Arizona State University Alum Leads AI Innovation to Address Labor Shortage in Construction
AI Innovation in Construction: A Case Study from Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) has long been a breeding ground for forward‑thinking solutions across a range of industries. One of its most compelling success stories comes from Eric Cylwik, a former Design School student who now directs innovation at Sundt Construction in Tempe, Arizona. Cylwik’s journey illustrates how AI can be leveraged to solve real‑world problems—particularly the persistent labor shortage that plagues the U.S. construction sector.
From Design School to the Construction Site: The Foundations of Innovation
Cylwik began his academic career in the School of Art, but found that studio work did not align with his interests. He pivoted to the Design School’s digital visualization program, where he learned to translate complex 3‑D concepts into clear, visual narratives. This skill set proved invaluable when he first joined Sundt Construction during his sophomore year at ASU. While still a student, he worked part‑time on projects that required 3‑D modeling to explain construction sequences to non‑technical stakeholders.
His early work on the ISTB‑4 project at the ASU Tempe campus—where engineers had to excavate below a busy road without disturbing existing utilities—demonstrated the power of visual tools in mitigating risk. By creating detailed 3‑D models, Cylwik helped the team identify safe drilling locations and design custom shoring solutions. This experience laid the groundwork for his later focus on AI as a tool for reducing uncertainty and accelerating decision‑making.
AI as a Response to the Labor Shortage
The construction industry in the United States faces a chronic labor shortage. According to recent industry reports, the demand for skilled workers outpaces supply by a significant margin. AI offers a way to augment the existing workforce, not replace it. Cylwik explains that AI can act as a “research assistant” for project engineers, filtering through thousands of specification pages to surface the most relevant information. This frees engineers to focus on higher‑level problem solving while still relying on their expertise to validate AI recommendations.
For construction managers, the practical takeaway is clear: invest in AI tools that streamline information retrieval and enhance collaboration. Whether it’s a document‑analysis platform or a predictive maintenance system, the goal is to reduce the time spent on routine tasks and increase the value added by human workers.
Integrating AI with Robotics for Safer, More Efficient Sites
One of the most promising frontiers is the combination of AI and robotics. Cylwik’s partnership with Bedrock Robotics—an organization founded by former Waymo engineers—illustrates how autonomous excavators can be programmed to assess human presence and engagement. Unlike traditional safety systems that trigger a beep whenever a person is detected, these AI‑powered machines evaluate whether a worker is actively aware of the equipment or distracted by a phone. This nuanced approach reduces false alarms and keeps operators focused on the task at hand.
Construction firms can adopt similar strategies by:
- Deploying sensor‑equipped equipment that feeds data into an AI model.
- Training staff to interpret AI alerts and adjust workflows accordingly.
- Collaborating with robotics vendors to customize solutions for specific site conditions.
Upskilling the Workforce for an AI‑Enabled Future
While AI can automate repetitive tasks—such as moving millions of cubic yards of earth over a two‑year period—it also creates new roles that require a blend of technical and creative skills. Cylwik emphasizes the importance of upskilling operators so they can transition from manual labor to supervising autonomous machinery. This shift not only improves job satisfaction but also addresses the labor shortage by offering more attractive career paths.
Construction companies can support this transition by:
- Providing training programs that cover AI fundamentals and robotics operation.
- Encouraging cross‑disciplinary collaboration between engineers, data scientists, and field workers.
- Recognizing and rewarding employees who adopt new technologies.
Leveraging Academic Partnerships for Continuous Innovation
Cylwik’s ongoing engagement with ASU—serving as a guest lecturer and advising the Del E. Webb School of Construction—highlights the value of university‑industry collaboration. By tapping into academic research, construction firms can stay ahead of emerging trends and access a pipeline of talent already versed in AI and digital visualization.
Key actions for industry leaders include:
- Establishing internship and co‑op programs with university design and engineering schools.
- Co‑creating research projects that address real‑world construction challenges.
- Hosting workshops and hackathons to foster innovation among students and professionals.
Actionable Steps for Construction Professionals and Entrepreneurs
1. Audit Current Processes: Identify tasks that consume the most time and evaluate whether AI can streamline them.
2. Choose the Right AI Partner: Look for vendors with proven experience in construction, such as Bedrock Robotics or other industry‑specific AI firms.
3. Invest in Training: Allocate resources for employee development in AI literacy and robotics operation.
4. Pilot Projects: Start with a small, high‑impact project—like AI‑driven safety monitoring—to demonstrate ROI.
5. Scale Gradually: Use lessons learned from pilots to expand AI adoption across the organization.
Case Study: ISTB‑4 Project Success
The ISTB‑4 project showcased how 3‑D modeling and AI can prevent costly mistakes. By simulating the excavation process, the team avoided damaging underground utilities and reduced the need for costly rework. This example serves as a blueprint for other projects where precision and safety are paramount.
Conclusion: Building a Future-Proof Construction Workforce
Arizona State University’s alumni network, exemplified by Eric Cylwik, demonstrates that AI is not a distant concept but a practical tool that can address the labor shortage and elevate construction standards. By integrating AI with robotics, upskilling workers, and fostering academic partnerships, construction firms can build a resilient, efficient, and innovative workforce ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
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