RC123 MarApr 2026 - Magazine - Page 12
TECHNOLOGY
BUILDING A
SMARTER WORLD
Responsible AI is the foundation for
construction’s digital future
by Brandon Milner and Ezequiel Machabanski
RTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is rewriting the rulebook. In construction,
where precision and trust are everything, the question isn’t
whether we adopt AI, but how we do it responsibly.
AI is no longer a distant concept; it’s here, transforming
industries and rede昀椀ning the way we work. At EllisDon, we
view AI not as a buzzword, but as a transformative force
that can unlock greater e昀케ciency, safety, and innovation across the
construction ecosystem. Yet, as powerful as AI is, its promise comes
with responsibility. Harnessing AI requires robust frameworks, a
commitment to ethical practices, and collaboration across the industry
to ensure a shared digital future.
A
Brandon Milner
is the Chief Information
Officer & Senior Vice
President with EllisDon.
Ezequiel Machabanski
is the Vice President, Insights
and Analytics with EllisDon.
Using AI today and what’s next
Construction has traditionally been a complex, fragmented process,
often plagued by ine昀케ciencies and unforeseen risks, but the industry
can leverage AI to change that narrative. Today, our teams use machine
learning algorithms to enhance cost estimation and scheduling accuracy, while predictive analytics help anticipate project risks before they
materialize, enabling proactive decisions that save time and resources.
On our job sites, computer vision systems monitor safety compliance and quality standards in real time. These tools reduce human
error, enhance site safety, increase e昀케ciency, and ensure that every
project meets rigorous quality benchmarks. AI-powered dashboards
aggregate data from multiple sources, giving project managers actionable insights at their 昀椀ngertips.
The next frontier includes agentic AI systems capable of automating complex work昀氀ows and constructability engines that analyze design inputs to 昀氀ag potential issues before construction begins. Imagine
a future where AI predicts risks but actively mitigates them—where
design, procurement, and execution are seamlessly integrated through
intelligent automation. That’s the future we’re building.
Why responsible AI matters more than ever
AI can amplify e昀케ciency, but if misused, it can also amplify bias, compromise privacy, and erode trust. We believe that responsible AI is not
optional; it’s foundational.
12—RENEW CANADA – MARCH/APRIL 2026
RENEWCANADA.NET
