CHICAGO, ILLINOIS — Artificial intelligence continues gaining momentum in the building sector as contractors prioritize improved outcomes and smarter workflows. New findings from BuiltWorlds’ 2025 Annual AI/ML Benchmarking Report show the overwhelming majority of AEC professionals see better decision-making as the most compelling advantage of AI integration.
According to the report, 96% of respondents — led primarily by general contractors along with specialty contractors, engineers and other construction stakeholders — agree that the opportunity to “improve decision-making with data-driven insights” is what makes AI most valuable.
As the report states, “By embedding intelligence into planning, coordination, and on-site execution, AI can enable teams to make more informed decisions in real time while simultaneously reducing the manual effort tied to scheduling, tracking, and reporting.”
Efficiency, competitive edge also rank high
While decision-making scored highest, respondents made it clear the benefits extend across multiple operational challenges. The study highlights:
- 93%: AI offers “increased efficiency through automation of repetitive tasks”
- 78%: AI helps deliver a “strengthened competitive advantage in the market”
Across the Top 10 primary benefits of AI adoption, industry sentiment strongly supports eight of them — signaling confidence that technology can enhance both jobsite performance and broader business strategy.
Where AI is being deployed in AEC
Implementation trends are forming fastest in core planning and oversight functions. The report shows:
- 67% use AI in project management and oversight
- 58% apply AI in preconstruction
- 36% extend implementation to field management
- 18% explore equipment and robotics applications
- 11% apply AI to building technology systems
These findings reflect where the tech is currently most mature — and where its impact is immediately visible on schedule certainty, documentation, risk reduction and resource allocation.
Audrey Lynch, director of research for BuiltWorlds and the report’s author, notes a clear connection between workflows and AI value creation:
“The areas where AI is most commonly applied in AEC, project management and oversight, preconstruction, and field management, closely reflect the core benefits stakeholders see from the technology.” She added that these project stages generate vast amounts of information and involve countless repetitive workflows, making them prime for automation.
Looking ahead to industry transformation
The industry continues moving from awareness to operational adoption — particularly as owners demand stronger data transparency and predictive analytics to control costs and avoid rework.
Contractors exploring the next wave of AI tools — including automated scheduling, digital safety monitoring, supply chain optimization and robotics — will have the chance to engage first-hand at the 2026 AI/ML Conference in Phoenix, where BuiltWorlds will break down emerging solutions and competitive strategies.
About BuiltWorlds
BuiltWorlds is a leading global research community connecting executives, innovators and technology companies shaping the future of the built environment. The organization supports more than 250 member companies across 25+ countries through benchmarking reports, advisory services, conferences, and a digital collaboration platform designed to advance innovation and adoption in the buildings and infrastructure sectors.
Originally reported by Built Worlds.
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