The technology landscape is improving at a very quick pace. Of course, the construction industry is not exempt from this.
The truth is that technology keeps on quickly evolving and driving forward the construction industry to become more effective, affordable, and safer.
Technology will keep on getting adapted as construction companies deal with eliminating inefficiencies, improving productivity, and adapting to a younger workforce of digital natives.
Robot Swarms
For those who don’t know, robotic swarms consist of tons of tiny single robots that work together to conduct routine mundane site tasks, like laying bricks.
The Systems Research Group at Harvard University was the one that created and designed the first of its kind.
The team created a swarm of tiny, four-wheeled robots that operate in a cohesive manner to perform tasks.
There’s an endless possibility in this robotic swarm technology. Aside from being programmed to lay bricks, these can also repair damages safely in hard-to-reach or flooded areas that would be deemed risky for human workers.
Thus, robot swarms can help lower the construction industries’ problems with safety and health.
It doesn’t just help the construction industry. Robot swarms can also help in other manufacturing processes, such as clean room injection moulding.
Exoskeletons
The use of exoskeletons within the construction industry is another technological advancement in 2022.
For those who don’t know, exoskeletons are another piece of wearable technology that works together with a person. This enables the person to do more work compared to an ordinary worker.
The purpose of this technology is to lower injury and strain to the bodies of the workers whilst also helping to improve their productivity since workers appear less tired when they use it.
Because of this, exoskeletons will help improve safety on site and lower the number of lost hours due to accidents.
There is a range of various types of exoskeletons, and all of these have their own uses. This includes:
- Whole Body Suit – Carrying and lifting heavy objects and/or tools
- Crouching and standing support – Task that needs prolonged standing, such as drilling
- Back support – Reaching, lifting, or stopping
- Shoulder and arm support – Overheard activities and lifting
- Power gloves – Gripping objects and tools
Also, there are two major types of Exoskeletons. The first one is mechanical. It is created for the redistribution of weight. The second one is electrical. It is created to improve strength.
Lidar
Lidar technology can help measure distances with the help of illumination. This technology simply illuminates the target using a laser. Then, it measures the reflection with a sensor.
Lidar enables construction workers to scan the surrounding area and generate high-resolution 3D photos in real-time.
Because of this, Lidar makes it possible for construction companies to conduct site work from a distance. This can lead to a decrease in the risk of injuries and other safety and health issues.
Construction companies can use Lidar for a couple of purposes. These purposes include:
- Optic fiber and sewage passage analysis
- Urban assessment
- Elevation modeling
- Drone mapping
- Structural flaw detection
- Tunnel surveying
- Land classification
- Shadow analysis
- 3D printing
Drones
This is perhaps the most commonly utilized emerging technology in the construction industry. Drones can perform site surveys more accurately and quickly compared to a team on the ground.
Furthermore, drones are more affordable compared to aerial imaging. Their HD-resolution cameras and the data gathered can produce topographical or interactive 3D models and maps.
Drones can also take volume measurements.
Another advantage of utilizing drones is the ability to safely check hard-to-reach areas such as tall buildings or bridges.
You can also utilize drones to keep track of the progress on a job site and see how your workers are doing their job. If you’re a plastic chairs manufacturer, you can use a drone to monitor employees.
Augmented Reality
AR, short for augmented reality, is a digital layer of data that improves a view of the real world. If you use a mobile device with AR capabilities, you can look at the job site with additional data directly laid on top of the photo.
For instance, a construction worker can point a tablet at a wall. Then, the tablet would show the building plans for that wall as if they were part of the real world.
Augmented reality has major implications for construction since it offers extra data exactly where it is required.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication isn’t new technology. A lot of manufacturers use DCW for prefabrication. However, the latest improvements in technology make its benefits easier to access.
Mobile technologies offer visibility into the manufacturing process for all people involved. Stakeholders can see related information about the project from start to finish.
Innovators are also improving the results and processes of prefabrication. Modular construction is still becoming more and more popular in both Europe and the United States.
This method enables a few workers to install tons of structures in a couple of days.
Conclusion
Technology is rapidly improving the construction industry. It’s constantly giving the industry ways to improve processes and innovate.
Nowadays, technology in construction affects all aspects of the industry. This includes safety for workers, project planning, and more.
