Advancing lean construction through Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing efficiency and sustainability in project management

This study explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within the lean construction framework, addressing the pressing need for enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in the construction industry. Lean construction principles, which emphasize waste minimization and value maximization, align seamlessly with AI’s capabilities, offering a paradigm shift in project management. The research employs a comprehensive review of contemporary literature, analyzing key applications of AI in optimizing resource utilization, streamlining workflows, and fostering sustainability through renewable energy integration and environmental impact reduction. The findings reveal that AI-driven tools significantly enhance project efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, facilitating predictive analytics, and enabling real-time data-driven decision-making. AI also promotes collaboration and transparency among stakeholders through secure digital platforms, while supporting sustainability goals through material optimization and energy-efficient processes. However, critical barriers to AI adoption persist, including economic constraints, data security challenges, and the absence of standardized regulatory frameworks. The study concludes that AI represents a pivotal driver for advancing lean construction, with its integration promising unprecedented improvements in efficiency and sustainability. To overcome the challenges identified, the study recommends the establishment of robust regulatory policies, investment in workforce training to enhance AI competency, and sustained research and development to address technical and economic hurdles. These measures are essential to ensuring that the construction industry fully harnesses the potential of AI, paving the way for a future characterized by collaborative, efficient, and sustainable practices. This research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on AI in lean construction, serving as a foundation for further exploration and practical implementation.