Artificial intelligence has fully captivated the construction industry, and the latest data from The Business Research Company confirms this trend. The AI in Construction Global Market Report 2025 forecasts an exponential growth: from $1.76 billion in 2024 to $2.29 billion this year, reaching a projected $7.21 billion by 2029.

Giovanni La Cagnina, software and digitalization ambassador at B-CAD and President of AIST – the Italian Association of Technical Software – confirms to Domus that AI is also gaining momentum in Italy. “It is offering innovative solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in construction projects. Applications range from project management to site safety, predictive maintenance, and even advanced robotics.”

The potential is enormous, but Italy is still exploring the most effective applications. Discussions between universities, private companies, and trade associations focus on adoption and integration strategies. It is no coincidence that the fifth edition of the  Edilsocialnetwork B-CAD, the trade fair for construction, architecture, and design, will dedicate a section and hub to software, BIM, and AI. The event, taking place from September 19 to 21 at the Convention Center ‘La Nuvola’, will feature national and international experts. 

Artificial intelligence in the construction industry is applied through dedicated software tools or services. The first category includes project management and design software, Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools, predictive analytics for construction planning, and safety management solutions. The second covers AI implementation consulting, training services, maintenance, integration with existing systems, and so on. According to experts, this innovation meets the growing need for efficiency, cost reduction, enhanced data analysis, process automation, and improved safety. As proof of this trend, La Cagnina cites a recent Bluebeam survey, which found that approximately 74% of AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) professionals worldwide are already using AI-powered tools and services.

Giovanni La Cagnina, software and digitalization ambassador at B-CAD and President of AIST

The Business Research Company report highlights the rise in infrastructure projects as one of the main drives for AI growth, as it significantly reduces development costs and timelines. Additionally, increasing government investments in smart city projects will further stimulate the sector. Currently, North America leads the AI-in-construction market, while the fastest growth is expected in the Asia-Pacific region. Europe and other regions will follow.

“The adoption of AI in the construction sector is influenced both by technology costs and the lack of in-house expertise. However, for Italian companies, the primary challenge seems to be the skills gap rather than the cost of technology,” La Cagnina says. “There are also significant challenges, such as data security and algorithm accuracy. In short, its adoption is still evolving, with substantial room for growth and improvement.”

When it comes to costs, there is a wide range depending on the complexity of the tools used. “Project analysis and management software, such as AI-integrated BIM, is becoming more accessible thanks to subscription models, whereas hardware still requires upfront investments—though these costs are steadily decreasing. For example, computer vision systems for site safety, robotics, and 3D printing for construction remain expensive and are mainly accessible to large companies or pilot projects.” As usual, large corporations have greater flexibility in adopting these technologies, while SMEs struggle without incentives or economies of scale. However, various European and national funding programs are already available.

The return on investment “depends on several factors, such as company size, the type of technology adopted, and the existing level of digitalization.” In some areas, like predictive maintenance, where AI integration has been in place for a while, the ROI is already positive. “For other applications, the payback period is longer and more uncertain due to high initial costs and the need for specialized skills. However, in my opinion, a gradual and strategic adoption is key to maximizing benefits while minimizing financial risks.”

According to La Cagnina, as well as ANCE (Italian Association of Private Construction Contractors) and other industry studies, the most critical issue remains the lack of skills. “Many companies struggle to adopt AI not because of technology costs, but due to their workforce’s limited ability to manage these tools,” he explains. “There is a lack of specific training in data analysis, machine learning, and digital project management—skills that are rarely part of traditional education in the construction sector. Additionally, a natural resistance to change has historically slowed technological development in the construction sector.”

One solution could be targeted incentives and specialized training programs. “It is also important to make tools—particularly software—more user-friendly, so that even professionals without a strong tech background can use them effectively,” La Cagnina says. “This is why AIST, the Italian Association of Technical Software, which brings together many leading software houses in the AEC sector, is committed to making training and accessible software key pillars of the future of architecture, engineering, and construction.”