How Will Artificial Intelligence Impact the Construction Industry?

Metal Construction News recently published an article, “Another Perspective on Artificial Intelligence in Construction,” by Joshua Quinter, commercial litigation attorney at Offit Kurman, providing a unique viewpoint on artificial intelligence (AI) within the construction industry. In the article, Quinter focused on the legal considerations that must be acknowledged when introducing AI into the construction industry.

Construction Contracts and AI

Dealing with emerging technologies like AI takes time, so for integration within the construction industry the fastest way is through contracts.

“The law is traditionally a conservative industry,” said Quinter. “It takes a long time for legislatures and courts to catch up, so the best way to deal with these inevitable changes is through your construction contracts.”

While it may be difficult to provide specific clauses for AI, construction contracts will likely need to identify an “owner” when something goes wrong. For example, who is at fault when AI-operated equipment goes rogue? This may include various people on the jobsite such as health and safety professionals, a general contractor, or even the software provider. Moving forward, this  information will be critical to include in construction contracts.

AI or Human, Whose Role is It?

There are additional questions that should be considered when introducing AI into construction contracts:

• When is it appropriate to use AI versus an actual person?
• What forms of AI will be permissible?
• How will AI be used?

As with all new technology, a lack of history and experience will make it difficult to answer some of these initial questions. Therefore, it may be difficult to determine the proper place to start.

“The bad news is that this is a new frontier and, as a result, there is no road map,” said Quinter. “The lack of a specific road map is also good news in that it allows parties to be creative in setting their own rules.”

In any case, construction companies should prepare for this technology, because it is entering the industry  at a speed never seen before.

Joshua Quinter Speaking at Upcoming SSSBA Event

Joshua Quinter will be speaking on AI and the construction industry at the upcoming SSSBA Semiannual Meeting in New Orleans, LA on January 22-23, 2024.

For more information visit:

Short Span Steel Bridge Alliance Semiannual Meeting (January 22-23) – Short Span Steel Bridges

Read the original article from Metal Construction News.

Learn more about Joshua Quinter by visiting: Joshua Quinter, attorney at law: Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania | Offit Kurman