The Robots Aren’t Coming—They’re Already Here (And They're Cheaper Than Your Project Engineer)

Jul 8, 2025

AI is reshaping the construction industry, from enhancing decision-making to automating tasks. The podcast discusses the necessity of clean data for effective AI implementation and the crucial distinction between generative and agentic AI. It highlights how leaders must experiment and lead by example to innovate. Insights from industry giants like Amazon demonstrate the competitive edge gained through AI adaptation. Practical steps for embracing these technologies are shared, emphasizing collaboration and a forward-thinking mindset in the workforce.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

AI as a Game-Changer

AI is a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime technology reshaping major companies today.
Industry giants like Amazon are embedding AI across their operations, not merely experimenting with it.

INSIGHT

Role of Multimodal AI

Multimodal generative AI ingests data from drawings, photos, and videos to inform decisions.
It aids understanding but does not automate actions, requiring human execution of suggestions.

INSIGHT

Agentic AI Automates Tasks

Agentic AI automates tasks like emailing and rescheduling without requiring human action.
This type of AI is emerging fast and will significantly change workflows and workforce roles.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

From the office to the job sites, AI is rapidly changing the construction industry just as any other. The newly developed AI tools currently available can help you to process data from variety of sources, providing you with insights to make smart decisions. One crucial piece of information everyone should remember is that AI is not magic; it needs to be provided with clean, accurate information and skilled prompting to deliver a decent output. Leaders can’t just adopt AI; they must experiment, learn, and lead by example. Whether you’re planning on using generative AI to think through problems and gather information or agentic AI to automate tasks, having a deep understanding of tools like these will be of immense help to the future of construction.

In this week’s solo episode, Eric discusses how leading multi-billion-dollar companies like Amazon are way ahead of the game by using AI. He reads us the message from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to their employees about Amazon’s extensive use of AI. Eric dives into the following topics regarding the AI adoption in construction throughout the discussion: the importance of understanding the right kind of tool for the right kind of task, the distinction between generative AI and agentic AI, challenges in AI implementation, the importance of leading by example, practical steps for AI adoption, working with the right people with the right mindset, and more.

HIGHLIGHTS

[02:50] Understanding the right kind of tool for the right kind of task.

[07:04] The distinction between multimodal AI and agentic AI.

[09:22] Build, outsource, or a combination of AI models and agents.

[10:20] Challenges in AI implementation.

[11:43] Leading by example.

[13:41] Practical steps for AI adoption.

[18:10] Find and work with the people who want to be open about adopting AI.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understand what your tools can and cannot provide.
Know the difference between a multimodal AI and an agentic AI.
Go ahead by getting curious. Learn how to use or build the right AI agent now.
Regularly check the quality of the data you’re generating.
Take small steps, learn what works, and grow from there.
Get hands-on with AI tools and learn how to give them clear, focused instructions.

RESOURCES

Message from CEO Andy Jassy: Some thoughts on Generative AI

aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-ceo-andy-jassy-on-generative-ai

Construction Genius Podcast Episodes on AI:

AI Without the B.S.: Sharpen Proposals, Cut Rework, Win More Work: https://www.constructiongenius.com/ai-without-the-b.s.-sharpen-proposals-cut-rework-win-more-work-fast-ep-327

When Information is Free, Vision is Priceless—AI and the Future of Construction Leadership https://www.constructiongenius.com/when-information-is-free-vision-is-priceless-ai-and-the-future-of-construction-leadership-ep-321

From Bad Plans to Brilliant Builds: Practical Applications of AI in Construction https://www.constructiongenius.com/from-bad-plans-to-brilliant-builds-practical-applications-of-ai-in-construction-ep-331

90-Day High-Performance Dashboard

You can't afford to let your people drift.

To drive real performance, you must coach with clarity and purpose.

Use the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard to:

Get clear on what matters most.
Drive focused action and accountability.
Strengthen trust and deepen relationships.

Success doesn't happen by accident.

It happens when leaders coach with precision and consistency.

Download the 90-Day High-Performance Dashboard here: https://www.constructiongenius.com/high-performance-in-a-new-role

Coach your team toward real results — one conversation at a time.

Resources to Help You Win in Construction

📖 Construction Genius Book – No B.S., practical, hands-on leadership, strategy, sales, and marketing advice for construction companies. Click this link to buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Construction-Genius-Effective-Hands-Leadership/dp/B0BHTRDY1T/

🎯 The Shift: Move from Project Builder to People Leader – Master the leadership skills you need to succeed in construction. Click this link to learn more and enroll: https://theshift.constructiongenius.com

☎️ Book a 10-Minute Call with Eric Anderton – If you want to discuss how I can help you coach your leaders, let’s connect. Book a 10-minute conversation here: https://10minutes.youcanbook.me

🎧 Subscribe & Share If this episode hit home, share it with your sales team. And don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more construction leaders find Construction Genius!