The technology is improving all industries by making them safer, more convenient and more productive. Construction is not an exception. These advancements have proven to be worthwhile investments for businesses. Construction is adapting quickly to the explosion of innovation, from high-functioning robots to new materials.
Construction in 2021
The last two years have seen a number of challenges for construction and other contractors. Work can be slowed down by weather, high costs of materials, dangerous work environments and unpredictable delays. Construction companies needed a Covid-19 construction strategy now more than ever. These safer, newer technologies are allowing construction workers to succeed and continue to drive operations all over the world.
What were the trends in the construction industry for the past year? What are the most innovative advancements that will last? How can your business capitalize on the latest technology? Find out more about the innovative construction technologies used in 2021.
Five Innovations in Construction
1. Augmented Reality
AR (augmented reality) is a new technology that lets users overlay a digital environment on their actual surroundings. This tool is used in construction more and more, especially to help workers visualize projects and anticipate problems. AR-capable devices make it easier to access job sites.
Some of the most common uses include:
- Plan your project more accurately
- Collaboration between parties can be streamlined
- Improve safety through better training
- Automated Measurements
- Realistic and appealing project proposals and presentations
Mixed Reality is one of the current uses of AR that will be available in 2021, where professionals are able to interact with both digital and real reality. This year, remote work increased, increasing the need for AR Collaboration. The equipment, including both the software and hardware, continues to improve.
AR allows companies to offer complete walkthroughs that immerse the user in the digital environment. AR can also be used to create digital twins, where a virtual simulation gathers data that will later be used to inform the actual structure. AR became active in 2021, and it is expected to continue progressing in the future.
2. Building Information Modeling
BIM is a similar technology to AR. It helps construction professionals to visualize, engineer and structure new projects. You can create and manage digital versions of building assets using this software. It is capable of processing all types of data, and adjusting accordingly.
- Visualization: This is an important tool for collaboration, presentation, and examining the details of a structure. This 3D model helps mitigate risk, predict project failures and track progress over the course of the entire timeline.
- Software: The software is what makes the incredible visuals possible. It gathers data, calculates logistics, keeps the different collaborators updated as the model changes, and much more.
BIM was active in 2021 and will continue to be so in the future. Autodesk’s BIM expert says that different architect, engineer, and contractor firms are using BIM in over half of their projects and this is expected to grow significantly by 2024. BIM will continue to be a major investment in construction, from useful documentation to building measurements.
3. Robotics & Drones
Construction professionals use drones and robotic technology more than ever before, especially in light of the economic and health challenges that will be faced by 2021. This makes social distancing for companies more realistic. Due to the labor shortage this year, robotics has been of particular importance.
- Robotics: AI and robotics tools are used to analyze the progress of projects, including generating reports and identifying and anticipating mistakes, as well as providing other quantifiable data. Some robotics can actually perform some labor like installation, making construction teams more efficient.
- Drones are gaining in popularity due to their convenience and productivity. Drones will be more common in 2021, from building inspections to monitoring project progress. For example, topographic maps make mapping a construction project easier.
Both robotics and drones continue to improve in terms of performance and capabilities. However, in general both technologies are able to increase quality and reduce costs for contractors.
4. 3D Printing
The 3D printer is a useful tool to visualize and, eventually, build actual structures. 3D printing allows you to create physical objects from digital renderings.
Benefits of 3D Printing construction include:
- Save time and labor with traditional construction methods
- Materials that are environmentally friendly and produce less waste during construction
- Production times are faster with less human error
Even though some housing structures have already been created using 3D printers, more research is needed to scale up 3D printing. In 2021, 3D printing principles continued to be refined and implemented slowly. Although it is not an independent solution for construction, its use will increase in the next few years.
5. IoT & Analytics
The importance of connectivity is evident in all industries. However, it is especially important in technology-driven areas. Internet of Things is a way for devices to communicate with each other and monitor equipment and tools. It also gathers data. Due to the many benefits, these devices must be able to work reliably, communicate and share data safely. It is especially important in construction when stakeholders are involved.
The following are some of the ways that IoT has been used in the last year:
- Use sensors to monitor the safety and performance of equipment and vehicles. These sensors can detect temperature, vibrations and steps.
- Data from IoT can be converted into actionable and monitorable analytics.
- Monitor worker productivity, safety, and health remotely.
- Optimize your inventory to save time and money.
- Maintain the flow of projects so they can be completed on time and correctly.
IoT can even influence the clothing and other wearables used in construction, since it monitors worker safety. In 2021, this technology was used to drive and support remote work. IoT is a technology that construction professionals will use for the rest their careers.
What does this mean for your business?
Owners of construction businesses need to realize that technology is advancing exponentially, and not in a linear fashion. Construction companies that take advantage of the available innovations are setting a new standard for production and efficiency. It’s not just a trend to use drones, IoT devices or BIM software. These technologies will be here for a long time and can be improved upon.
Each year, new innovations that will change the world are introduced. Do not fall behind. Start investing in the latest construction technologies with a Small Business Loan. QuickBridge provides business owners with solutions to help them grow their business while protecting their personal finances.
With the right resources and innovation, your company can remain competitive in the construction field! We are here to assist you in taking the first step. Speak to a QuickBridge specialist at 888.233.9085 to learn more about the support QuickBridge provides for your construction business.
