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Machine learning is a set of techniques that allow machines to learn from data and experience, rather than requiring humans to specify the desired behavior by hand. Over the past two decades, machine learning techniques have become increasingly central both in AI as an academic field, and in the technology industry. This course provides a broad introduction to some of the most commonly used ML algorithms. It also serves to introduce key algorithmic principles which will serve as a foundation for more advanced courses, such as CSC412/2506 (Probabilistic Learning and Reasoning) and CSC421/2516 (Neural Networks and Deep Learning).

Data-driven insights from AI (artificial intelligence) and BI (business intelligence is enabling construction workers to design and execute their skills more precisely, quickly, and accurately on-site. The technologies have replaced old-fashioned measuring tape, best estimates, and after-the-fact readjustments. Indeed, the emerging technologies used will soon be ubiquitous on construction sites, says Vicki Satran, vice president of marketing for Computer Guidance Corp., www.computerguidance.com, The construction industry will start seeing even more robots, AR (augmented reality)--the ability to visualize the real world through a camera lens--BIM (building information modeling), cloud and mobile technology, wearables such as Fitbits and 3D glasses, and increased prefabrication and modularization using prebuilt and off-site components, Satran says. They're less costly, and open the opportunity that the future demands with accessibility to data, information, and collaboration anytime and anywhere.

Perhaps one of the most daunting tasks for a CIO is making decisions about what systems to implement--especially in an era when technology is advancing at such a rapid rate. The good news is it doesn't have to be such a difficult job. This issue of Constructech magazine will help set the stage for 2019 and beyond, giving IT professionals' insights into some of the top trends in the industry today, and what is coming in the near future. Certainly, this includes the IoT (Internet of Things), M2M, AI (artificial intelligence), machine learning, and even blockchain. Terms like this can often be difficult to digest, but they don't have to be. Here's a really quick primer, if you are still trying to wrap your arms around some of the definitions.

Stamford, Conn., provides its top 10 predictions for the year ahead. Two of its predictions this year could impact the construction market. First, it predicts that 80% of AI projects will be run by "wizards" whose talents won't scale widely in the organization through 2020. To sum up, while AI has been used on a number of projects in recent years, change is still outpacing the productions of AI professionals. Talent is needed both on the data engineering side, and on the operation/research side of businesses.