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There ’ s a lot of hype around AI , but it can be difficult to imagine how tools such as ChatGPT will have an impact on construction and civil engineering . Here , Richard Stockley , discusses how AI can positively impact one of the most crucial elements of these more practical industries : health and safety training and education .
There ’ s been a massive spotlight on AI since 2022 . The launch of ChatGPT and similar tools , like Google ’ s Bard , were met with enthusiasm by the public and early adopters . It ’ s clear that this technology has great potential , but it ’ s hard to put your finger on what that potential really is .
At first , it seems like these tools will only impact desk-based and administrative industries due to generative AI ’ s functionality . We often hear how ChatGPT can create textbased content in multiple languages , explain complex topics , and even support coding .
But does AI have applications for more practical sectors ?
In the construction industry , we are seeing how AI can support the initial stages of building design , using machine learning to generate optimised design options automatically that a human can then tweak to perfection . Combined with VR , generative AI gives designers the ability to explore multiple design options in real time and test adjustments quickly and cheaply .
The same powerful combination of generative AI and VR is being tested in the industry for creating safety simulations , reducing the risk of incidents in real life .
But in both circumstances , generative AI is only part of a bigger solution . How will ChatGPT itself , or something like it , apply to construction and civil engineering , in occupational health and safety e-learning ?
Health and safety e-learning has used a lower level of AI for years now . Working in
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