Robert Davies, Operations Director for Advisory Services, WSP Middle East, sits down to compose an 800-word article on ‘How feasible is net-zero?’ The topic is relevant to his business but not within his expertise. So, he takes advantage of Copymatic, an Artificial Intelligence-powered platform, to accomplish the task. Within 30 seconds, Copymatic has produced a well-organised piece with relevant information, a captivating introduction and suitable sub-headings. To avoid plagiarism, he paraphrases the article using QuillBot, another AI-based tool, before sharing it with a colleague with extensive experience on the topic. His colleague, who leads the Department of Earth and Environment, takes about 15 minutes to review the article, and together, they write an expert piece in the shortest time possible, which otherwise would have taken at least a couple of hours of investigation and writing.

Although he found the experience phenomenal, Davies hasn’t explored these tools much ever since. However, he is keen on how AI-based language models – including ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer) – can transform the industry and the many aspects surrounding it, ranging from upskilling to creating new job profiles. Though not the first of its kind, the launch of ChatGPT, by Open AI, marks a significant milestone in generative artificial intelligence. An implementation of the GPT-3 transformer model, often used in Natural Language Processing, ChatGPT interacts conversationally, enabling it to answer follow-up questions, admit mistakes, challenge incorrect premises and reject inappropriate requests.

Within a few weeks of its launch, in November 2022, ChatGPT gained massive popularity. Whilst Davies, with his initiative of writing an AI-generated article on net-zero, established a link to engineering, how does ChatGPT measure up in the realm of the HVACR industry? Sahul Hameed, General Manager, Bin Dasmal Contracting, is of the view that AI-enabled bots could be used effectively in entry-level engineering tasks, like preparing method statements or material submissions. The present format of ChatGPT, he says, is helpful for basic queries but not sufficient to address the complex tasks involved in MEP. “The idea of adopting AI-enabled bots that can streamline operations, reduce time and enhance efficiency is intriguing,” he says. “However, it’s also important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of a new technology before fully embracing it. Further, I also believe that adopting generative technologies, which is the future, will be a gradual and slow process – the shift from manual drafting to AutoCAD itself was a big transformation. The industry will comply with it, as it has embraced technologies across different stages of growth.”

Ronak Monga, Regional Manager, Building Automation – Intesis Middle East, says: “It’s a technology that appears to be disruptive to how we approach work in several industries. Overall, the construction and HVACR industries are also ripe for disruption. AI and other generative tools will bring that next era of productivity gains in how we do things in the industry and, generally, in our lives. They will enable the things we do today through human resources to be done faster and with fewer chances of error. With any new technology, there will be early innovators and early adopters, and there will be those that fall in the early majority or late majority of adopters. It’s currently too early to comment on the adoption rate, specifically in the HVACR industry, but we expect it to start making its impact sooner rather than later.” Globally, Monga said, we are seeing early adopters of AI in customer support, where AI-powered chatbots can provide a faster way to answer your questions on specific issues related to MEP equipment. Engineers, he said, are using AI to auto-complete solving of complex graphical and mathematical models and AI-based design tools that could replace engineering design tools such as Computer-aided design (CAD) or Building Information Modeling (BIM) software.”

For Ghassan Freiwat, CEO, Awal Gulf Manufacturing, the impact of AI and generative technologies on many industries, with HVAC being one of them, is both inevitable and imperative. “We could see the obvious impact and radical transformation [of the industry through technological innovation] in recent years,” he says. “The one area of the HVAC industry that got the most impacted is Controls, in general, with an increasing level of demand by the marketplace and end-users seeking the most advanced smart applications in both residential and commercial segments.” Bissan Abbas, Managing Director, Techem Energy Services, speaking specifically, says: “The rising popularity of generative technology and conversational chatbots makes the end-users more aware of the requirements, and they, in turn, increase the expectation towards contractors and construction companies.” Generative technologies and transformer models, like ChatGPT, she says, make it easy for the end-user to understand the potential problems and ways to address them. This easy access to reliable information will put professionals in a critical position to showcase more efficient performance; however, the impact of AI and generative technologies on the HVACR, architecture and construction industries will depend on the priority and importance of the requirements, she says. Moreover, integrating AI and generative technologies into the existing process could also change how consultants and designers work, she adds.

Sharing his view on the potential impact of generative technologies on the HVACR and construction industries, Davies points out that even though most people have a reasonable understanding of technology, they still need to fully embrace the power of the devices they use daily, such as smartphones and laptops. This lack of appreciation for the potential of technology has led to engineers and other professionals in the industry not being able to fully utilise the latest software and ways of working designed to make their jobs more efficient and effective, he says. “Adoption of new technologies has been lethargic and reactive rather than proactive,” he says. “People are not always willing to invest the time and resources necessary to learn and implement new tools. As a result, many of the latest software or tools available to them, including CAD or BIM, are not used to their potential.” Davies says the adoption rate of AI in HVACR and construction has been equally slow. There is a lack of awareness about AI, he says. Even among those who have shown interest in AI, only a small percentage has subscribed to the recently launched chatbots or invested time to explore their potential fully, he says.

Davies also notes that unlike manufacturing or financial industries, in which return on investments and staying ahead of the curve, in terms of intellectual properties, are pertinent, the adoption rate of new technologies in construction or HVACR is low and can’t be considered a ground-breaking industry. Or rather, we are not acknowledged to be a transformational sector, he says. Their adoption rate is relatively high, and ours is slow, because adopting a generative technology or software doesn’t fundamentally change how the construction or HVACR industry works, he says.

Ever since the ChatGPT storm hit the world, there has been a sense of anxiety that it would bring significant changes to employment profiles, that it would make some job profiles redundant, create new roles and even replace humans. And then, there are counterviews. As Farhan Juratli, Associate Director, District Cooling, Nakheel, puts it, while it is true that AI technology, like ChatGPT, can potentially replace certain job functions, it is important to note that it is not meant to replace human expertise and decision-making completely. Instead, it is meant to augment and assist human capabilities. He also observes that in the case of MEP designers, AI technology can help automate specific tasks and reduce errors, but it cannot replace the creativity and problem-solving skills that a human designer possesses. AI technology will likely continue to advance and integrate into various industries, but human expertise will always be valuable in areas that require critical thinking and creativity. “ChatGPT and similar technologies are likely to positively impact MEP contractors in terms of contract management and administration,” Juratli says. “They can help with immediate problem-solving and reduce the need for people to think about strategic solutions. This can help reduce contracting claims and related legal issues. However, for legal arbitration, going to court for the foreseeable future may still be necessary. Overall, the impact will be positive but insignificant regarding legal arbitration.” As if echoing Juratli on problem-solving and critical thinking, Hameed points to the significance of years of industry experience in dealing with critical concepts and finding solutions, “While AI-enabled bots assist with specific tasks, it is important to remember that they cannot replace the expertise and skills of human professionals in many areas,” he says. “There may be a shift in the types of jobs in demand, but there will likely always be a need for skilled professionals in fields such as engineering and construction. It is vital to adapt and evolve in response to changes in the industry, but nothing can replace the value offered by human expertise.” Hameed also believes that AI-enabled bots may impact entry-level graduates, as the features offered by them can potentially complete the tasks usually assigned to an engineer in the early years of their career.

Hameed says the possible impact on certain job profiles ought to be a cue for HVACR professionals to nurture new skillsets to meet the growing demands of the industry as well as clientele. Abbas, agreeing, says that as the industry becomes more advanced, the demand for new skillsets and for highly skilled professionals to meet the requirements of the industry and to stay ahead of the competition increases. This, she adds, also brings forth the significance of reskilling, especially among junior- and mid-level professionals, because there will be a shift towards more technically savvy and skilled labour in the industry. Abbas also notes that adopting AI-based technologies and altering employment profiles would be higher in developed nations due to easy access to the latest technology and information.

As Monga puts it, any disruptive technology always brings with it a skill-set evolution within the workforce. Any tool, he says, is only as good as the person using it, and it will continue to be the case with AI-based tools. “While repetitive tasks we do today may be replaced with AI, the workforce will need to upskill to utilise those AI tools to the best of their potential to get the most productivity gains out of the tools,” he says. “ChatGPT, or AI tools, will not necessarily replace jobs but ensure that job roles evolve and create new jobs. I recently heard a great quote on a podcast, ‘ChatGPT/AI will not replace the job of a lawyer, a lawyer using and leveraging ChatGPT/AI will replace the job of a lawyer who is not using this technology.’ The AI-powered tools will also differentiate themselves by leveraging learning models built within the tool. AI tools are expected to improve as they learn from how they are used and from the queries being given to them. These learnings can also help manufacturers leverage information to produce better solutions. For example, if a manufacturer applies an AI-powered chatbot to provide technical support to customers, it will help the manufacturer learn from the frequently asked queries, devise better solutions and innovate. AI-powered tools could also help make the commissioning of MEP equipment easier at the site by providing guided set-up assistance and step-by-step instructions to ensure accurate commissioning.”

Freiwat says the transition is but only natural. “The job market has undergone various phases of transition since the millennium, and it continues to experience more and more changes as the world keeps evolving at such a fast pace that we have never experienced before,” he says. “If we may call it so, the post-pandemic era has even witnessed an expedited evolution and transformation compared to the pre-pandemic period. Having said that, I do not doubt that there will be an impact on how the current job market would look. This does not mean that more people will lose their jobs, but it means that people will need to be flexible enough to adapt to the change and acquire new skills they had not been exposed to before. This is the nature of life, anyway.”

Davies says artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance certain aspects of the construction industry and create new job opportunities. He says he feels that artificial intelligence is going to become a role profile for a few people within the business rather than everybody, just like companies employ an expert in InDesign or BIM. However, he strongly believes it would fundamentally change knowledge sharing. He also considers AI-powered bots as a highly effective research tool.

Quoting Gartner, Inc., Davies says chatbots will become the primary customer service channel for roughly a quarter of organisations by 2027. Chatbots can play a vital role in the creation of instructional or troubleshooting guides and enrich the overall experience, he says. The perspective shared by Davies on using chatbots to enhance customer experience emphasises the importance of human interaction and the need for people to be physically present with each other in the pre-pandemic phase. He says: “Our teams want to be in the office and be back around each other, having meaningful discussions. Clients also want us to be back in their offices. It’s just human nature, there are some things you can’t change. We can’t just sit in our rooms getting advice from an AI Chatbot. A part of our nature is those conversations and the fun of going through ideas, and we like talking to each other and can’t change that need.” The deduction from Davies’ statement is that while AI can provide valuable assistance, there still would be resistance to fully relying on it, as people enjoy the interactions and discussions that come with being in the same physical space. Artificial intelligence, from that perspective, would be viewed as complementing human interaction rather than being a complete replacement. The use of chatbots and artificial intelligence can be effective in certain industries to communicate messages to customers. For example, receiving a video message from a bank may be more appealing than a lengthy email.

Whilst discussing chatbots, it is also interesting to understand the concept of intelligent buildings, which are bringing new definitions to the way Facility Management works. As Juratli puts it, an intelligent building uses artificial intelligence algorithms based on user behaviour and outside factors to operate the facility, and it is a step beyond traditional and advanced building management systems. “Although smart and intelligent buildings are often used interchangeably, they are distinct,” he says. “In an intelligent building, the algorithm, created from user behaviour and climate data, operates the facility automatically, reducing the need for manual intervention. While this may impact the FM workforce, it provides more comfort and convenience for building occupants. An intelligent building is a technological advancement that enhances building management and user experience. In an intelligent building, monitoring and analysing data continuously are also possible, providing a more efficient and effective solution for customer complaints and improving the overall user experience. Moreover, by investing a little more in intelligent building technology, building owners can provide a better user experience for their customers and achieve significant savings.”

Given the definition of intelligent buildings, chatbots would be a natural fit. But, that again would depend on the ecosystem and on the willingness of multiple stakeholders to embrace it. As Davies puts it, the adoption of any new technology would be faster in the public sector in the UAE, and a significant part of it could be attributed to the highly competitive talent pool in the region, which is keen on adopting new technologies and the latest trends. “I am from a small town in Scotland,” he says. “If I start talking about AI there, they would have no interest. So, I think that government direction helps us to some extent, but the people living in that environment will also drive change.” Hameed shares a similar perspective on the role of government in adopting the latest technologies. He believes that implementing such technologies would involve monitoring and checking them thoroughly to ensure their effectiveness. “The government will identify areas where AI-based technologies can be applied and implemented accordingly,” he says.

Abbas believes the UAE is a perfect testbed for chatbots. The UAE, she says, has been leading the way in integrating advanced technologies into various industries, including IT, environment, production and space research. “This trend is expected to continue, with initiatives and programmes launched by GCC region countries to support the development and adoption of AI technology,” she says. “Although businesses in the construction industry may be more focused on executing their plans, they should still consider the potential benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence.”

Monga says it is too early to comment regarding the adoption of ChatGPT by businesses in the GCC region. “We can see the use cases emerge for different types of businesses and the business models around AI, and I am confident that many companies can benefit from ChatGPT, but I can’t comment on the extent of adoption now,” he says. “From the Governmental perspective, it is very positive to see the adoption and push of AI, developing frameworks, such as establishing the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, to propose policies to create an AI-friendly ecosystem and encourage research to adopt and regulate these technologies as needed.”

Many common threads exist on how consultants, contractors or organisations in the HVACR and construction industries approach the potential ways artificial intelligence and generative technologies could transform the landscape. One of the most important aspects is the slow rate of adoption of new technologies; however, there are also specific areas, such as technical report writing and research, where artificial intelligence could be easily implemented, enabling engineers and consultants to be more client-oriented.

It is widely agreed that artificial intelligence tools can help reduce ideation time and improve efficiency in the design and construction processes, but training and support for current employees to learn and incorporate these new tools into their work processes are an inevitable necessity. Reskilling and upskilling are crucial to keeping up with technological advancements, and artificial intelligence can be helpful in streamlining certain operations through automation. However, artificial intelligence cannot replace human expertise and physical presence, and chatbots, such as ChatGPT, could be a valuable tool in supplementing human expertise, enhancing productivity by streamlining operations and enriching the overall customer experience.