AI simplifies routine tasks but can’t solve labor shortages on construction sites – Ukrainian developers

Ukrainian developers report that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies simplify data processing and marketing tasks but fail to address labor shortages on construction sites, according to a survey by Interfax-Ukraine.

"At the current stage of AI development, these technologies cannot solve the labor shortage in construction. The biggest issue in the industry right now is the lack of qualified personnel, especially skilled workers, though there is also a shortage of office staff. Digital and AI tools certainly help reduce routine tasks, but they still require skilled professionals to manage them and properly set tasks for the system," Saga Development's press office told the agency.

AI tools are being used for tasks such as developing advertising strategies and creating renders and visualizations, said Oleksandr Poltorak, brand manager of DIM Group. He noted that DIM Group has trained ChatGPT using a database of information about the company's residential complexes.

"We also use AI for digital analytics. Our future plans include creating a DIM-GPT chatbot tailored specifically to the company’s needs and tasks," Poltorak explained.

According to Oleksiy Koval, project manager at Perfect Group, even limited use of AI technologies improves decision-making accuracy in marketing strategies. With more extensive implementation, AI could aid in automating project management processes, forecasting expenses, and estimating timelines.

Koval said Perfect Group is exploring the potential of expanded AI use for data collection and processing in projects.

"AI can potentially help partially offset the labor shortage by taking over routine tasks and improving team productivity. Automating calculations and management reduces worker loads, allowing them to focus on creative and strategic aspects of their work. Of course, even the best technologies can't solve the shortage of hands-on workers at construction sites," Koval said.

KAN Development highlighted the crucial role of human input in verifying and processing data when using AI technologies. For example, while AI assists in data collection and site analysis during early project stages, the gathered material is further refined by architects.

"We use AI cautiously, as the accuracy of models sometimes doesn't align with the realities of complex construction due to inconsistent quality of source data. Therefore, AI is applied in limited ways—primarily for analyzing market trends, monitoring projects, and handling simple routine tasks. Our focus is on combining AI with the expertise of specialists to verify and refine data," KAN Development's press office said.

The company also noted that at this stage of development, it's premature to claim that AI can significantly reduce financial costs or shorten project timelines in construction.

Valentyn Yaromenko, founder of White Sales, emphasized that adopting innovative technologies is critical for Ukrainian developers under current circumstances.

"Development is a fairly conservative field, but competition, war, and globalization are powerful factors. For most developers, technological advancement is essential for survival. I’m confident Ukrainian developers, despite limited budgets, will adopt technologies, especially AI, faster than most Western players," he said.

Borys Goldenstein, founder and CEO of Zezman Holding, predicted that Ukrainian developers will actively integrate AI technologies within the next five years.

"AI cannot yet fully replace construction workers – it doesn't know how to lay bricks or tie rebar. However, AI technologies have the potential to significantly boost efficiency in construction. Over the next five years, Ukrainian development companies are likely to focus on implementing AI in specific areas, such as automating routine tasks, detecting errors, and forecasting project costs," Goldenstein concluded.