Intelligent Environments Discussion Panel
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Abstract
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The CBC 2023 discussion session on Intelligent Environments focused on the integration of advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain into the construction industry to enhance intelligence within the built environment. The panel explored various aspects of implementing these technologies, emphasizing the importance of data management, safety, and the balance between innovation and environmental preservation.
One key point discussed was the evolution of AI technologies and their potential to make construction environments more intelligent. The advancement from deep learning to generative AI has opened new avenues for engaging with unprocessed data more naturally, resembling human interactions. These developments could enable technology to assist in complex decision-making processes, fostering a more collaborative and efficient project delivery environment.
Blockchain technology's role in ensuring a safer smart environment was another focal point. While AI facilitates smart operations like cost and safety management in construction, blockchain can secure AI's application by making the AI's training and implementation processes traceable, unchangeable, and auditable. This approach aims to address the safety concerns associated with AI applications in construction, ensuring that smart environments are not only intelligent but also secure.
The discussion also touched upon the need for a threshold and ranking system for managing data throughout a project's lifecycle, from design to the development of digital twins. This system would help prioritize critical data, ensuring that sensitive or irrelevant information is filtered out to prevent misuse or errors during construction. Implementing such a system would require careful consideration of which data are relevant and critical, particularly when notarizing and recording data on the blockchain.
The panel concluded with reflections on the potential challenges and complexities of fully integrating these technologies into the construction industry. While recognizing the transformative potential of AI and blockchain, the speakers also acknowledged the need for continued research and development to overcome practical and technical barriers to implementation.
The discussion highlighted the significant opportunities and challenges of making construction environments more intelligent through the adoption of AI and blockchain technologies. As the industry moves towards more collaborative and decentralized project delivery models, these technologies could play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability.
