Skanska USA has revolutionized construction site monitoring by implementing AI-powered drone technology across its projects nationwide. This innovative approach has significantly improved site surveillance, safety monitoring, and project management while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. The integration of artificial intelligence with unmanned aerial vehicles represents a major technological advancement in how construction sites are monitored and managed, providing real-time insights that were previously difficult or impossible to obtain.

The Evolution of Skanska’s Drone Program

Skanska’s drone journey began in 2015 with just two pilots in response to the FAA’s requirement for licensed drone operators on commercial projects. Today, this program has blossomed into a robust network of more than 70 members across Skanska USA’s business units, with 50 active pilots operating 30 drones that provide crucial support to safety, operations, preconstruction, and marketing teams. This remarkable growth reflects the significant value that drone technology delivers to modern construction environments.

“Choosing one tool has significantly reduced confusion for new drone pilots and has increased the efficiency of flight operations,” explained Brooke Gemmell, Senior Innovative Development Engineer at Skanska, highlighting the streamlined approach they’ve adopted.

Challenges in Construction Monitoring

Before implementing their comprehensive drone program, Skanska faced several significant challenges in construction site monitoring:

Fragmented Technology Landscape

Skanska’s use of multiple disconnected tools for reality capture not only created inefficiencies and complexity in their workflow but also hindered their ability to effectively utilize the captured data. The fragmentation of tools resulted in a disjointed process where team members had to navigate through various software interfaces, each requiring separate logins and possessing its own unique learning curve. This situation led to increased cognitive load on employees, who had to constantly switch between different platforms, potentially leading to errors and reduced productivity. Moreover, the siloed nature of the data meant that valuable insights and information were often trapped within specific tools, making it challenging to gain a comprehensive view of project progress or to share critical information across teams.

The consequences of this fragmented approach extended beyond mere inconvenience. It significantly impacted Skanska’s ability to leverage the full potential of their reality capture data. The lack of integration between tools meant that data analysis and interpretation became more time-consuming and less accurate. Teams struggled to correlate information from different sources, potentially missing crucial insights that could have informed decision-making processes. Additionally, the disconnected nature of the tools likely resulted in data redundancy and inconsistencies, further complicating project management and potentially leading to miscommunications or misaligned expectations among stakeholders. This situation underscored the need for a more integrated and streamlined approach to reality capture, one that could unify data sources, simplify access, and enhance the overall efficiency of Skanska’s project workflows.

Safety Concerns in Hard-to-Reach Areas

Traditional inspection methods posed significant safety challenges for workers, particularly when accessing hard-to-reach areas. The use of ladders, scaffolding, and lift equipment not only increased the risk of falls and accidents but also exposed workers to potential equipment failures. These methods were time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often required specialized training for proper equipment operation. Moreover, the physical presence of inspection personnel in hazardous environments or active demolition sites heightened the risk of injury from falling debris, exposure to harmful substances, or unstable structures.

The dangers associated with traditional inspection techniques extended beyond immediate physical risks. Workers faced potential long-term health effects from repeated exposure to hazardous materials or environments. Additionally, the need for multiple personnel to conduct thorough inspections in dangerous areas increased the overall risk profile of these operations. These challenges often led to incomplete or rushed inspections, potentially compromising the quality and accuracy of the assessment. As a result, industries began seeking alternative inspection methods that could maintain or improve inspection quality while significantly reducing the safety risks to personnel.

Data Acquisition and Management Challenges

The traditional approach to collecting visual data from expansive construction sites posed significant challenges in terms of efficiency and completeness. Manual methods, such as on-foot inspections or stationary cameras, often resulted in partial coverage and required extensive time and labor to execute. This limitation in data collection not only hindered the ability to obtain a holistic view of the site but also impacted the accuracy and timeliness of project assessments.

The consequences of these data collection constraints were far-reaching. Project managers and stakeholders faced difficulties in making informed decisions due to the lack of real-time, comprehensive information. This information gap could lead to overlooked issues, misallocation of resources, and inefficient scheduling. Moreover, the delay in identifying and addressing potential problems increased the risk of cost overruns, safety hazards, and missed deadlines. As construction projects grew in scale and complexity, the need for more advanced and efficient methods of visual data collection became increasingly apparent to ensure project success and maintain competitiveness in the industry.

AI-Powered Drone Implementation : The Solution

To address these challenges, Skanska partnered with leading aerial intelligence companies, including Measure and Drone Deploy, to develop a comprehensive drone-based monitoring solution enhanced by artificial intelligence.

Technology Integration

Skanska consolidated its approach to reality capture by integrating various technologies into a unified platform. As Albert Zulps, Director of Emerging Technology at Skanska USA Building, noted: “When DroneDeploy and StructionSite came together, it was like a perfect storm. Two A-list companies, both extremely responsive, both great to work with, and suddenly everything we needed was under one roof“.

This consolidation allowed Skanska to use Measure’s software for multiple tasks that were previously spread among several applications, simplifying workflows and offsetting the cost of using multiple products.

Advanced Drone Hardware

The company employs a fleet of modern drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging capabilities, and sensors that can capture detailed imagery from various angles. These drones can perform several tasks such as perform aerial photogrammetry and laser scans, create detailed 3D models of construction sites, monitor site progress through photos and videos and assist with inspections of hard-to-reach areas.

AI-Powered Analysis Capabilities

The real power of Skanska’s drone system lies in its AI capabilities, which transform raw visual data into actionable insights:

• Real-time Progress Tracking: AI algorithms analyze drone-captured imagery to track construction progress, comparing actual site conditions with planned schedules and identifying potential delays before they become critical issues.
• Automated Safety Monitoring: The system can detect safety violations and potential hazards in real-time, enabling immediate intervention before accidents occur.
• 3D Mapping and Modeling: Using photogrammetry software, the data captured by drones is stitched together to create precise 3D models that can be viewed and analyzed from any angle.
• Predictive Analytics: By analyzing patterns in construction progress and resource utilization, the AI system can predict potential bottlenecks and suggest optimizations.

Organizational Structure for Innovation

Skanska’s structured approach to AI adoption demonstrates a comprehensive strategy that addresses various aspects of AI integration within the construction industry. The Data Solutions team’s framework allows for flexibility and adaptability, crucial in a field where AI technology is rapidly evolving. By categorizing their AI offerings into four distinct service categories, Skanska ensures a balanced and diverse approach to leveraging AI across different operational areas.

The company’s AI strategy encompasses a wide range of tools and applications, from publicly available services like ChatGPT and Gemini to AI-embedded daily tools within enterprise platforms. This approach allows employees at various levels to benefit from AI assistance in their day-to-day tasks. Furthermore, Skanska’s partnerships with third-party AI vendors for specific use cases, such as Dusty Robotics, indicate a commitment to addressing industry-specific challenges through specialized AI solutions. The development of proprietary AI showcases Skanska’s investment in creating tailored solutions that cater to their unique needs and potentially provide a competitive edge in the construction market. This multi-faceted approach positions Skanska to maximize the benefits of AI across its operations while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to future technological advancements.

Case Studies: AI-Powered Drones in Action

Portland International Airport Redevelopment

For the ongoing $2 billion redevelopment of the Portland International Airport terminal, Skanska obtained special approvals from airport officials and the FAA to use drones throughout the project. This presented unique challenges as the jobsite spans several miles, requiring extensive planning and battery management to capture the entire project site.

Duke Health Bed Tower Addition

At the Duke Health Bed Tower Addition Project in Durham, Skanska used drones to collect video footage to inspect the façade of a new 13-story tower. Rather than using traditional methods like swing stages or scaffold systems, drone-captured footage resulted in safer and more efficient inspections. The AI-powered analysis helped the design team with their quality inspection by automatically identifying potential issues with the façade.

UVA Alderman Library Demolition

While working on the UVA Alderman Library in Charlottesville, Skanska flew drones to capture live footage of the demolition works. As crews were demolishing the existing building and spraying water to prevent excessive dust, the team monitored the operation remotely through drones. The AI system analyzed the footage in real-time to ensure the work was being carried out safely and efficiently, allowing the team to maintain a safe distance while ensuring project success.

Wake Tech Community College Project

At the Wake Tech Community College Central Energy Plant project in Wake County, drones tracked progress of earth moving operations. The AI systems calculated soil stockpiles to ensure adequate soil was available onsite for future grading and building construction projects, replacing manual calculations that would have been time-consuming and less accurate.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight Testing

In one of the first tests of its kind in the UK, Skanska tested an advanced drone system at its development in Mindenhurst, Surrey. A pilot located in a control room fifty miles away flew a highly-automated drone remotely around the site, using technology similar to autonomous cars. The system used AI for navigation and obstacle avoidance, capturing detailed structural imagery during the flight.

Technical Implementation and Workflow

Skanska’s AI-powered drone monitoring system follows a structured workflow:

1. Flight Planning: Pilots use specialized software to plan drone flight paths, ensuring comprehensive site coverage while complying with FAA regulations.
2. Data Acquisition: Drones capture high-resolution images and videos of the construction site, which are automatically uploaded to a cloud-based platform.
3. AI Processing: The system processes visual data using advanced computer vision algorithms to perform several key functions. It identifies construction elements and materials present on the site, allowing for accurate tracking of progress and inventory. The algorithms also compare current site conditions against Building Information Modeling (BIM) models and project plans to ensure work is proceeding according to schedule and design specifications. Additionally, the system can detect anomalies or deviations from established specifications, flagging potential issues or quality control concerns for further investigation. This comprehensive analysis of visual data enables real-time monitoring of construction progress, enhances quality assurance, and facilitates proactive decision-making on the project.
4. Data Visualization: Processed information is presented through intuitive dashboards that provide stakeholders with real-time insights into project status.
5. Integration: The system integrates with other project management tools to provide a comprehensive view of project progress and performance.

Measurable Results and Benefits

The implementation of AI-powered drone monitoring has delivered significant benefits for Skanska:

Enhanced Efficiency and Time Savings

The drone program has significantly reduced the time required for site inspections and progress monitoring. Tasks that previously took days can now be completed in hours, allowing for more frequent and comprehensive site assessments.

Cost Reduction

By using drones rather than traditional aerial photography offered by third-party vendors, Skanska has saved both time and money while gaining more detailed information and more frequent insights. The ability to perform inspections without expensive equipment like scaffolding or lifts has further reduced costs.

Improved Safety

The use of drones for inspecting hard-to-reach or hazardous areas has eliminated the need for workers to physically access these locations, significantly reducing safety risks. The AI-powered safety monitoring has also helped identify and address potential hazards before they lead to accidents, contributing to a 25% decrease in safety incidents on their job sites in some cases10.

Better Decision-Making

Real-time insights on site conditions have improved decision-making across projects. The rich data set provided by the drone system allows project managers to quickly identify issues and make informed decisions to keep projects on track.

Enhanced Client Engagement

The visual data captured by drones has proven valuable for engaging clients and communities with meaningful project updates. The detailed imagery and 3D models help stakeholders better understand project progress and visualize the final outcome.

Future Directions

Skanska continues to explore new applications for AI-powered drone technology in construction:

Advanced BVLOS Operations

The company is working with technology providers like sees.ai to develop Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities that would allow drones to operate autonomously over construction sites. This would enable continuous monitoring without the need for pilot intervention, further increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

Enhanced AI Capabilities

Skanska is investing in more sophisticated AI algorithms that can not only detect issues but also suggest solutions based on historical data and best practices. These predictive capabilities could help prevent problems before they occur.

Integration with Other Technologies

The company is looking to integrate drone data with other emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and augmented reality to create a more comprehensive digital representation of construction sites.

Conclusion

Skanska’s implementation of AI-powered drone technology for construction site monitoring represents a significant advancement in how construction projects are managed and executed. By combining the aerial capabilities of drones with the analytical power of artificial intelligence, Skanska has created a system that enhances safety, improves efficiency, reduces costs, and provides unprecedented insights into project progress.

The success of this initiative demonstrates the value of embracing innovative technologies in the construction industry. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect even greater benefits from AI-powered drone monitoring, further transforming how construction projects are delivered.

For construction companies looking to enhance their monitoring capabilities, Skanska’s approach offers valuable lessons in technology integration, organizational support, and the importance of building a community of practice around new technologies. The human element—creating a network of drone experts who continuously learn and share—has been just as important as the technology itself in achieving success.