The construction technology trends is evolving at a breakneck pace. This is no different in the construction business, as construction technology continues to constantly evolve and propel the industry forward in order to become safer, cheaper, and faster.
The challenge for businesses is not whether or not they will digitalize their construction projects and personnel, but when and how they will keep up with and adapt to ever-changing and improving technologies.
Are you looking to implement new construction technology trends into your construction?
If so, here are nine construction technology trends that will impact the construction industry.
Construction Technology Trends 2022
#1 Lidar
LiDAR technology can aid in distance measurement (ranging) by lighting the target with laser light and detecting the reflection using a sensor that can be put on a variety of other construction equipment on the job site.
Workers will be able to scan the surrounding worksite in real-time and produce high-resolution 3D photos. As a result, workers can undertake site work from a distance, which helps to decrease and/or eliminate health and safety risks and injuries to other workers.
LiDAR technology can be used for and assist with a variety of tasks, including:
- 3D Printing
- Land Classification
- Shadow analysis
- Tunnel Surveying
- Drone mapping
- Structural Flaw detection
- Urban assessment
- Elevation modelling
- Optic fibre and sewer passage analysis
However, LiDAR technology is extremely fragile, and the capacity of LiDAR sensors might be limited under specific conditions such as thick dust, rain, snow, or fog.
#2 Connected Hardhats
Wearable technology has already scratched the personal gadget area with smartwatches and smartphones, but there is certainly more possibility for wearable gadgets in the construction space. As a result, firms like Shimabun have produced upgrade kits that can be attached to regular hardhats, giving employees access to a new set of enhanced safety features.
Location, mobility, and temperature are all monitored by the Shimabun-equipped hardhat. As a result, it may be able to detect lightheadedness or overheating in a worker. Another feature of this construction equipment is its ability to detect when a worker has fallen and send an emergency call to first services.
The accuracy of the data collected also allows for better assessments of site errors, enabling better prevention of recurrent occurrences and reducing overall health and safety issues and dangers on site before they occur.
#3 Smart Infrastructure
Hexagon Geosystems has developed a structural monitoring system that employs sensors to track the strengths and weaknesses of a structure that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
The monitors are intended to assist employees in predicting structural problems before they occur, allowing the site owner to call in the appropriate team to do necessary maintenance before the site becomes dangerous, averting accidents and lowering further health and safety concerns.
This technology can also be utilized in natural settings, such as rockfalls and mines, to examine a site’s structural integrity, lowering worker risk exposure and alerting the construction team on site to any dangerous circumstances.
#4 Augmented Reality (AR)
Computer-generated visuals and real-world image information are superimposed in Augmented Reality (AR).
AR may provide virtual feedback on real-world progress to construction site workers, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and reducing on-site errors. AR is a fantastic technique for transmitting information to end users by overlaying data with real-world information.
It is a tried and true piece of construction technology with numerous advantages. For example, a site contractor may hold a tablet up inside a home and view the positions of all required drill holes without having to consult the physical building plan.
#5 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence, or AI, has emerged as an important technological innovation in a variety of industries, including construction. AI has the potential to speed up planning and make entire processes more efficient in the building industry. As a result of ALICE, an AI assistant made exclusively for the construction sector, there is a larger need for AI technology in the business.
The bot’s technology is expected to cut project build times and costs by up to 15%. While simultaneously being able to examine millions of data points and provide scheduling choices that are specially optimized for time and cost, projects can remain current.
#6 BIM Software
BIM, or building information modelling, combines IoT and augmented reality technology to create a smart management and workflow planning tool. Because of its capabilities and potential, this is a significant building technological innovation. Construction managers, for example, can generate intelligent 3D models of their projects and use them to design smart processes.
As a result, this technology has improved the entire construction process at every stage, from planning and design to building maintenance.
#7 3-D Printing Houses
Over the years, 3D printing technology has advanced to the point that many construction businesses have discovered how to print entire houses faster and cheaper than the traditional approach utilizing the same software and equipment.
As a result, everyone will be able to afford to own a home. Another step forward in the construction industry’s adaptation to new technology advances.
#8 Exoskeletons
Exoskeletons are another type of wearable technology that works in tandem with the user, allowing construction workers to accomplish more labor than they could otherwise.
The goal of this technology is to reduce worker strain and injury while also assisting in increasing worker productivity by making workers appear less exhausted when using it.
As a result, this development in construction technology will help to improve site safety and reduce the amount of missed hours due to injuries.
There are two sorts of Exoskeletons: mechanical and electrical. Mechanical exoskeletons are designed to redistribute weight, while electrical exoskeletons are designed to increase strength. The potential benefits to the construction site’s personnel are evident.
#9 Robot Swarms
In contrast to humanoid robots, which resemble humans, robotic swarms are made up of hundreds of small individual robots that work together to complete common site activities like laying bricks.
The first of its sort was planned and built by academics at Harvard University’s Systems Research Group, who created a swarm of small, four-wheeled robots that work together to complete tasks.
The possibilities for this robotic swarm technology are endless, as they can not only be programmed to lay bricks, but they can also safely repair infrastructure in flooded or hard-to-reach locations that would be dangerous for human workers, helping to reduce the construction industry’s health and safety issue once again.