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ARTICLE · 08 OCTOBER 2025

AI As Arbitrator For Certain Low-value Construction Disputes At AAA-ICDR

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The AAA-ICDR has announced that, beginning on 3 November 2025, parties to certain low-value construction arbitrations can elect to have an AI arbitrator resolve the dispute.

United StatesReal Estate and Construction
Christopher Ryan
Christopher Ryan
Kirsten O'Connell
Kirsten O'Connell
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Katrina Limond
Patrick Kaufmann
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The AAA-ICDR has announced that, beginning on 3 November 2025, parties to certain low-value construction arbitrations can elect to have an AI arbitrator resolve the dispute. The AAA-ICDR's objective is to provide a resource that delivers "fast, cost-effective, and trusted dispute resolution." While there are clear benefits for consenting parties to be able to determine certain documents-only construction disputes swiftly (to enable projects to keep progressing), the potential benefits of using an AI arbitrator will need to be weighed against risks, including for enforcement and set-aside disputes.

AI arbitrator – current and future uses

The American Arbitration Association's international pision, the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR), has announced that an AI arbitrator will be available from November 2025 in documents-only construction disputes (potentially limited to cases involving $25,000 or less under the AAA Construction Rules).

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