Digital Guardians: The Role of AI and Robotics in Protecting Construction Heritage

Preserving construction heritage is essential for safeguarding cultural and historical legacies.Traditional conservation methods often face limitations, including resource constraints, environmental challenges, and the intricate nature of aging structures.This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in heritage conservation, showcasing their transformative potential to enhance efficiency, precision, and sustainability.Technologies such as 3D modelling, digital twins, and predictive analytics are examined, with applications in structural monitoring, restoration, and digital documentation.Case studies, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Malaysia, illustrate how these tools preserve architectural authenticity while minimizing invasive interventions.The paper also addresses challenges, including high implementation costs, data limitations, and ethical concerns about balancing innovation with historical integrity.By bridging traditional methods with advanced technologies, this paper highlights the pivotal role of AI and robotics in ensuring the long-term protection of cultural landmarks in a rapidly digitizing world.