AI Adoption Lagging in Construction Industry Despite Recognized Value, Survey Finds

Survey Reveals 65% of Construction Leaders Have Yet to Adopt AI

Slate Technologies recently released the first annual “Construction Intelligence” survey, highlighting a notable gap in AI adoption within the construction industry. The survey, targeting up to 1,000 leaders across construction and real estate, sheds light on current priorities, challenges, and where innovation can make a difference.

Construction faces many pressures today, from labor shortages and rising material costs to schedule delays. These challenges make efficiency through technology more than just beneficial—it’s essential. Slate Technologies aims to spark informed discussions on how AI can support smarter project planning and decision-making.

Key Insights from the Survey

• About 65% of respondents have not implemented AI or predictive analytics tools in project planning.
• 53% identify material costs as a significant factor impacting project timelines and budgets.
• Only 20% of leaders feel highly confident in their ability to manage project delays effectively.
• Nearly half (47%) believe current forecasting and budgeting tools fall short in providing accurate estimates.
• Just 13% are very likely to invest in AI solutions within the next two years, despite recognizing their long-term benefits.

While nearly 60% of respondents feel the industry is keeping pace with digital transformation, there’s a clear disconnect when it comes to applying AI tools on the ground. Over 61% see value in AI-powered tools offering real-time market insights and predictive analytics, yet adoption remains limited.

Industry Perspective

Trevor Schick, CEO of Slate Technologies, points out that the pressure from labor and material constraints is pushing the industry to look for efficiency gains through technology. “Our goal with this research is to encourage more conversations about integrating AI into construction workflows,” he said.

Senthil M Kumar, CTO of Slate Technologies, emphasizes that many firms still rely on outdated methods despite growing demand for digital solutions. “Adoption of AI is uneven, caught between the desire to innovate and the readiness to execute,” Kumar noted. He added that Slate’s platform was built with Generative AI at its core, focusing on turning data into actionable foresight.

What This Means for Construction and Real Estate Professionals

The survey highlights a gap between recognizing AI’s potential and taking concrete steps to implement it. For leaders in construction and real estate, this is a call to reevaluate current tools and consider how AI can improve forecasting, budgeting, and project planning.

Expanding AI skills and knowledge could be crucial for staying competitive. Those interested in practical AI training tailored to various roles in construction and real estate can explore resources at Complete AI Training.

As the industry adjusts to ongoing changes in supply chains and market conditions, embracing AI and predictive analytics may be key to managing complexity and driving better outcomes.

For full details on the survey and Slate Technologies' approach, visit slate.ai.