Throughout the years, construction continues to evolve and progress, and it is seen in the way different infrastructures and residential homes are being built in today’s time. The further developments and advancements in technology have been a huge help in the improvement of many construction companies in different parts of the world. These innovations have also revolutionized the construction industry and have helped ease the process of construction, resulting in the building of better residential home structures and commercial buildings for people to make use of and live in comfort, safety, and functionality.
To know more about how technology has changed the way construction is being done in today’s time, stay and read on because we will be listing down the latest technologies in construction. So without further ado, let’s begin!
1. AI and Machine Learning
AI or artificial intelligence is a computer-simulated human intelligence that’s able to do tasks that are commonly demonstrated by humans. For an AI to function, it will require human intelligence, input, and judgment. With construction being made up of complex tasks, problems with the workflow such as communication, data, and transparency have the tendency to occur. AI in construction has brought some ease to the task and encouraged better productivity as it is being used to track real-time interaction of workers, along with the machines and objects on the site. It has also helped improve safety in construction sites because it alerts the supervisors of any potential risk or safety issues that can occur on the site.
In addition to this is machine learning, an off-shoot of artificial intelligence that optimizes data and algorithms to imitate the way humans learn. Since it is able to “learn” from past experiences, machine learning also helps people in construction to establish better workflow and decision-making with predictive analytics. Predictive analytics identifies future outcomes through historical data, which can be used to create informed decisions and well-thought-out strategies for the project. Both AI and machine learning have been seen as important aspects of a construction project because of how they continue to improve workflows and methods of construction.
2. Construction Robots
Construction robots are typically used in building construction machinery, welding, drilling, brick-laying, and more. As we’ve mentioned above, construction is made up of complex tasks which also require intensive labor, making construction robots very helpful in the process. Construction robots are an efficient extra hand to construction projects that are in shortage of human labor.
There are 4 different types of construction robots that increase productivity and ease labor on-site while still maintaining the efficiency and quality of the project:
- Industrial Robot
- Drones
- Self-Driving Construction Vehicles
- Humanoid Laborers
3. 3D Printing
3D printing is the process of building parts layer by layer using a computer-aided design (CAD) or a 3D printer. This is another technology that’s been making a good name for itself in many industries because of the convenience it brings to the table. 3D printing helps speed up the process of construction and provides access to quality materials and very appealing designs. What’s good about this is that even the most complex designs can be made. With 3D printing, you can also build an entire structure such as a house.
4. Construction Exoskeletons
In construction, lifting heavy objects is normal in every project, which is why it’s necessary to be equipped with the right tools to lessen the load and make the task less exhausting and safer. Construction exoskeletons are wearable machines suited with motorized joints, helping to minimize strain and injury during the process of lifting. These wearable machines come in handy because they serve as a support for the joints and prevent potential damages in the posture while lifting heavy objects.
5. Modular Construction
Modular construction is a method of construction that involves building structures off-site, under controlled conditions, with the use of the same materials, codes, standards as the traditionally built facilities. However, the only difference is that modular construction saves more time because it allows other tasks to be done in the factory while site work and foundations are simultaneously done on-site. This now helps speed up the process and makes more room for other tasks to be done without delay.
6. Construction Wearables
Safety should always be a priority, so it goes the same with construction. The construction site is prone to accidents, which is why it’s vital to never neglect safety gear to avoid severe injuries and deaths. Construction wearables are safety gears that help monitor vital signs, detect collisions, and track unaccompanied workers on-site.
Here are examples of wearable technology used in construction:
- Smart Helmets
- Bionic Suits
- Smart Safety Vests
- Smart Glasses
- Smart Work Boots
- Wearable Sensor
7. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality
Never guessed you would see AR and VR or augmented reality and virtual reality in this list, right? But yes, AR and VR aren’t only for gaming and entertainment, but they’re also being used in construction – and are pretty much starting to make their way into more applications.
Augmented reality in construction enables workers who are working off-site to inspect the jobs occurring on-site in real-time as if they were present physically. This helps alleviate issues and provide solutions right then and there without having to wait the next day or for a contractor or head to be physically present. Virtual reality is another promising technology in construction as it lets the supervisor or inspector visit and even walk a real-world job site even if it’s from miles away, with just a mobile device.
8. Drones
Drones are one example of construction robots. In the construction industry, drones are used for inspection and overseeing the job site. They also serve as surveillance cameras, helping to monitor the entirety of the construction site. And since these devices have types of sensors, they can move in different directions, capturing different angles and areas in the site.
9. Building Information Management (BIM)
Building Information Management or BIM is a process that utilizes various tools and technologies to create and manage information on the entire life cycle of a construction project. This process usually involves a digital model of varying aspects and characteristics of the building. Having BIM as part of the construction process prevents risks, allows a better gauge of possible challenges throughout the project, and controls logistics, improving not only the workflow and communication but also the efficiency of the construction process itself.
Technology is not limited to or bound only to selected industries. Technology evolves and adjusts according to the needs of people. The construction industry for one is an example of an industry that continues to develop and is being reshaped by technology to provide efficient services and results.
Looking for a construction company in the Philippines to help you with a new building project? Contact us today and we’ll be glad to answer any of your inquiries.
