Published: 18. March 2025,
Success Stories
By Gammon Construction
Contractor
Tia White took the stage at Trackunit Next 2025 with a message that left no room for doubt: artificial intelligence is no longer a future disruptor—it is already reshaping industries. Speaking at the virtual event in February, the Applied AI Executive at AWS laid out the reality facing businesses today.
“We can’t imagine a world without it,” White said. “AI touches all industries.”
Her words resonated. White emphasized that AI is already embedded in everything from project management and fleet optimization to predictive maintenance and data-driven decision-making.
Yet, White noted that many companies remain hesitant, unsure of how to integrate AI into their operations. A McKinsey report estimate that generative AI will contribute between $2.6 and $4.4 trillion annually to the global economy. The opportunity is clear, but not every industry is moving fast enough to seize it.
White pointed out that history has shown industries reluctant to embrace transformation are often left behind. The internet, mobile phones, and cloud computing all faced initial skepticism before becoming essential. AI was no different.
“The construction industry is sitting on a landmine of data that you are just waiting to unleash to gain power and control and reduce costs in your business,” said White.
Despite the opportunity, she said, construction remains one of the least digitized industries. White highlighted that while AI has already transformed finance, manufacturing, and healthcare, construction still has room for growth. A Deloitte study found that AI could unlock $18 billion in additional value for homebuilders alone, but traditional workflows, fragmented data, and uncertainty around adoption are slowing progress.
White made it clear that the widespread adoption of AI isn’t just happening—it’s inevitable. Four major forces are accelerating AI’s integration across industries.
White explained that cloud computing has made AI accessible, eliminating the need for expensive in-house infrastructure. The explosion of data, particularly post-pandemic, has provided AI with the raw material it needs to automate processes, improve safety, and optimize workflows.
‘The construction industry is sitting on a landmine of data that you are just waiting to unleash to gain power and control and reduce costs in your business.’
Model sophistication and rapid advancements in large language models (LLMs) like Amazon’s Nova models GPT-4, Llama, and Claude have enabled AI to go beyond automation into real-time decision-making, predictive analytics, and creative problem-solving. Meanwhile, open-source AI frameworks have made it easier for companies to integrate AI without massive R&D investments.
“We’re no longer asking what AI can do,” said White. “We’re asking what AI should do.” Businesses that move fast will gain an edge, she said. Those who hesitate will find themselves outpaced by competitors leveraging AI to optimize operations, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making.
The fear that AI will replace jobs is a recurring concern, but history has proven otherwise. New technologies don’t eliminate work—they redefine it. White cited a World Economic Forum report predicting that while AI will displace 85 million jobs by 2025, it will also create 97 million new roles that require AI literacy.
“Nearly one in four construction workers in the US and around the globe are between the ages of 45 and 55,” said the AWS executive. “An estimated 1.9 million construction workers are likely to leave the industry by the end of 2025.”
‘We are in the middle of something truly disruptive… in a good way…The winners will be the ones who adapt now.’
AI, she said, is not about removing human expertise — it’s about enhancing it. White emphasized that AI-powered tools can help construction teams work smarter, not harder, by offering real-time job site insights, predictive maintenance recommendations, and data-driven decision-making support. It can also automate administrative tasks, freeing skilled workers to focus on higher-value, complex problem-solving.
“AI isn’t replacing people—it’s giving them superpowers,” added White. Companies that invest in AI upskilling and workforce transformation will define the next generation of industry leaders. Those that fail to adapt will struggle with widening skills gaps and labor shortages.
Despite AI’s momentum, White observed that many businesses remain stuck in a cycle of hesitation. Some fear their data isn’t clean or structured enough for AI adoption. Others struggle to pinpoint where AI fits within their existing workflows. Leadership teams debate long-term impact without taking the necessary first steps to integrate AI into operations.
‘AI isn’t replacing people—it’s giving them superpowers‘
“I always tell people to learn,” she said. “First, begin learning even if you’re just reading 60 minutes a day.” AI adoption doesn’t require perfect data, she said, it requires the right data.
White advised that companies should start by testing AI use cases, measuring outcomes, and refining their approach to gain a first-mover advantage. Those that hesitate risk losing ground to more agile, data-driven competitors.
Beneath the surface of AI-driven transformation, five critical elements must be in place for businesses to truly harness its potential, said White.
“Innovation cannot be avoided,” said White. Businesses that recognized the internet early are now dominant market players. Those that adopted mobile technology first reshaped entire industries. White warned that AI is the next great economic disruptor, and the window of opportunity is closing fast.
The time for deliberation is over, said White. AI is already shaping industries, and those who hesitate risk being left behind. The real question is not whether AI will reshape the way business is done—it already is. The only question left is who will lead and who will struggle to catch up.
“We are in the middle of something truly disruptive … in a good way,” she said. “The winners will be the ones who adapt now.”
AI is already reshaping construction, but its full potential is just beginning to unfold. Industry leaders are at the forefront, redefining how data, automation, and connectivity drive smarter, more efficient operations.
Explore these insights in Trackunit’s AI Podcast. In Episode 01 – The Future of AI in Construction, CEO Soeren Brogaard unpacks a key paradox: construction thrives on collaboration, yet every business aims to stand out. The solution? Harnessing AI, connectivity, and data-driven insights to create a more integrated and competitive industry.
Tune in now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of construction.
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