Construction job sites today are facing a new kind of crisis – Lack of manpower due to the ongoing Coronovirus crisis. The current existing technology on construction sites requires a certain amount of human intervention in order to ensure the smooth functioning and usage of these technology. We use Cement mixers, Cranes, Hydraulic excavators, circular saws and many more modernized equipment which were not part of construction a few decades ago.
Today with the COVID crisis and the need to establish rules that will ensure social distancing and hygiene, the way the construction industry will work is set to change. Today we are able to build stronger, taller and more energy efficient buildings through the use of the existing construction technology.
New technologies in construction is being developed at the breakneck speed. There have been developments in semi-automated and fully automated construction equipment. There is race to create connected equipment, drones, robots, augmented and virtual reality. There is even good development in the 3D printing space and several pre-construction technology.
Technology will ease construction dependence on manpower in the following areas
Productivity
Technology will improve productivity by leaps and bounds. Construction without technology has low productivity and takes longer hours to complete. Traditional methods of construction are disjointed. Each construction site is different and presents its own unique challenges and risks. Streamlining processes is one of the most important tasks that technology helps align. There are several software and mobile apps that are available to be used for project management, scheduling and field reporting. Most software solutions are cloud based and coordination becomes more wholesome. Real time data collection, processing, and transmission between jobsite and project managers sitting in the office. Effective use of this will ensure fewer people are crowded on the site.
Pre-fabricated works
Off-site construction can be used for creating pre-fabricated parts especially in construction that requires repetitive parts. Off-site fabrication is performed in controlled environment and it works similar to an automated manufacturing plant. Stations can be manned by robots and supervised by people in a separate room. This required minimal human interference during production. It is also easy to assemble this on site with minimum manpower. We can construct internal and external wall panels, door and window assemblies, floor systems and multi-trade tracks. Many of them come with ductwork for electrical wiring and plumbing packed in, thus reducing the effort of doing this again.
AI & Machine learning
Construction firms have been experimenting with using AI and Machine learning for using data to improve jobsite safety and reduce risks. The mountains of data collected can be used to ensure that future projects have a competitive edge. AI collects data through sensors installed in equipment and on materials. This will help analyze also to best utilize the workforce around the site and reduce downtimes.
Jobsites can be monitored through robots and this will give actionable data to improve jobsite productivity. AI can also be used to identify electrical and plumbing works and improve efficiency during construction of these delicate tasks.
Safety & Training
Improving safety on construction sites using technology is one of the biggest tech innovations with the use of drones, wearables, augmented reality and site sensors. AR & VR are best for working in confined spaces, wearables are making jobsite safer by monitoring workers condition and site sensors are deployed to monitor temperatures, presence of volatile compounds and particulate material.
Autonomous Heavy Equipment
Using technology akin to self-driving cars and can be used to perform excavations, grading and sitework. These machines use GPS, sensors and drones to navigate the construction site.
Construction firms are coming around to the need of technology adoption considering the requirement of the times. Companies are already researching on how to increase productivity and complete projects within budget and timelines. The idea is to preserve profit margins while still completing projects in good quality.
