Swedish Construction Industry Boosts AI Adoption to 28% Amid Digital Transformation

The Swedish construction industry is rapidly increasing its adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), with 28% of companies now using AI tools, up from 17% last year, according to the 2026 Ramirent report. Despite nearly half of companies (49%) not yet employing AI and 23% uncertain about its use, the technology is becoming integral to administrative and planning tasks. Companies primarily use AI for administrative efficiency, including reviewing construction documents, managing project communication, and analyzing large data sets to enhance decision-making.

Approximately 35% of surveyed companies believe AI can improve administrative processes and protocols, while 33% see potential in reporting and analysis. Other key AI applications include project scheduling (29%), cost planning (28%), and material usage optimization (26%). There is also growing recognition of AI's potential to promote sustainability by better resource utilization and risk management.

The sector is also embracing other digital technologies: 71% of companies employ digital systems, with 63% using digital drawings, 59% adopting digital project management tools, 52% utilizing e-commerce platforms, and 32% deploying drones. Connected machinery (28%), automation (17%), and robotics (8%) are gaining traction but remain limited.

However, automating physical construction tasks remains challenging due to technical complexity and high investment needs. Jens Sjöberg, CEO of Ramirent Sweden, noted that while AI effectively replaces administrative tasks, the transition to automating physical labor will be gradual and focused on specific areas rather than broad changes.

The Ramirent report, based on a survey of 500 construction professionals conducted by Novus, highlights a digital transformation underway in Sweden's construction industry, balancing administrative innovation with the complexities of physical automation.