SMACNA at the Forefront of AI Tech

   Aaron Hilger

Construction has existed since before historical records existed. Back then, improving the built environment started simply by creating a shelter from wind or rain. From these basic structures, humanity learned how to construct the ancient megaprojects like pyramids. Today, we build skyscrapers that reach thousands of feet into the air, mile-long mega factories and massive infrastructure projects to move people and goods. The construction process is also still, in many ways, the same. A need is identified, a project is designed and skilled workers take an idea and make it real. Of course, steps in the process have changed. We don’t draw our designs on papyrus anymore. Nor are we dependent on paper drawings or having to haul materials with a hand hoist.  Innovation and technology have improved our processes in many ways. Along the way, we may also have lost some historical skills as they were replaced with faster construction methods. 

Embracing artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the next steps for construction. AI is more than a tool to help college kids write faster term papers (although I am sure the triplets are using it). As we learn how to harness the power of AI, we have the potential to design better projects and execute them more efficiently. Along the way, we may also be able to reduce the amount of time our skilled staff spend on low-value tasks, like routine paperwork and submittals. AI might help us work more safely by identifying hazards and finding solutions to mitigate them. 

So many tools are helping construction firms nationwide develop newer and better project management methods. This includes bringing multiple existing platforms together to form a unified interface to streamline workflow and ensure that projects are delivered on time and within budget. SMACNA is working with industry leaders in AI to pave the way for our members to better understand these technologies and how they can be leveraged to deliver maximum value to our customers. I look forward to seeing the programs that our AI Task Force  creates in 2025, and I invite you to share your thoughts with me or any other SMACNA staff member. 

SMACNA has also been on the cutting edge of urging our leadership in Washington to push forward the Advance Act legislation that will streamline the regulatory process for nuclear reactors. One of the intended results of this law is the production, installation and activation of small nuclear reactors at energy-intensive sites, including (but not limited to) data centers. The needs that our growing data management and storage infrastructure are putting on our energy grid are enormous, and there needs to be common sense solutions to these challenges, which the Advance Act forwards constructively. This also represents a massive economic opportunity for SMACNA contractors, as our expertise in this field can be used well, primarily as this law is implemented and these new energy production assets begin to come online. 

Artificial intelligence and nuclear reactors — are they the next step to robots overthrowing humanity? I surely hope not, although living in the land of data centers, we wonder at times. All joking aside, SMACNA and SMACNA members will be leading the use of AI and will have large roles in nuclear development.  SMACNA will continue to keep our members at the forefront of these changes so they can compete in this dynamic marketplace.  

Aaron Hilger is CEO of SMACNA, bringing more than two decades of executive association leadership to this role. Hilger is focused on building a stronger, more competitive environment for all SMACNA contractors.