Technology Innovation of Artificial Intelligence in Building Sector: Present Status and Challenges

Abstract: As one of the least digitalized industries in the world, the building and construction sector has faced great challenges in sustainable growth. The high-fragmented structure and high threshold for R&D investment has prevented the building and construction industry from swift technological innovation. In many industries, artificial intelligence (AI) is producing revolution, e.g., retail, telecommunications, and helps make profits, improve efficiency, security and safety. But application of this advanced technology to building sector seems largely fall behind. AI is considered able to assist waste reduction by decision making on complexity, assist energy management (e.g., identify the black hole of energy consumption during operation, and data mining and machine learning of big data to optimize scenario for sustainability or enable real-time feedback and regulation during operation) in building and construction industry. Earlier research on technological innovation in Yangtze River Delta has revealed that AI has less than 10 records of patent filing in the dataset and has rarely mixed with other technologies so far. Different from other technologies that state owned enterprises more or less have a role in the knowledge production, applicant in the field of AI is mainly private in nature – the known companies are from Zhejiang. In view of these inadequacies, a broader look at how this technology is being used at greater geographic sphere is in need. This research broadens the search of patent applications in AI in the field of building construction to reveal the panorama of how this technology has been applied across the globe. It generates insights into the potential of AI in building industry and opens discussing forum for future.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, building industry, patent, technology innovation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005920

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