A renowned quantity surveyor, Sanusi Hussein Kehinde, has outlined how Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital technologies are reshaping construction management in Nigeria and around the world.
Speaking in an interview, Kehinde said the influence of technology on modern construction sites has become impossible to ignore.
He noted that sites once dominated by dust, noise, and manual labour are now witnessing a shift, with drones surveying half-built structures, robots laying bricks with precision, and site managers working with 3D digital models instead of bulky paper plans.
Kehinde explained that AI has become a key tool for addressing long-standing challenges in the construction industry, including cost overruns, project delays, and unpredictable site conditions. According to him, AI systems now help managers predict delays, analyse risks in real time, and optimise project schedules.
“Instead of waiting for problems to arise, algorithms analyse thousands of data points—weather forecasts, supply-chain updates, worker productivity, and historical project information—to recommend decisions that improve efficiency and reduce waste,” he said.
He added that technology is contributing to more projects being completed on schedule, with tighter budget control and improved management of complex workflows. One industry expert described AI as “the silent project manager,” noting that it enhances human performance rather than replacing workers.
Kehinde also listed the growing presence of robots on construction sites, including bricklaying robots capable of laying thousands of bricks per day, rebar-tying machines that reduce repetitive strain, autonomous excavation equipment, and drone fleets for inspections.
He stressed that these tools are designed to handle dangerous or highly repetitive tasks, allowing human workers to focus on supervision, decision-making, and specialised duties.
He noted that robotics is helping to address global labour shortages, especially as older workers retire and fewer young people take up construction trades.
Kehinde further observed that construction managers now depend heavily on digital twins, Building Information Modelling (BIM), IoT sensors, and mobile collaboration tools—technologies that are becoming central to modern project delivery.
He said, “Digital Twins and BIM create a virtual version of the structure every beam, pipe, and panel allowing teams to identify clashes, revise designs, and simulate performance before construction begins.
“IoT Sensors is installed in structures and equipment, sensors gather data on temperature, structural integrity, vibrations, energy use, and safety risks. This live information feeds into dashboards that managers can monitor from anywhere.
“Teams in different locations can work on the same model, review site footage, track updates, and resolve issues immediately.”
He noted that digital tools have essentially removed information bottleneck that once slowed projects, adding that everyone from architects to engineers to contractors have aligned on the same information.
He also said AI and robotics, is modular construction which emerged as a strong trend in 2025.
He noted that factories now create precisely engineered building components walls, rooms, entire floors which are then transported to the site for assembly like large Lego pieces.
“This method reduces project timelines by 30 to 50%, lowers waste, and ensures better quality control. When combined with robotics and AI planning, modular construction becomes a fast, clean, and cost-effective solution, particularly for housing and commercial buildings.
“As climate challenges, urban expansion, and government regulations push construction firms to adopt greener practices, AI tools analyze materials, reduce waste, optimize energy usage, and monitor carbon footprints.
“Digital monitoring also helps detect leaks, inefficiencies, and structural weaknesses early, greatly extending the lifespan of buildings. The construction sites of 2025 do not just build; they learn, adjust, and optimize.
“While concerns about “machines taking jobs” persist across various industries, construction is seeing the opposite effect: technology is creating new roles like drone operators, BIM specialists, robotics technicians, data analysts, and sustainability engineers.
“Workers are being trained to manage advanced equipment, interpret data, and oversee automated processes. Construction is evolving into a more appealing, tech-focused career option for younger generations who prefer digital tools over manual labor.”
Sanusi however lamented that despite all these progress, construction industries still encounters challenges such as high costs of adopting new technology, shortage of skilled digital talent, resistance to change among traditional firms, concerns over cybersecurity and data privacy among others.
“However, the momentum is clear. Companies that embrace innovation are already outperforming those that don’t.
“The construction industry, historically one of the least digitized sectors, is now undergoing significant transformation.
AI offers insights. Robotics deliver precision. Digital tools ensure coordination. Human expertise provides direction. Together, they are building the cities of the future faster, safer, greener, and smarter. One thing is certain: construction management will never be the same again.”
