DroneDeploy Launches Progress AI for Construction Tracking

News Summary

DroneDeploy has introduced Progress AI, an innovative tool that automates construction progress tracking using data from drones and 360-degree cameras. This new technology enhances jobsite visibility, reduces reliance on manual updates, and significantly lowers costs. With features like a natural-language interface and impressive accuracy, Progress AI allows teams to monitor construction status in real-time, making it easier to manage projects ranging from hospitals to solar farms. Currently in early access, it will be widely available in October as an add-on for existing DroneDeploy customers.

DroneDeploy Introduces Progress AI: Transforming Construction Progress Tracking

Construction technology is set to experience a major shift with the introduction of Progress AI, a new artificial intelligence tool by DroneDeploy. This innovative solution aims to automate the traditionally time-consuming process of tracking construction progress by utilizing data from drones and 360-degree cameras. By replacing manual updates with quick and reliable reports, Progress AI offers a much more efficient approach to jobsite monitoring at a significantly lower cost than conventional methods.

Enhanced Jobsite Visibility

Progress AI provides real-time visibility into jobsite conditions, leveraging visual intelligence to enhance decision-making and reduce the reliance on excessive paperwork. Stakeholders involved in a project, including superintendents, can now gain a comprehensive view of the construction status across all floors and trades within just a few minutes. This capability transforms how teams engage with their projects, enabling swifter responses to issues that may arise.

Replacing Traditional Methods

The traditional approach to progress tracking has often depended on manual note-taking, hand-marked drawings, and sporadic photos from the jobsite. Unfortunately, these methods can lead to missed critical issues and slow down decision-making processes. In contrast, Progress AI uses advanced vision-language models trained on billions of square feet of real-world data, allowing users to upload images from drones or 360-degree cameras. Within minutes, the tool identifies what has been constructed, where the work is located, and who completed it. The resulting reports have demonstrated an impressive 95% accuracy, turning basic photo captures into valuable actionable data.

Features and Benefits of Progress AI

A standout aspect of Progress AI is its natural-language interface, enabling team members to ask questions about progress both verbally and through text. This immediate access to information on specific inquiries regarding construction status streamlines communication among workers on-site. The advantages of adopting Progress AI include:

• Speed: Quick report generation within minutes after uploading images.
• Cost: Built for scalability, making it applicable for entire project portfolios rather than just flagship projects.
• Simplicity: No complicated Building Information Modeling (BIM) setups are required.
• Intelligence: Capable of understanding visual data, including details on installation statuses and work progression.

Versatility Across Project Types

Progress AI proves effective across various project sizes and types, from hospitals to solar farms. This versatility simplifies progress tracking and management, further appealing to stakeholders in different construction domains. Preliminary users, including notable construction groups, have highlighted substantial benefits, such as improved coordination among trades and faster resolutions of issues that typically arise on-site.

An Extra Set of Eyes

The tool has been described as acting like an “extra superintendent,” ensuring that all aspects of the construction progress are captured and analyzed. Instances have been noted where Progress AI effectively identified installation challenges, allowing teams to address these concerns proactively and save on potential rework time.

Access and Future Availability

Currently in early access, Progress AI is set to become widely available in October. It will be offered as an add-on for existing DroneDeploy Aerial and Ground customers, providing a notable enhancement to their construction management tools. With such advancements, teams equipped with Progress AI are anticipated to facilitate smoother project workflows and achieve higher efficiency levels in their construction tracking efforts.

For further details on this revolutionary tool, individuals interested in exploring Progress AI can find information on the DroneDeploy website.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

• DroneLife
• Geo Week News
• AEC Magazine
• The Drone Girl
• MIT Technology Review
• Wikipedia: Construction
• Google Search: construction progress tracking
• Google Scholar: construction AI
• Encyclopedia Britannica: construction technology
• Google News: construction updates