Construction sector cautious on AI adoption amidst trust and cost concerns

Globally, 58% of respondents see AI reducing project delays, PlanRadar survey finds

Singapore construction professionals cite trust in AI outputs as the top barrier to adoption, whilst cost ranks second and above the global average, according to a survey from construction and real estate management software PlanRadar.

The findings are drawn from the Construction Survey Report 2026, which surveyed professionals responsible for project delivery across multiple roles in construction and related sectors. It covered 1,728 respondents across 14 markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

Globally, 58% of respondents said they believe AI can help reduce key operational challenges, including project delays and managing mid-project changes.

More than half of respondents said they would be more likely to stay with their employer if there was greater investment in AI and digital tools.

Across the global sample, nearly half of respondents reported spending more than 11 hours per week on tasks they believe could be streamlined using AI.

Amongst global users of AI-enabled tools, about two-thirds reported saving at least two hours per project each week.

Fear of job displacement was ranked as the lowest barrier to AI adoption, from all respondents.

Nearly half of respondents also reported no current plans to invest in AI-enabled tools.

The findings come as the broader construction sector faces ongoing manpower constraints and increasing demand for project management talent.

External data cited in the report includes the Project Management Institute’s projection of nearly 2.5 million additional project professionals required globally by 2035, and Deloitte data showing construction wages rising 4.2% year-on-year.

PlanRadar said respondents globally identified workload reduction and project delivery efficiency as key areas where AI could have an impact, particularly in scheduling and change management tasks.