I Interviewed ChatGPT 4.0 about its new Capabilities for the AEC

"Ola" everyone!

In our latest edition of "Innovation Build Newsletter" I will talk about my impressions interviewing ChatGPT 4.0 in a Masterclass I delivered a few days ago. ChatGPT 4.0 is the newest version of the advanced AI developed by OpenAI. This interview shed light on how the interaction between humans and Ai will change pretty quickly and we evaluate use cases for the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

Introducing ChatGPT 4.0

On this new version, one of the biggest changes is that you can use ChatGPT using a voice command and it will respond in a conversation style. So during the interview, I tested this feature as if I were interviewing a guest on a podcast. My first impression was that ChatGPT 4.0 engaged the conversation completely aware of the Masterclass as I had previously prepared it for that. ChatGPT 4.0's ability to interact seamlessly was apparent. As the interview progressed, the AI demonstrated how it could facilitate discussions on various topics related to innovations and technology in construction.

I asked first for it to explain its new capabilities in the AEC structuring its answer by phases: Planning, Design, Pre-construction, Project management and Maintenance.

Answer for the first question:

Application of ChatGPT 4.0 in the AEC:

Planning and Feasibility Analysis

• Project Viability: Evaluate the feasibility of projects by considering costs, timelines, and required resources.
• Regulation Compliance: Access updated information on building codes, environmental regulations, and other relevant standards.

Design and Simulation

• Concept Generation: Assist in creating design concepts and ideas, offering suggestions based on current trends and best practices.
• Modeling and Simulation: Provide information on 3D modeling and simulation tools to predict structural and energy performance.

Cost Estimation and Budgeting

• Cost Estimates: Aid in developing precise cost estimates, accounting for materials, labor, and other factors.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate different materials and construction techniques to find the most cost-effective and efficient solutions.

Project Management

• Scheduling: Assist in creating and updating project schedules, ensuring all phases are planned and monitored effectively.
• Team Communication: Facilitate communication among project teams, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned with project progress and changes.

Maintenance and Problem-Solving

• Preventive Maintenance Plans: Develop preventive maintenance plans, recommending periodic inspections and repairs.
• Problem Diagnosis: Provide support in identifying and resolving structural or operational issues that may arise post-project completion.

Enhanced File Handling Capabilities

In my second question, I asked about the type of files we could update on ChatGPT 4.0 and get feedback on. And the answer was:

• Text Files: Reviewing, editing, summarizing documents, and extracting specific information.
• Spreadsheets: Analyzing data, generating graphs, performing calculations, and offering insights.
• Images (JPG): Describing image content, analyzing graphs and diagrams, and providing detailed information.
• CAD and BIM Models: Offering feedback on drawings and models, suggesting improvements, and interpreting technical details.
• Presentations: Reviewing and suggesting enhancements for presentation slides, helping to structure and organize content effectively.

What called my attention the most was it mentioning that could give feedback on CAD and BIM files. This is something we need to test to understand it real capabilities. But It was, at least by me, already expected it could do that, it was just a matter of time.

Practical Example: Architectural Plan Analysis

On the third question, I gave a real case example and that was my question: If I were to update a floorplan in PDF and reference to a particular code would ChatGPT 4.0 be able to give me a report and feedback?

The answer was:

Yes, it can analyze architectural plans in PDF format. By uploading a plan and providing the relevant code or legal reference, users can receive a detailed analysis, highlighting areas of non-compliance and suggesting necessary modifications to meet regulatory requirements.

After the interview: Examples of use of Voice feature on the AEC

After the interview I did I little research and brainstorming with the help of ChatGPT 4.0 to give examples on how the voice feature can be applied in our day-to-day activities on the AEC, and here is the list I came up with:

1. On-Site Project Management

• Real-Time Updates: Project managers can use voice commands to request and receive real-time updates on the project status, allowing for immediate adjustments and decision-making.

2. Design Reviews and Modifications

• Interactive Design Sessions: Architects can conduct interactive design review sessions where they verbally describe changes, and ChatGPT 4.0 can update digital models or documents accordingly.
• Voice-Activated Simulations: Designers can run simulations of structural or energy performance by simply asking ChatGPT 4.0 to start the process, providing a hands-free way to test various scenarios.

3. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Regulation Queries: Site inspectors can use voice commands to query compliance regulations and receive instant feedback on whether specific aspects of the construction meet legal standards.
• Safety Protocols: Workers can ask for safety protocols or guidelines through voice commands, ensuring they have immediate access to critical safety information without needing to stop their work.

4. Real-Time Data Entry and Reporting

• Voice Input for Reports: Engineers and construction managers can dictate site reports or inspection findings directly into ChatGPT 4.0, streamlining the reporting process and reducing paperwork.
• Instant Data Logging: Workers can log data about materials used, work completed, or issues encountered via voice, ensuring accurate and up-to-date project records.

5. Coordination and Communication

• Meeting Summaries: During meetings, ChatGPT 4.0 can transcribe discussions and generate summaries, capturing key points and action items for easy reference later.
• Voice Memos: Team members can leave voice memos for colleagues, facilitating quick and effective communication without needing to type out messages.

6. Training and Assistance

• Interactive Training Sessions: New employees can undergo training sessions where they interact with ChatGPT 4.0 using voice commands, learning procedures, and best practices in a more engaging way.
• On-Demand Assistance: Workers can ask ChatGPT 4.0 for assistance with specific tasks or troubleshooting issues on the spot, receiving verbal guidance that can help resolve problems quickly.

7. Resource Management

• Inventory Checks: Project managers can perform voice-activated inventory checks, asking ChatGPT 4.0 to provide information on stock levels, order statuses, or supply chain updates.
• Equipment Monitoring: Using voice commands, managers can request updates on equipment status, maintenance schedules, and availability, ensuring optimal use of resources.

Conclusion:

During the interview I also explored its ability to change languages during the conversation and real-time translation. We still have to explore this voice capability further, but I visualize in the near future the opportunity of having an AI technical assistant that can be prepared in advance for any task such as a meeting, a presentation, a sales pitch, a lecture ... etc. This ability of ChatGPT 4.0 to have a voice and interact in a conversational style will unlock a great potential that was not considered up until now.

But you can count on me to continue exploring and adopting these innovations, and tell you all about it here in our bi-weekly newsletter "Innovation Build - The new ways of the AEC" and we are committed to providing you with the latest insights and tools to stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of construction.

Watch the video!

You can watch this interview on YouTube, it is in Portuguese, but you can click on "auto-captions => English" and have subtitles. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/nzfcgW-u1xQ

I hope you have enjoyed this edition, to read last week's? edition click in the article below.

See you next time on one more edition of the "Innova Build Newsletter - The new ways of AEC".

Vamos nessa! Best,

Alex Lira, BEng, PMP.

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