Ideas

Construction Platforms Are Already Fighting Over Data to Train AI Agents

yodersj@enr.com (Jeff Yoders) — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:52:34 -0400

A commentary that sees a potential huge missed opportunity if construction management platforms stingily guard customer data from being used.

AI in Construction: From More Work to Better Work

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 03:21:12 -0400

Much of the discussion around artificial intelligence in construction focuses on the jobsite—automation, robotics, computer vision. Those applications are real and increasingly visible. but the larger economic impact sits earlier in design and estimation, writes Saurabh Mishra of Taiyō.AI.

Navigating Timelines and Technology: Patent Strategies for Space and Earth

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:14:41 -0400

As technology evolves for devices meant to enable construction in space, so must patent law to protect innovators' intellectual property rights.

During Safety Week 2026, Recognize and Stress Hazards

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:50:00 -0400

There are jobsite hazards that not only are hard to recognize, but also are sometimes the result of trying to work more efficiently and safely.

Innovators Must Clear Roadblocks to Launch Extraterrestrial Base Programs

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:57:59 -0400

Jomathan Hughley says rapid innovation will come from the push for more research and long-term structures in space, including on the moon and Mars.

Why AECOM Acquired Norwegian AI Startup Consigli—Visionary Deal or Part of the Hype Cycle?

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:33:54 -0400

Three construction technology experts consider what AECOM's 2025 acquisition of Consigli AS means for generative artificial intelligence in design and construction.

Viewpoint: The Power Shortage and the Skills Gap: Make the Case for Joining

CahillJJ@bv.com (Jennifer Cahill) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Large critical infrastructure projects involve lots of moving parts, and mistakes do occasionally happen.

CEO: Power Isn’t the Only Electrical Challenge for AI Data Centers

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:15:30 -0400

Commentary: It's ironic that the one thing that might be able to help manage the massive need for electrical design created by $1 trillion in data center investment to power artificial intelligence is... artificial intelligence-assisted electrical design.

Why ChatGPT Is Failing Your Construction Site: 'Infrastructure Misc' Is Hard to Quantify

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:40:35 -0500

Don't chase demos for using artificial intelligence on your projects, without preparing to make it actually work.

CEO: Why Visual Intelligence Is the Next Big Shift in Construction Technology

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:45:48 -0500

OpenSpace co-founder and CEO Jeevan Kalanithi says artificial intelligence must go visual to succeed in construction.

Help Preserve What Makes US Buildings Safe

rleavitt@telgian.com (Russ Leavitt) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:45:00 -0500

A commentary arguing for passage of the Pro Codes Act, which 'needs the support of everyone who wants a fire-safe world.'

Tech CEO: Digital Transformation and AI Offers A&E Gains Beyond Productivity

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:42:08 -0500

Alison Jones says the opportunity to digitally transform architecture and engineering firms is magnified by pairing younger, digital native staff with experienced professionals.

2026 Oracle Construction Predictions: Cloud as the Foundation, AI the Brain, Data the Lifeblood

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:37:52 -0500

Site automation, agentic artificial intelligence and cloud connectivity will continue to change the role of the contractor from one of builder to conductor of all construction processes in 2026, says Oracle Construction's Ryan Kunisch.

Filling the Gaps: Robots Close the Loop for Digital Twins

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:51:05 -0500

The question of whether field construction should digitize further should, rather, be whether the construction industry can afford for it not to.

Capital Thinking: The ‘Picks and Shovels’ in Today’s Data Center Gold Rush

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:57:00 -0500

An immense investment opportunity lies with design firms, contractors and others responsible for creating and powering data centers, but AI’s current hyper-growth market of hyperscaling could fall short of current rosy predictions.

AI in Construction Momentum Will Only Continue to Grow

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:33:22 -0500

Some say artificial intelligence is just another tech bubble when it comes to architecture, engineering, and construction. Industry technologist Burcin Kaplanoglu says it is already changing workflows for the better.

Two Contractor Selections: One Ruined, One Misunderstood

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:07:17 -0500

A commentary on recent procurement uproars in Massachusetts and Corpus Christi.

Contractors Can Shift Focus From Projects to Portfolio Via Better Data Discipline

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:21:45 -0500

Amir Berman says contractors can embrace their data-centric future and standardize project metrics to fully take advantage of artificial intelligence-based workflows.

Zero Disputes and Stronger Relationships: A New Vision for Construction, Says CEO

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:40:57 -0400

Document Crunch CEO Josh Levy says a culture of accountability and an ideal of zero disputes can push construction forward, even if disputes don't totally dissipate.

What Does Construction's AI-Powered Future Look Like?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:24:48 -0400

Artificial intelligence can transform the business of construction, enabling processes such as bidding and scheduling to be modernized in ways manufacturing and other industries have already embraced.

Construction’s Productivity Paradox and the Urgent Need for Innovation in the Sector

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:11:39 -0400

The author says construction must take advantage of technological advances such as AI and digital twins to innovate and improve construction efficiency.

Home Depot and Lowe's Take Page out of the Software Vendor Book for Pro Strategy

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:29:30 -0400

The CEO of BigRentz says big box construction retail sees its future the same way software vendors once did with the SaaS model.

In Engineering, an AI Regulation Scalpel Is Better Than a Broad-Ban Sword

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:40:13 -0400

Stantec VP Jeff Albee says states and federal regulators should step into the void and begin developing the framework for responsible artificial intelligence regulation that doesn't stifle creativity.

AEC Firms Invest in Technology for a Competitive Edge, So Can Yours

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 09:49:01 -0400

In today's competitive marketplace, AEC firms that develop their own technology enjoy a competitive edge, but becoming a technology developer and owner isn't easy.

Office AI May be Evolving Faster, But Physical, Sensor-Based AI Is a Construction Game Changer

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 12:02:41 -0400

As AI has an unprecedented ability to analyze and discover hidden patterns in vast volumes of sensor data, the potential for "physical AI" could make construction processes far more predictable and efficient.

Bid Protests Offer a Way Around PLAs, But Will a Slow, Steady Precedent Win the Day?

yodersj@enr.com (Jeff Yoders) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:33:00 -0400

While bid protests offer a legal strategy to challenge the Biden-era project-labor agreement mandate, a First Amendment-based case could overturn it, author contends.

Digital Crossroad: Why Infrastructure Leaders Must Choose a New Path Right Now

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:22:34 -0400

Marginal gains will not cut it in today's competitive environment, says tech visionary Khaled Naja, CEO of Core Group Partners

Heads Carolina, Tails California—Rebuilding Needs to be Based on Data, Not Just Local Concerns

Thu, 22 May 2025 15:57:26 -0400

A commentary on how data will aid disaster-struck communities.

The Age of AI: How Construction Is Leveraging New Tech to Create a Safer Workplace

Thu, 08 May 2025 21:57:04 -0400

Everything from AI to wearables and the ubiquity of drone flights is changing construction to make it easier for everyone to go home at night.

From the ENR Archives: August 15, 1935

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400

This 1935 cover image shows a tower under construction for New York City’s Triborough Bridge (now known as the RFK Bridge), a suspension bridge with a main span of 1,380 ft, connecting Queens County with Wards Island.