The American Arbitration Association – International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA-ICDR) has introduced its AI arbitrator specifically for two-party, documents-only construction cases. Announced on November 3, 2025, this innovative tool aims to enhance efficiency and provide reliable outcomes in a sector where timely resolution is crucial.
The AI arbitrator represents a significant leap forward in the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). By integrating artificial intelligence with expert human oversight, the system is designed to ensure decisions are grounded in sound legal reasoning. This “human-in-the-loop” framework prioritizes human judgment at every stage of the arbitration process.
Parties involved in disputes will serve as the initial level of oversight, reviewing and validating the AI’s interpretation of their submissions. After this validation, human arbitrators will oversee, revise if necessary, and confirm each outcome before finalizing and issuing an award. This process is intended to maintain trust, transparency, and due process throughout the arbitration.
Bridget McCormack, president and CEO of the AAA-ICDR, emphasized the organization’s commitment to integrity and innovation. “Our mission has always been clear: to help parties resolve for better,” she stated. “As technology evolves, we believe it should serve that same purpose. The AI arbitrator does exactly that, setting a new standard for fairness, efficiency, and trust.”
The initial rollout focuses on two-party, documents-only construction cases, which the AI arbitrator was trained on using past AAA construction awards. By starting with this targeted application, the AAA-ICDR can thoroughly test and validate the system’s accuracy and transparency before expanding to other industries and case types.
The organization plans to progressively enhance the AI arbitrator’s features, aiming to incorporate multi-party proceedings, cross-border elements, and cultural nuances in future phases. This gradual rollout will be undertaken with careful design and testing, ensuring the AI arbitrator continues to meet the AAA-ICDR’s high standards.
Frank Rossi, executive vice president and chief operations and revenue officer at AAA-ICDR, remarked on the unique demands of the construction industry. “The construction industry demands outcomes that are fast, fair, and clear—making it an excellent launchpad for this solution,” he noted. “We’re reshaping expectations for what’s possible in dispute avoidance and resolution.”
The AI arbitrator operates under strict ethical and privacy standards. Participation is voluntary, allowing parties that prefer traditional arbitration methods to opt out. This approach preserves the legacy of trusted neutrality and expertise that has defined the AAA-ICDR since its inception.
For further details or to file a case using the AI arbitrator, interested parties can visit adr.org/ai-arbitrator/.
The American Arbitration Association has been a leader in alternative dispute resolution since 1926, having administered over eight million cases. With offices in the United States and Singapore, it serves organizations of all sizes across various industries. For more information, visit www.adr.org.
The International Centre for Dispute Resolution, the AAA’s international division, was established in 1996 and is the largest provider of dispute resolution services globally. It supports parties from over 100 countries, featuring a multilingual staff and a diverse roster of arbitrators and mediators. For more details, visit www.icdr.org.