Decoding a decade: The evolution of artificial intelligence in security, communication, and maintenance within the construction industry

This paper analyzes the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the construction industry from 2014 to 2023, focusing on enhancing security, communication, and maintenance. It combines in-depth analysis of 121 papers with visualizations of 507 articles from major databases such as SCOPUS, IEEE, ACM, Science Direct, and Google Scholar to map AI advancements in construction. The study found that security is established as a mature research domain, whereas communication and maintenance are at comparatively earlier stages of development. Specifically, the analysis reveals a shift from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to more sophisticated technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), blockchain, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and digital twins, which significantly improve security. Communication and maintenance have also evolved towards greater digital integration and predictive analytics. The integration of AI innovations with human expertise is emphasized as a strategic direction to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in construction. • Review the development of AI-driven studies in the construction sector. • AI evolution in construction security, communication and maintenance (2014–2023). • AI shifts to IoT, VR, blockchain, BIM, digital twins. • Challenges in data management, AI integration noted. • Predictive analytics, ethical AI use in future directions.