Nearly three-quarters of AEC companies are using artificial intelligence on at least one project phase

Results from a new survey of architecture, engineering, and construction companies around the world show increasing adoption of AI, according to a report from AEC software developer Bluebeam.

Almost three quarters (74%) of AEC companies use AI in one or more phases of their building projects. The most prominent applications are in the design and planning phases of construction.

Nearly half of AEC firms surveyed use AI for design (48%) and 42% use it for planning. Of the companies that are using AI, 55% say that it has become highly important. Over 70% spend up to 25% of their tech budget on AI. 

A full 84% of respondents said they plan to increase their investment in AI over the next five years. AEC firms still face significant challenges in adopting technology and moving from paper to digital documents. A third reported lacking training and skills development among employees as a key challenge to increased digitization. Other barriers include integration (27%) and technical (26%) issues.