The construction industry may seem like it doesn’t change much, but it embraces and uses new technology as much as any other industry. Below, we’ll explain some technological advancements experts predict will change the construction industry in the coming years.
Drones
Drone technology has exploded recently. It is a popular hobby and relevant technology in many industries, including construction. Year after year, drone use in the construction industry increases or even doubles as more companies use the technology for aerial photography and area mapping.
While these are certainly valuable uses for drones, there’s also a belief that drones could do more for the construction industry in the future—even performing potentially hazardous tasks on tall structures instead of workers. Drones also provide useful on-site security with aerial mobility and are likely to be a common sight in construction projects in the future.
Plastic Materials
A growing trend in the construction industry is to use greener and more renewable resources for conservation efforts and to create more capable and long-lasting structures. People have been building with wood for thousands of years, but synthetic structural materials like plastic lumber are becoming more common in construction.
In many ways, plastic lumber for construction is an improvement over organic lumber because it’s inherently waterproof and can last for decades longer than typical wood. Plus, plastic lumber reduces the need for real wood and helps preserve our fragile forests.
Augmented Reality (AR)
The technology that is most likely to change the construction industry is AR. In just a few years since it arrived on the scene, AR technology has exploded in popularity and use across many industries. It is expected to play a significant role in construction moving forward.
AR offers many advantages to builders, including:
- Automated measuring of structures.
- A simulation of architectural changes.
- Safety training.
- 3D visualization of projects.
- Improved project management overall.
Don’t be surprised if AR renderings are just as common on construction sites as paper blueprints in a few years.
Autonomous Machinery
The general trend in technology regarding construction equipment and machines is the progress of automation. While there’ll always be a need for human workers, machines and equipment are growing smarter. We will likely need fewer human operators as they develop.
We’re still a long way from automated robot cranes, but every year construction technology develops, and the progress of smart technology in construction equipment means a safer, more productive, and more efficient construction site.
Sensors
It wouldn’t be surprising to see safety sensors as basic technology pieces on construction sites in the coming years. Sensors already make many internet-connected devices on construction sites more efficient. They can also help keep workers safe.
Sensors can better monitor and anticipate equipment approaching hazardous circumstances or even detect when a worker is in danger of falling. It’s just one of the many ways technology develops to make construction a safer field.
