5 Construction Technology Trends to Keep An Eye On

Heavy equipment for use at the job site continues to become more efficient. Dramatic improvements have been made on various specific machinery and continues to be made at a rapid rate. This evolution is propelled now by a few key industries busy changing the game. Here are 5 leading-edge developments in the construction industry:

1. 3D Printing

China-based 3D printing construction company WinSun “expects 3D printing will save construction companies up to 50 percent on the cost” of building a house. This could prove to be a lifesaver for construction managers with access to this technology and could lead to increased competition within the construction field. Competition means lower prices for consumers, which could mean a shift from a rental to an ownership mindset.

What’s Next for 3D Printing?

2. Wearable Technology

Here are 4 advantages illustrating how wearable technologies are helping to shape the construction industry:

• Improved Safety

One of the biggest benefits of wearable technology in construction is the safety improvements. Wearable devices are typically worn on a worker’s waist belt, allowing for constant connection with site supervisors. If an accident occurs, wearable technologies can help to save lives through slip and fall detection. Through GPS technology, it can alert supervisors and give them a worker’s exact location. Injuries can be extremely time-sensitive, highlighting the importance of responding and acting as quickly as possible.

Spot-r Wearable Sensor

• Streamlined data collection process

Manual headcounts and safety checks are prone to error and extremely time-consuming. Wearable technology streamlines the process,, giving you a more accurate and thorough set of data. Instant data collection also allows the manager or supervisor to spend their time working on other areas that need their attention. This results in more efficient project management and enhanced safety on the job site!

• Attractive to millennials

It’s no secret that the construction industry’s skilled workforce is slowly dwindling. To make matters worse, there isn’t a huge influx of incoming workers. This is especially true when it comes to millennials. The best way to fix this problem? Technology! Young professionals have grown up with technology and want to see it being used in their workplace.  If the construction industry wants to attract talented young workers, wearable technology is a great place to start. By implementing the latest forms of technology the construction industry can show the world that they are as innovative as every other industry!

• Enhanced communication

Wearable technology gives workers the ability to communicate in real-time. Gone are the days of chasing down other workers or playing phone tag! Wearable technology keeps you connected to your team members at all times and ensures that everyone is kept in the loop.

3. Augmented Reality

Accuracy is always important in any project to avoid wasting money and time due to any adjustments later. Before the project is executed, AR provides teams with a walkthrough of the entire project – including its details and exact measurements.

Augmented reality can display accurate images with the entire space’s recreation. And with that, planning becomes more efficient and saves the time and effort of the team because they do not need to build different design plans but just view their options through augmented reality. Project members, thus, can ensure greater accuracy with virtual models.

Effective collaboration, including communicating ideas and creativity in the form of design, is also made easy!  Architects and designers can present their creative ideas or turn client visions into models with AR.

4. Robotics

One of the uses of robotics is to allow for greater automation in various processes. In many aspects of construction, specifically manufacturing, packing and building, automating these processes is becoming the goal. With greater development in robotics and machinery, construction companies are becoming more open to utilizing technology.

With robotic technology, you can expect traditional construction activities like welding, material handling, packing, dispensing, cutting and packing to be fully automated. This will not only allow for precision and accuracy throughout all construction processes, it represents a significant time and financial savings as well.

5. Predictive Analytics