Every industry faces change over time and the construction industry is no exception. And although construction work may not have yet experienced the radical digital revolutions that have been seen in the media and travel booking industries, there’s no doubt that technological advancements are already having an effect on builders. The greatest changes are likely still to come. In this article we’ll cover four major industrial construction changes of the future.
Robotics
Since time immemorial man has used tools to leverage our innate body strength into something much more powerful. As the science of robotics advances, more of these types of robotic tools will find their way into the construction industry. It’s already happening in dangerous work environments such as underwater or below ground. Expect this trend to continue with full body exoskeletons and other yet unseen developments.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
VR and AR are no longer confined to the realm of video games. Both these technologies are starting to be incorporated into the construction site. Allowing architects and other workers to “see” the completed project before the ground is even broken can prevent design mistakes from turning into costly building delays and problems. VR and AR technology also works to increase accuracy while reducing the number of mistakes made on site.
Tech Savvy Workforce
Although the construction industry is traditionally known as being somewhat averse to change there is a whole new generation of construction workers who were raised with digital technology as part of their day-to-day life that are entering the workforce. As these young workers mature and progress in their careers, there will undoubtedly be a greater acceptance of digital technology in the offices and on the construction site.
Safety
Safety has always been a concern in the construction industry. There was an era when onsite injury and death were considered a unpleasant, but inevitable, facts of the job. Things have greatly improved, but until injuries and deaths no longer occur, there is still room for progress. Laws and information campaigns have brought the concept of safety to the forefront, but there may be opportunities for technology to make the industry even safer for its workers.
