Daewoo Engineering & Construction is expanding AI use across its construction sites, introducing real-time translation, automated safety monitoring and digital management systems to reduce workplace risks and improve efficiency.
The Korean builder began standardizing artificial intelligence translation and tablet-based safety training at its domestic sites in September, targeting communication barriers, administrative workloads and workplace hazards.
Breaking language barriers, detecting hazards
Its AI translation system converts supervisors' spoken Korean instructions into text and audio in 16 languages, helping foreign workers understand safety procedures and work directions. Preliminary tests showed a Korean speech recognition accuracy rate of 94.6 percent, according to the company.
The accompanying tablet platform handles worker registration, health checks, safety training and reporting. Linked to Daewoo E&C's integrated safety management system, SMARTy, it consolidates records and reduces paperwork for site supervisors.
The company is also using AI-powered cameras to detect potential hazards.
In June, it introduced a smart monitoring system at its G-TOWN development project in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. The system analyzes video footage to identify missing safety installations, workers without protective equipment, fires and collapsed workers.
It also supports worker location monitoring in restricted areas, allowing site managers to respond more quickly to potential accidents.
Daewoo E&C plans to expand the use of AI surveillance cameras and smartphone-based location tracking across its operations.
Digitizing inspections and contracts
Beyond safety, the builder is digitizing construction quality inspections through Q-Box, an in-house platform that allows workers to record and manage inspection results on smartphones and tablets.
Developed in 2024 under a government-backed smart construction project, Q-Box cut documentation time by more than 90 percent in field trials last year, the company said.
The platform automatically submits quality test results to the national Construction Safety Information System and allows managers to review inspection records, construction methods and defects across projects.
For overseas projects, Daewoo E&C has developed Barodap AI, a large language model-based tool designed to assist with contract reviews.
The system analyzes bidding documents and construction contracts, compares provisions, extracts payment terms and identifies procedures for claims related to project delays.
By automating parts of the review process, the company aims to reduce administrative workloads and identify contractual risks earlier. It plans to extend the technology to blueprint reviews and other AI applications.
Testing new technologies on site
Daewoo E&C is also seeking outside technologies through its 2026 Hyper Safety & AI Open Innovation program, organized with the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology.
The program received 164 submissions covering construction safety, quality management, AI, robotics, automation and infrastructure development. Nine technologies reached the final evaluation stage, with their developers expected to conduct trials at active construction sites.
"The purpose of introducing AI and smart technologies is not simply to showcase technology, but to protect workers and improve operational efficiency," a Daewoo E&C official said.
The company said it would continue expanding digital tools at construction sites while working with startups to develop practical applications.
yejinlim@heraldcorp.com
