Domestic construction companies are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as drones, video analysis, and robots to enhance site safety and quality. However, their application remains largely focused on video-based safety management, highlighting a growing gap compared to international practices that have expanded AI use across entire processes.
According to the construction industry on October 22, domestic firms are gradually implementing AI-based technologies, but they are still in the early stages of building ecosystems that include data sharing and collaboration with partner companies.
GS Engineering & Construction is applying real-time translation apps for foreign workers, quadruped robots, and video analysis systems on-site. The company has introduced AI-based translation programs like 'Zai Voice' and a system called 'Zai Book' that updates standard specifications in real-time, aiming to enhance safety and quality management. A GS Engineering & Construction official stated, 'The translation application for communication with foreign workers and drone video analysis technology are already in use on-site, while the quadruped robots are being piloted at select locations.'
Samsung C&T is automating construction sites using floor construction robots, anchor robots for automatic bolt installation, and video analysis systems. In addition to autonomous forklifts and material transport robots for automating material movement, the company has also introduced cleaning robots, watering drones, and wearable robots. A Samsung C&T official noted, 'Currently, we are focusing more on development and validation stages for technology advancement rather than actual site application.'
Hyundai Engineering & Construction is utilizing drones for facility safety inspections, quadruped robots, and video analysis systems. The company plans to enhance worker access detection and overload warning functions by applying AI-based Smart Around View Monitors (SAVM) and overload warning devices (OWD) to construction equipment like excavators.
Additionally, Daewoo Engineering & Construction and Hyundai Engineering are employing video analysis and robotics technologies, while DL E&C and POSCO E&C are utilizing AI in design and crack management. Lotte Engineering & Construction, SK Eco Plant, and IPARK Hyundai Industrial Development are also expanding their application of AI technologies focused on safety management and quality analysis.
However, the use of AI in the domestic construction industry remains at the level of individual technology adoption. The gap between large corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises, along with a focus on site-specific applications, has hindered a broader digital transformation (DX) and AI transition (AX) across the industry.
In contrast, the international construction sector is expanding AI use across all stages from design to construction and operation based on common data environments (CDE). In the United States, companies are focusing on process optimization through generative AI and data analysis, with Bechtel utilizing neural network-based process planning and Turner employing equipment operation analysis systems to enhance productivity. In Japan, Obayashi Corporation is actively automating design with AI, while Shimizu Corporation is building robot-based 'smart sites.' Europe is also seeing significant data-driven applications, such as HochTief's construction error analysis and Strabag's risk prediction.
Jeon Young-jun, head of the Research Center at the Korea Construction Industry Institute, stated, 'AI utilization in domestic construction sites is primarily starting with video analysis based on safety CCTV. While drones have spread relatively well and quadruped robots have been introduced in some cases, overall, we are still at an early stage.' He emphasized, 'While the U.S. and Japan are quickly advancing to intelligent AI for process optimization, the difference lies not in technological gaps but in the establishment of integrated ecosystems that include partner companies. It is crucial to have a structure where primary contractors and subcontractors share and utilize data based on a common data platform.' He further pointed out that domestic efforts remain centered on individual companies' technology development, lacking a comprehensive utilization system that includes partner firms.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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