with other industry and academia to
define the competences required by a digitalised
construction industry.

12 1
Costain’s work on Tideway is, in turn, being used to develop case studies and training resources as part of a CITB funded digital leadership project being led by the Supply Chain Sustainability School. 13
CITB Research
January 2021

Commissioned by: For more information please contact:

Stephen Radley, Strategy and Policy Director Martin Turner, Industry Insight Manager
[email protected] [email protected]

The Construction Industry Training

Board (CITB) supports the skills needs
of British construction. It attracts talent
to the construction sector so employers
have an adequate recruitment pool, and
encourages employers of all sizes to
access the skills training necessary to
grow their businesses.

CITB is a registered charity in England and Wales (Reg No 264289) and in Scotland (Reg No SC044875).