Group E: Reflection of the Class

When I originally signed up for AE 410, I expected it to be more about digital design and a focus on the programs like Revit. I did not expect to be talking about artificial intelligence or robots being used in construction, I had no idea that was being incorporated in the construction industry already. Being a Pre-Junior, I have not had much experience with these programs to start with, and after discovering what the class was actually about, I was worried I would not be able to understand the topics with my lack of experience. However, I was so interested in the topics that we have covered, I enjoyed learning about them and was glad that the class was altered based upon levels.

Taking this class was the best decision, as it has altered my view of my field greatly and changed the path I want to take. I still have to decide my concentration, and I’m glad I was able to take this course beforehand. It had shown me the different possibilities within my field and the many different directions I can take. This class has introduced me to new ideas about my future, and has me thinking about what I want to do in the future. I greatly enjoyed the database project, and I can see myself following a path that includes databases and artificial intelligence, which before this term I did not even know was possible in my field.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking the Intelligent Buildings course, Dr. Mitchell is a wonderful and I will miss having him as a teacher. I have learned a lot more than expected during this course and it has been a class I actually look forward to. Overalll this course has been one of the most useful classes I have taken so far with respects to my career.

COMMENTS:

Hayley Seldon: This also has been the only course that I’ve taken that relates to digital building. I’m so glad I decided to take this class, as I have learned so much and I feel like I have a step up over my peers as I know how the digital building is connected to the other parts of the industry and can make connections that they might not know are related. https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/03/selden-b6-course-reflection.html?showComment=1488853156533#c1203713663769843946

David Sanchez: I also learned a lot more than I expected during this class. When reading the course description, considering I had no experience with digital buildings, I expected it to be focused on revit and digital designing programs. But I found I was completely wrong, and have enjoyed this class even more than I expected. https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/03/introduction-last-october-i-was.html?showComment=1488853606590#c413557217024952988

Databases in Construction Firms

The use of databases is growing quickly in all industries, especially the construction industry. It helps the to manage big amounts of data, predict risk, and solve problems quicker and easier. Being able to handle big amounts of data, for multiple projects, the companies are able to focus more on the actual project instead of technical issues. Using certain programs, companies can use the data to predict risks of certain models or designs in advance. This data also helps with problem solving and finding quicker solutions [1].

The use of databases in the construction industry also creates an organizational memory (OM), which makes it easy to go back and gather information from the past. From past projects, parts, or companies [2]. It makes it easier to personalize the information, as each project has unique details and parts. For now, contractors still have challenges in creating database systems which are easy for them to use and learn, which if they can accomplish, gives them a competitive advantage [2]. A lot of construction companies are using web-based databases, such as WEB-CONS, making them low cost, simple requirements, less technical problems, and easier use. As more projects are added to the system, its function improves. Security of the information however, is a risk since it is in the hands of a third party.

I think that as contractors begin to become more accustomed to using databases, and the programs. It will allow the construction industry to advance more, and as it becomes a commodity throughout companies, it will open more opportunities for development and sharing of knowledge if necessary.

RESOURCES:

[1] http://www.constructionglobal.com/equipmentit/399/How-big-data-is-transforming-the-construction-industry

[2] http://ac.els-cdn.com/S187704281402134X/1-s2.0-S187704281402134X-main.pdf?_tid=9c5a9106-f0a7-11e6-847d-00000aacb361&acdnat=1486851515_5c08a7cfe1d1cd73cc2303c9afca46a3

COMMENTS:

Brandon Mengel: I’m really glad I read your post, I had never heard of SQL before. From what you described, SQL seems like it takes the data and picks out the most important aspects. Do you think, as AI is learning, that this is a form of it or could maybe develop into one in the future?

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/sql-post-brandon-mengel.html?showComment=1486853939631#c7904926464541190495

Ronald Herazo: I think you did a good job explaining the relational databases. You made it easy to understand the structure and how they relate. I would like to hear a little more about how these are actually used, as I am new to all of these programs.

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/assignment-b5-group-ronald-herazo.html?showComment=1486854699657#c3499004917947154031

Peter Dannemann: I like how you described object oriented databases.  As I am new to databases and to the programs we are using, it was easy to understand. Do you think that object oriented databases will have any important developments in the future that can help the database use?

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b5-group-c-peter-dannemann.html?showComment=1486855116568#c4517642192082383874

Group Project - Rachel Frank

Topic: Emerging Technologies in the Robotic Assembly and Construction of Buildings

I will be working with my partner, Maria Raggousis, to research the robotic technologies present and developing in the construction industry. We want to focus on three parts, the past, present, and future of the projects and technologies that are being or may be used in the future. We will look at the variations in the purposes of these robots. We will also look at who, what, and how these technologies are being developed. 

Why we chose this topic:I originally was interested in this topic because of the video we watched, and it made me realize how useful artificial intelligence is in the construction industry. I would like to learn more about how it is used, and the potential it has in the immediate future. We wanted to see what kinds of things may be possible in the immediate future, over the next few years. If this is something that may be used consistently in this industry, I'd like to learn more about it to have some  kind of backround when I am exposed to it in the workplace. 

How Its Related to Intelligent Buildings:

Intelligent buildings incorporate artificial intelligence into their systems. If robots with artificial intelligence are building the buildings, then it's possible that they can be connected eventually, and eventually might even be self sustaining through robotics. Robotics, especially on the inside of buildings where it is noticeable, it makes construction easier and possibly more accurate. 

Challenges:

I think one of the biggest challenges of this will be finding a ton of information on one area of robotics. I believe there are so many different ways that robotics are being used in the construction industry that it will be hard to narrow it down. Also, we want to stay close to the word limit, which may be hard. It will be a paper that we will have to develop as we find information. 

 Commments:

Taryn Francischetti: I think that you and your group's topic is very interesting. I had no idea that virtual reality could even be used on the job site. I am really looking forward to your presentation. I think the combination of the new technologies, like virtual reality and artificial intelligence will create an amazing environment for the construction industry once we can develop it enough to mesh together. 

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/taryn-francischetti-b4-project.html?showComment=1486446199355#c487212104620642636

David Sanchez: I believe your topic is very similar to ours, as we are doing robotics in the construction industry, which involves artificial intelligence. I agree that finding credible sources will be tough, but the fact that these are so recent is supportive of the quick development and relevance to the industry today. 

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b4-sanchez-group-e.html?showComment=1486446725254#c8706319711343220453

Andy Dinh: I think this is a good project to see the capabilities of each program. Being new to both softwares, I am looking forward to your presentation and seeing what you an do with them. As I'm sure you have some experience with one or the other, I believe this will be a good opportunity to learn furthur each program and gain more experience and master them. 

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/02/b3-andy-dinh-term-project.html?showComment=1486446924080#c8395191475336242606

Blog Post 3 - Rachel Frank

Revit and AutoCAD are both computer drafting programs for 2D and 3D projects, with the abaility to import and export files. As discussed in class, Revit tends to be seen as a step up from AutoCAD and other programs. Revit is a way to create BIMs, whereas in AutoCAD and other drafting programs, you cannot input as much information into the program, it’s more of a tool to help make drafting easier. It uses families and also adds a time dimension. It makes schedules easier compared to AutoCAD, and allows for multiple users to work on the model simultaneously. Revit is more detailed and can export into excel to show schedules and estimations, a lot easier compared to AutoCAD. A major difference is also the size of Revit files because of this detail. Revit can follow the progress compared to the design.

These differences make Revit more useful and practical compared to the other programs. Contractors and engineers can update each other more easily, can see simulations, access data more easiy, and can work simultaneously as the speaker in class mentioned, instead of moving from step to the other, in a sequence. Revit, because of it’s capabilities will allow the BIM process to advance a lot more and move in different directions to change the way the construction/engineering industry works.

RESOURCES:

http://www.archdaily.com/302490/a-brief-history-of-bim/

http://bimscape.com/module-1/what-is-revit-architecture/

COMMENTS:

Maria Raggousis: I agree that maybe the time it takes to learn Revit and the computer capabilities may be a downfall, but I also think, it is worth it to start advancing and integrating the program into the industry now. As other technology advances, it will be important to have programs that can match its capabilities and professionals that can use them. https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/assignment-b3-group-b-maria-raggousis.html?showComment=1485652896982#c7472844845062298132

Nick Pawlikowski: As I said on Marias post, I agree that BIM, even with the difficulties that are present now, overall simplifies the process of modeling/designing and in the future will be even more important as technologies advance. I think a way of showing this benefit to the client is very important in order to go through the construction process as simply as possible.

https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/the-adoption-of-bim-into.html?showComment=1485653175223#c2640414244655420709

My Term Project - Rachel Frank

For my term project, we will research the effects and developments of robotics in the different engineering industires

Week #2 Discussion - Group E

In the next 10 years, our group thinks the following will happen in the construction industry:

- Drones will become more integrated in the construction industry
- Cranes will use senors and AI to operate instead of crane operators
- AI implemented into BIM systems to analyze data about contracts, budgets, contractors, and designs to make smarter and more efficient decisions
- Autonomous trucks delivering materials to construction sites
-  Safety glasses with design plans integrated in them

Blog 1: Future - Rachel Frank

DATABASE/NETWORKS

Databases and networks are something that artificial intelligence can use to collect, store, and process information about anything. According to Cringley, a database is information about the state of something. Therefore, an artificial intelligence uses self-collected or inputted databases to help develop and improve itself. Data has been used for a long time, and its storage has evolved over the years, with a spike in development around the time when personal computers and internet were made possible. Not only has the storage of data developed, but more importantly the processing. How it is used, organized, and received. This is important for artificial intelligence systems, because the better the data processing, the better the system can do its job. Now, the way of receiving data is also changing. More and more networks are being used, with multiple inputs and controls from elsewhere. Currently systems like Thread, a mesh network for homes, are being developed. They use multiple routers and receivers to collect information and can be controlled from one leader through the internet [2].

SOCIOLOGY

With the development of personal computers and access to the internet for the general public, data and networks increased in importance for society [1]. There is, however, a strong fear of artificial intelligence, a lot which is inspired by movies and fiction. A few days ago, I read a fictional story about Amazon’s Alexa, and how she was able to predict a murder based on collected data from other Alexa systems and the internet. It had developed feelings and learned very quickly. This type of scenario is very unlikely, however whenever artificial intelligence is mentioned, it is not always a good response from the general public. Many do not understand all the uses. Artificial intelligence and networks are very beneficial for developing quickly and spreading information quickly. It can, though, cause security issues, such as a few years ago, when the Iranian nuclear centrifuges were hacked [3]. Currently, I believe society is scared to put too much trust into artificial intelligence, especially on a large scale, and with good reason.

FUTURE

I believe it's use in general on a large network scale, will slow a little, but that it’s uses on a personal network level, such as mesh networks in the home, or as a single AI machine, will increase. With artificial intelligence being used in many more things, it is becoming easier to develop technology. Computers are now and will be designing other computers in the future, something that sparks the fear of AI in society [1]. But there are many good uses to AI, such as Teslas that avoid car crashes [5]. In the future, AI will be more integrated in the internet, and other programs. Already society is using AI products, such as Siri, Alexa, maybe without even knowing how it actually works. Google Translate just reorganized to be centered around an AI system [6], and I’m sure other programs are to follow. But is this really something to fear, or is it exaggerated?

AI and networks are becoming more important in an architectural and construction aspect. There are now robots that can build buildings entirely by themselves, in just a few days [4]. Just as when computers became cheaper, they became more common, I believe the same will happen with AI machines on the jobsites. Machines that can do the physical labor and inspections, building houses in a few days, instead of a few months. Not only will this increase work capabilities for companies, but increase development overall of cities and infrastructure, making it cheaper. One downfall from this however, would be the loss in jobs. It would cut back on the amount of jobs available, affecting economies. These jobs would need to be created elsewhere, so a rapid change to AI systems has pros and cons.

References

http://www.cringely.com/2016/07/05/thinking-big-data-part-one/ [1]

http://readwrite.com/2016/11/02/thread-mesh-protocol/ [2]

http://www.cringely.com/2016/01/13/prediction-7-internet-of-things-is-a-security-nightmare/ [3]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6UPGk8EFWE [4]

http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/video-shows-tesla-autopilot-system-recognize-and-avoid-crash-on-highway-843038275983 [5]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/14/magazine/the-great-ai-awakening.html [6]

Comments on Posts:

Maissoun Ksara: I also read your sources, when I was writing my post! I agree that future technology with AI could be very beneficial to the construction industry, and I’d love to see it develop a lot. Not only will it help increase the efficiency, but it will also help increase the safety as mentioned in your one article. Although there’s a lot of improvement to be done, I believe going in this direction of development with construction technology is smart. https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/a-team-maissoun-ksara-week-2-post.html?showComment=1484634576263#c3287295943938606036

Kerianne Vogler: I’ve never heard of an SQL, so I’m glad I got to read your post. I’d also like to hear more about the cloud. The articles you picked were very interesting and I liked how they went in depth to explain the topics. https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/blog-post-1.html?showComment=1484635068143#c7234864152866745363

Hayley Selden: I liked the way you wrote about your articles, adding in your own thoughts. I agree that AI needs to be controlled, and that it has many uses that can be beneficial. But I believe that it will take some time to get the general public to trust AI. https://ae-410-510-ay16-17.blogspot.com/2017/01/selden-b1-ai-and-its-impact-on-future.html?showComment=1484635505858#c8245007907966590589

Week 1 Discussion - Group E

Moving forward, buildings will become smarter. With the new technologies, the work being performed will become more efficient, accurate, faster, and safer, however it will take time to be able to get to this point. Although the technology will be expensive at first, but the more it is used, the less expensive it will be. Although less laborers will be needed, more programmers for the technology will be needed.

Rachel Frank Week#1: About Me

My name is Rachel Frnak, I am a pre-junior in Civil and Architectural engineering and am still deciding on my concentration. Even though I have not used BIM much myself, I have heard/seen some a little bit of it and what it can be used for. I expect to learn more about how engineers make this possible and to gain better experience with BIM and data programs, and to figure out if that is the direction I want to pursue. I have always found BIM programs to be very I registered for this class because I have an interest in intelligent buildings, which I consider to be a building which can be built efficiently and can may even be able to self-regulate based on data collection or input.