AI is deeply embedded in the day-to-day workings of over a third of building services engineers to support project design, a new global survey by Arup reveals.
Published in May, the survey, Embracing AI: Reshaping Today’s Cities and Built Environment, was designed to gain a deep understanding of how AI is being used, who by, and how often.
In the report, Will Cavendish, Global Digital Services Leader, Arup states that to address the huge sustainability and resilience challenges we need to ‘harness the power of AI to enhance human innovation, creativity and productivity’.
Generative AI/large-language models and machine learning data-based analytics and insight ranked as the top two uses of digital technology amongst building services professionals.
Over 61% of respondents said they see AI as an opportunity, demonstrating a positive attitude toward developing technologies.’ However, 42% raised concern that the built environment sector was falling behind other sectors on AI adoption. ‘Our survey shows a clear demand for faster and more purposeful development of AI systems that meet the real needs of the world,’ said Cavendish.
The survey collected responses from 5000 architects, engineers, planners and digital officers from 10 countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Singapore, the UK, and the US).
Looking to the future, 91% of respondents believe it’s important to have ethical guidelines in place where AI is used.
To download the results of the survey visit the Arup website.
