AI in Facades? It’s Not Sci-Fi, It’s Now

Good morning, Facade Focus readers!

For all of you Artificial Intelligence (AI) enthusiasts, there's no "Deep Dive" this week......

Instead, we're going to "Deep Seek" into this week's topic ?? ??

With the news of DeepSeek (Chinese AI Lab) building and releasing a free and open-source Large Language Model (LLM) that actually performs better than ChatGPT (at a fraction of the cost to deploy), we are exploring the use cases for AI in the Glass & Metal industry!

AI is making waves across industries right now, from healthcare to cybersecurity, but its adoption in the Glass & Metal industry remains relatively low.

While AI holds immense potential to transform how we design, engineer, fabricate, and install facade products, many companies have yet to explore its capabilities.

This week, we’ll explore how Glass & Metal businesses can leverage AI to gain a competitive edge, the opportunities it presents, and why early adopters are poised to lead the industry.

By now, you'll know I'm already holding my Double Espresso, grab yours and let's jump into this week's Facade Focus!

Why Consider AI for Your Facade Business?

AI has the power to streamline operations, improve accuracy, and reduce costs at every stage of the facade project lifecycle.

While adoption is still in its infancy, exploring and integrating AI now can position your business as a forward-thinking leader in a competitive market.

Exploring the Potential: Where AI Could Make an Impact

1. Design Optimization

AI-powered tools can revolutionize the way facades are designed by:

• Streamlining Complex Designs: Generative design software like Autodesk's Generative Design in Revit uses AI to rapidly create and analyze multiple facade design iterations. This tool optimizes for criteria such as energy performance, material efficiency, and aesthetic goals, enabling architects and engineers to make informed decisions faster.
• Material Selection: Algorithms can recommend the best materials based on energy efficiency, durability, and budget.

2. Engineering Precision

AI can support engineering teams by:

• Automating Calculations: Structural loads, wind resistance, and thermal performance can be modeled quickly and accurately.
• Reducing Errors: AI systems can identify inconsistencies in designs, reducing costly mistakes during construction.

3. Manufacturing and Fabrication

AI and automation are revolutionizing the production process by improving precision, reducing waste, and increasing speed:

• Quality Control: AI-equipped cameras and sensors can inspect materials and components for flaws, ensuring precision and consistency.
• Predictive Maintenance: AI systems monitor equipment health, predicting failures and minimizing downtime.
• Efficiency Gains: Robotic systems guided by AI can fabricate facade components more quickly and accurately.

4. Installation and Site Work

AI adoption in on-site activities is rare but holds great promise:

• Drone-Assisted Surveys: Drones equipped with AI can perform facade inspections and alignments in real time, improving accuracy and reducing time spent on manual measurements.
• Robotic Installation: AI-driven robots could assist in panel lifting and placement, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Challenges in Implementing AI in the Facade Industry

While the benefits of AI are compelling, several challenges hinder its widespread adoption in the facade industry:

• High Initial Costs: Implementing AI systems requires significant upfront investment in software, hardware, and training, which can be prohibitive for smaller firms. (More on this after the DeepSeek news below)
• Integration with Existing Systems: Incorporating AI tools into current workflows can be complex, potentially leading to compatibility issues and requiring substantial adjustments.
• Data Security and Privacy Concerns: AI systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, and even minor data inaccuracies can lead to costly errors in projects.
• Talent Shortages: There is a scarcity of professionals with the expertise to develop, implement, and manage AI solutions within the construction sector.
• Trust and Cultural Barriers: Resistance to change and scepticism about AI's capabilities can impede its adoption among industry professionals.

Addressing these challenges will require strategic planning, investment in education and training, and a commitment to integrating AI thoughtfully into business operations.

The Competitive Advantage of Early Adoption

While AI adoption is still low, it creates a unique opportunity for forward-thinking glass & metal companies to stand out. By investing in AI now, you can:

• Differentiate Your Business: Offering AI-powered solutions can attract new clients looking for innovation and develop relationships with your current client base.
• Improve Efficiency: Automating repetitive tasks reduces costs and frees up teams for more strategic and creative work.
• Future-Proof Your Operations: As AI becomes more widespread, early adopters will already have the expertise and systems in place to stay ahead.

How to Get Started with AI

Adopting AI doesn’t require an all-or-nothing approach.

Here are a few steps to begin integrating AI into your business:

1. Identify Pain Points: Focus on areas where inefficiencies or errors are most common, such as fabrication quality control or design coordination.
2. Start Small: Invest in specific AI tools or software for one aspect of your operations, such as generative design or automated inspection systems.
3. Partner with Experts: Collaborate with technology providers and consultants to identify the best AI solutions for your business.
4. Empower your Team: Encourage your team members to start thinking of small bottlenecks in your business that AI could potentially solve. Allow them to think, discover and deliver a business case to implement their strategy. Employee buy-in is critical to introducing a new workflow or technology!
5. Train Your Team: Provide your workforce with initial and ongoing training to ensure they can effectively use AI tools.

What DeepSeek's AI Breakthrough Can Teach Us

David and Goliath.

The AI landscape was once dominated by a few major players with access to billion-dollar budgets, vast data centers, and cutting-edge resources.

However, DeepSeek’s recent success in building a Large Language Model (LLM) to rival ChatGPT demonstrates a monumental shift: you don’t need to be a tech giant to innovate and compete.

Here’s what they achieved:

• Training Costs: Reduced from $100 million to $5 million.
• Hardware Requirements: Reduced GPUs needed from 100,000 to just 2,000—some models can even run on gaming GPUs.
• API Costs: Dropped by 95%, making high-powered AI accessible to smaller teams.
• Open-Source Innovation: By leveraging public resources, DeepSeek created a competitive tool with minimal overhead.

This revolution in AI accessibility provides a blueprint for the glass & metal industry, where historically, only the largest firms could afford cutting-edge innovations like advanced modeling tools or automated production systems.

Over time, costs will come down and accessibility to these tools will level the playing field.

Just make sure you're ready to enter the field before you get left behind.

Stay curious and humble, you won't go far wrong!

Looking Ahead

We've highlighted how AI has the potential to reshape the glass & metal industry, but adoption remains limited.

For glass & metal companies willing to take the leap, this is the perfect time to explore how AI can streamline processes, reduce costs, and differentiate your offerings.

Questions for You:

• Which area of your business could benefit most from AI?
• What are the biggest challenges in implementing AI into your glass & metal business?

?? Answer in the comments below and let's move the conversation forward.