Las Vegas, October 9, 2025
News Summary
At the Oracle Edge Customer Summit in Las Vegas, a senior Oracle executive framed AI as a practical tool to help construction manage rapid global expansion, address widening workforce gaps and unlock trapped project data. AI-powered predictive analytics, BIM integration, drones and robotic systems are being applied across preconstruction, construction and operations to improve cost control, safety, quality and sustainability. With job vacancies rising and workers spending significant time searching for information, firms are urged to pilot AI solutions and train teams to capture efficiency gains, reduce waste and support long-term maintenance strategies.
AI Framed as Solution to Construction’s Big Growth, Skills Gap, Data Silos and Safety Challenges
Key takeaway
Josh Kanner spoke about AI in construction at the Oracle Edge Customer Summit in Las Vegas. The presentation cast artificial intelligence as a practical tool to help the industry manage a projected surge in work, rising vacancies, fragmented data and safety and efficiency pressures.
Why this matters now
The construction industry is described as booming and is projected to grow by $4.2 trillion globally over the next 15 years, according to Global Construction Futures. That expansion arrives amid a widening skills gap: job vacancies in construction are reported as up 41% year-over-year and a wave of retirements in the construction workforce is described as looming. Those trends drive urgency for new tools that increase productivity, reduce waste and keep sites safer.
Who spoke and background
Josh Kanner is senior director of product and strategy at Oracle Construction and Engineering. He previously founded and led startups that were acquired: Josh Kanner previously was founder and CEO of Newmetrix before its acquisition by Oracle. He also co-founded and was CEO of Vela Systems before it was acquired by Autodesk.
Problems AI aims to solve
The industry today is often held back by data silos. A 2024 study found construction workers spend 18% of their time searching for information, and the same 2024 study found 43% of workers believe better data access would improve decision-making. That wasted time and uncertainty feed cost overruns, schedule slips and decreased appeal for new workers. AI is presented as a powerful solution poised to significantly improve how projects are designed, built, and managed by turning raw data into actionable insights.
How AI helps across the project lifecycle
AI’s influence is expanding across the entire construction lifecycle. In preconstruction, AI is proving invaluable for feasibility studies, material optimization, and precise cost estimations. During construction, AI can provide real-time progress tracking, predictive analytics for proactive issue prevention, and insightful Building Information Modeling (BIM) analysis. After project completion, AI capabilities such as predictive maintenance schedules and energy monitoring systems can continue to deliver value. Post-completion AI can optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
Efficiency, cost control and safety
Cost control remains a primary motivator for AI adoption in construction. AI can identify potential cost overruns early and optimize resource allocation throughout the project lifecycle. A cited study estimates AI-powered predictive analytics can reduce project costs by up to 15%. Safety is a top priority and can be improved through AI’s ability to predict potential risks, monitor equipment performance for early signs of failure, and proactively detect hazards on the jobsite, translating into fewer accidents and a safer work environment.
Why adoption is accelerating
Several factors are propelling AI adoption in construction, including an industry inflection point in technological evolution. The evolution has progressed from standalone point solutions to first-generation platforms to truly intelligent platforms that synchronize activities and empower teams with predictive capabilities. Growth for AI adoption reflects three fundamental shifts: (1) cost pressures and labor shortages making efficiency improvements critical; (2) companies working to break down data silos to increase cross-team collaboration; and (3) the democratization of AI tools making implementation more accessible.
Real-world examples and future trajectory
The transition from AI as a hypothetical possibility to practical application in construction is already underway, with pioneering projects demonstrating transformative potential. Real-world examples of AI in construction include the Burj Khalifa, which employs an AI-powered maintenance system to monitor its elevators, escalators, and other critical machinery. The Burj Khalifa’s AI-powered maintenance system can detect the slightest signs of potential machine failure to enable proactive maintenance and minimize downtime. Growth in AI will be driven by increasing integration of AI with BIM and robotics, creating a synergistic ecosystem of advanced technologies.
What to prioritize
The future of AI in construction will hinge on three critical factors: Connection, Intelligence, and Orchestration. Connection means breaking down data silos to create a unified view of projects and portfolios and connecting teams around shared information. Intelligence means leveraging historical and real-time data to power predictive analytics that identify potential risks before they materialize and recommend optimal solutions. Orchestration means synchronizing activities across the entire construction ecosystem so all parties work together according to central project goals with real-time visibility into changes.
Sustainability
The construction industry accounts for over 20% of global carbon emissions. AI can promote more sustainable construction practices by optimizing energy usage and facilitating comprehensive energy audits. AI can help contractors minimize waste, optimize material usage, and promote eco-friendly construction methods.
Practical steps for firms
To benefit from AI advancements, construction firms should invest in AI training for their workforce and pilot AI-powered solutions on key projects. The focus of AI in construction is on augmenting human expertise—empowering construction professionals with AI tools to enhance capabilities and drive innovation. The article recommends that firms embrace AI today to be best prepared to succeed in the future of construction.
Context from the Las Vegas market
Locally, construction dynamics vary. Nevada is losing thousands of construction jobs as tourism slows and economic uncertainty remains high. Construction jobs in Nevada were down 6.4% (7,100 jobs) year over year through August, according to a report from The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Nevada ranked fifth in the country for overall construction jobs lost in that period. The Las Vegas Valley reportedly shed 4,300 jobs from July to August, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). These local shifts underscore why firms in some markets may push harder to adopt AI to maintain competitiveness.
Note on content placement
The content containing Josh Kanner’s remarks appears as Sponsored Content (a paid section). Sponsored Content is described as a special paid section where industry companies provide high-quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host publication or its parent company.
FAQ
How much is the construction industry expected to grow?
The construction industry is described as booming and is projected to grow by $4.2 trillion globally over the next 15 years, according to Global Construction Futures.
Who spoke about AI in construction at the event?
Josh Kanner spoke about AI in construction at the Oracle Edge Customer Summit in Las Vegas.
What is Josh Kanner’s role?
Josh Kanner is senior director of product and strategy at Oracle Construction and Engineering.
What evidence shows workers lose time to information searches?
A 2024 study found construction workers spend 18% of their time searching for information, and the same 2024 study found 43% of workers believe better data access would improve decision-making.
How much can AI reduce project costs?
A cited study estimates AI-powered predictive analytics can reduce project costs by up to 15%.
Does the article note the content type for the comments?
The content containing Josh Kanner’s remarks appears as Sponsored Content (a paid section).
What happened to construction jobs in Nevada?
Construction jobs in Nevada were down 6.4% (7,100 jobs) year over year through August, according to a report from The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
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Key features at a glance
| Feature | What it does | Related fact from article |
|---|---|---|
| AI in preconstruction | Feasibility, material optimization, cost estimation | AI is proving invaluable for feasibility studies, material optimization, and precise cost estimations. |
| AI during construction | Real-time tracking, predictive analytics, BIM analysis | AI can provide real-time progress tracking, predictive analytics for proactive issue prevention, and insightful Building Information Modeling (BIM) analysis. |
| AI post-completion | Predictive maintenance, energy monitoring, operational efficiency | AI capabilities such as predictive maintenance schedules and energy monitoring systems can continue to deliver value. |
| Cost reduction | Early identification of overruns and optimized allocation | AI-powered predictive analytics can reduce project costs by up to 15%. |
| Data connection | Breaking down data silos to create unified project views | Connection means breaking down data silos to create a unified view of projects and portfolios and connecting teams around shared information. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Fox5 Las Vegas: Athletics, county officials finalize development agreement — Strip ballpark
- Wikipedia: Oakland Athletics
- Victorville Daily Press: Brightline West Southern California–Las Vegas high-speed rail cost
- Google Search: Brightline West high-speed rail Las Vegas
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Las Vegas loses thousands of construction jobs, contractors association says
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas construction jobs 2025
- MLB.com: Athletics Las Vegas ballpark construction cam
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Stadium construction
- ENR: Bright lights shine on Las Vegas construction
- Google News: Las Vegas construction 2025
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
