Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Building Construction Labour: Evidence from Ranchi City, Jharkhand, India

Technological advancement driven by artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly reshaping production systems across labour-intensive industries, including construction. In secondary Indian cities such as Ranchi, the introduction of AI –enabled tools into building construction has begun to influence labour demand, occupational structures, and income patterns. This study analyses the labour-related implications of AI adoption in Ranchi’s construction sector using field-based evidence collected from workers and contractors. Quantitative analysis supported by qualitative observations indicates that AI contributes to enhanced productivity and improved safety performance while simultaneously reducing reliance on traditional manual labour. The absence of formal training mechanisms, however, has intensified employment uncertainty among unskilled and informal workers. The study focuses on skill development and labour protection frameworks in technology adoption strategies to ensure balanced and inclusive sectoral growth.