Assignment B1, Group D

B1 - Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. These processes include learning, reasoning, and self-correction. AI has taken a big step in various areas in this society over the few years. Motor vehicle can self-drive with integration of various sensors and sophisticated programing. And Voice-commanded personal assistants like Siri and Alexa can help you from finding out today’s weather, playing a favorite music, and even ordering a pizza.

AI is practiced and advancing in the construction industry as well. The Autonomous surveying drone is one example. User defines the boundary of scan area for the drone then drone autonomously flies out of the box creating waypoints for flights. It produces an as-built d3 models of the construction site each day. The scan allows user to measure 2D and 3D objects in the specified area. The data collected with the drone allows to observe the construction progress and count materials used for the construction. One of the most advantageous of AI integration on the construction methodology is use of expert systems that can intelligently provide suggested designs and assist in reviewing and verify designs utilizing past 50 years of design samples. It offer engineers a large set of knowledge that would otherwise be unavailable to them. This AI integration benefits especially in safety stand point.

AI is still in its elementary stage. Tesla had a few incidents with its autonomous driving technology and a crime fighting robot created by the platform Knightscope crashed into a child in a mall and injured the child. Also, Google’s AlphaGo was beaten in game four of a five-round series of the game Go by human player. However any new technology must be revised to be perfected. Currently in the construction industry, AI on jobsites is limited but it is growing, particularly with applications involving machine vision for surveying and analyzing materials and structures. Experts estimate 30 plus years from now to get closer to AI’s perfection according to iReviews. In the future, AI’s advance will significantly improve quality of human lives.

Resources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertadams/2017/01/10/10-powerful-examples-of-artificial-intelligence-in-use-today/#62430d7f1ae6

http://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/august-2016/artificial-intelligence-in-the-construction-indust/

Chaudhari, Joseph

The idea of integrating AI to a call center is interesting to me. It will reduce the cost of running customer service department of a company and it can also make communication smoother and efficient. However I also see downside of the idea like increased number of jobless people. When I call a company like Bestbuy to process a refund, I must answer series of questions to be directed to the correct person. If the process can be shortened with a smarter voice recognition that can understands exactly what I need, it will be a great help to the customers and the company.

Ray Powell

Use of intelligent function on a HVA systems could definitely improve quality of life in homes. Especially the idea of using sensors to measure humidity level and air quality to start the humidifier/dehumidifier and air purifier seems a great idea. This AI integrated technology seems it can be available to us soon in the future. However, like how most AI technology is, it can be much more expensive than traditional HAVC system because it comprises several different systems. But I also feel that several years after the introduction of the product, it can be revised and improved so that it is readily available to many consumers.

Rachel Frank

I agree that the new way of receiving data contributes important role for intelligent systems. Now the voice recognition is available with computers and phones so we are able to more conveniently make calls, browse internet, order products, and send messages to friends.

Week1 - Kim "About me"

I am a senior civil engineering student with a concentration of geotechnical studies. I have experience working at the Philadelphia Water. My job at PWD was to assist construction inspectors to ensure projects are being built as how they are designed in the plans. The projects that I participated are green infrastructure projects which include Stormwater tree trench and Bio swales.
My initial definition of the intelligent building is integration of modern technologies in newly built buildings such as self sustaining and resource efficient design of the buildings like natural lighting and green roof, and hanging gardens. Also, advanced high-tech construction method is considered as intelligent building such as 3D concrete printing and drone surveying.