AI on Site: What It Really Means for Contractors

Presentation Synopsis:

AI is changing construction. It can improve safety, speed up design, and help projects run more smoothly. But digital tools in our industry haven’t failed because we lack software—they struggle because they assume everything is neat and organised: clean data, standard processes, and time for training. That’s not how real projects work. Real sites are fast, messy, and constantly changing, with coordination happening through WhatsApp messages, phone calls, photos, Excel sheets, and drawings passed back and forth. Information gets scattered, and teams spend hours chasing updates and re-entering the same data into multiple reports. This session focuses on what actually works on live construction sites: instead of forcing teams into new complicated systems, we show how AI can fit into the tools they already use—WhatsApp, Excel, PDFs, and BIM models—turning everyday site messages and photos into proper records automatically, from safety logs and environmental readings to delivery tracking, manpower updates, daily site summaries, and live dashboards based on what’s really happening on site (not last week’s spreadsheet). Beyond daily operations, we’ll demonstrate how AI can answer project questions in plain English—e.g., “Is this method statement compliant with the specification?” or “Does this drawing match the approved submission?”—by checking across drawings, specifications, BIM models, and contract requirements and returning referenced answers teams can verify, improving clarity and decision-making for all stakeholders. The core message is simple: AI isn’t here to replace people; it removes repetitive coordination work, reduces mistakes, and helps teams make better decisions—faster.


About the speaker: 


Gerald Ho 
Project Director/ Head Digitalisation 
Soilbuild Construction Group




Gerald is a Project Director and Head of Digitalisation for Soilbuild Construction Group. He is responsible for leading the tender, execution, and delivery of niche projects in life sciences, clean rooms, and high-end manufacturing facilities and also brings extensive experience in delivery of both public and private residential projects. He spearheads the adoption of digital solutions such as Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD), DfMA and construction technology across the Group to support safety, productivity, sustainability and innovation. Mr Ho obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in 2007, his Master of Science in Sustainable Building Design from the University of Nottingham in 2016, and a Higher Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Cambridge. He is an Accredited Construction Professional (Tier A-Star) under the Singapore Contractors Association Ltd accreditation scheme, a Green Mark Accredited Professional, and a Design for Safety Professional.

 

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