Technologies have been influencing our lives and different industries for many years now. And the construction industry does not fall behind. Even though, building projects still need humans to manage and execute a big number of tasks, technologies help improve many processes and make them more efficient. Risk management, health and safety, productivity, architecture, design and engineering – areas that are being advanced by innovation.
Even small building companies and solo building traders use at least one technology in their work. However, some of those fascinating tech tools are not explored enough by the construction sectors.
To be prepared for the future and respond to changes quickly, the industry needs to start learning more about new technologies now.
Let’s have a look at some tech trends in the construction sector:
Augmented reality (AR)
AR is well-known in gaming. The construction sectors have started using it for a better picture of big physical projects. For example, with AR, construction workers can look at a job site with additional information laid directly on top of the picture: measure a physical space in real time, layer project modifications and recognise hazards to the environment.
Digital Twin
The twin technology has been actively used in the manufacturing, automation and space industries.
What does the digital twin do?
The digital twin technology is a digital replica of a physical object. This simulation can be used to replicate object processes in order to collect data to predict how they will perform. The information flow between the object and its twin, and it keeps the former synchronised with the latter.
With the digital twin, construction contractors tackle supply chain and labour issues. It helps them visualise material and workforce shortage before they start on a project.
Another use of the digital twin is focused on some environmental issues such as noise level, temperature and air quality.
According to Global Construction Review, a digital twin platform, Cityzenith, is working on a project for Las Vegas to transform the city into zero carbon city. In conjunction with Terbine, an IoT company, Cityzenith are using data from sources such as local government agencies, building operators, transportation systems and vehicle manufacturers.
3D Printing
3D printing is another promising solution for the sector.
How do 3D printers work? 3D printers take a digital design and convert it into a real object by using a variety of materials.
According to Global Construction Review, Danish 3D printer maker Cobod, Mexican cement company Cemex and the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), have built the world’s largest 3D-printed building using real concrete.
However, as this technology is relatively new to the industry, it will take time to test it properly.
Construction Wearables
“Safety first!”. All on-site construction workers confirm that without a doubt.
Collaboration between construction gear and technologies has happened quite recently. There are several products that are using tech to make on-site work for contractors safer.
For example, smart boots can detect pressure from shocks and falls, smart hard hats can detect ‘microsleeps’ and smart glasses can provide with real-time information about the location of leading edges as well as display safety protocols.
Construction Robots
Construction robots are automated machines that are used for building and infrastructure at sites.
From self-driving construction vehicles to drones, robots can do people’s work and assist them with other tasks to make their work more automotive. Construction robotics are actively utilised in a number of countries such as Taiwan, Honk Kong, Japan, United States, Sweden, Germany and more.
Drones
Drones have been heavily adapted by the industry – from 3D-maping to content creation. Builders have started taking advantage of drones’ capabilities for marketing and showing own portfolios. Videos and photos are taken by this flying device, can be turned into a 3D model as they give the whole picture of a worksite.
Drones are also used for remotely monitoring and inspecting worksites.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI & ML)
There are not many people out there who have never dealt with AI.
Obviously, the construction industry has been using AI on daily basis.
AI and ML have massive implications for construction, where efficient and intelligent decision-making has notable effects on productivity and safety. Like in many industries, AI and ML help improve safety, decrease cost and create better designs.
“There are a lot of trials and pilot projects running in Australia to prove the value of having such technologies as AI, AR/VR, digital twins in the sector. I believe these technologies can be more utilised at different stages of the entire construction project lifecycle to help companies in different ways.
With AI, we can detect whether the workers wear helmet and Hi-Vs on site and send alarms if it detects someone is not wearing PPPs. By using AI and Digital Twins, we can control and manage most construction machinery remotely. Also, with AI, machines can work much longer time with no breaks needed.”, said Cindy Chen, CEO at Equiprise, IoT solutions for construction machinery.
What's next?
As we can witness today, technology is moving rapidly and big use of tech is already reshaping the industry. However, a great variety of technologies can complicate the process for building companies to choose the right one, whether it is an application for risk management or an AI solution for on-site equipment.
The near future will see further development of automation and new ways to improve processes. Therefore, it is very important to start building strong relationships between the tech and constriction now to ensure both sides don’t miss out on business opportunities.
Olga Bubnova, Founder & CEO at B.gain
Expert in Brand Management, Marketing and Communications for Tech.
I write about tech in simple terms.
Hey, nice article about technology trends in the construction industry. Keep on adding this type of valuable content. Hope to read more from you. Thank you.
fantastic post thank you for sharing