Tech Developments That Are Changing the Construction Industry

At first glance, you may think that construction and technology are not related at all. But as you sit with it and think about it more, you find that construction and technology are closely related. Technology impacts construction more than you might think and it is still changing how we think of construction today.

Whether it is what a future engineer is learning in school or what kind of home you are going to live in, technology is going to play a big role in that. As new software is developed and better materials are made, this will change how you live your daily life.

Smartphones

Construction work is known for being dirty, sweaty, and physically demanding. This means that the kind of devices and technologies that they use have to be built to last. A traditional smartphone is not going to last very long out in a construction zone because of the damage that can be done from being dropped, getting wet, and constant movement.

There are smartphones out there that were designed to withstand vibration and dust, which is ideal for any construction worker. This makes communication easier when out on the job which leads to less confusion overall.

Construction Gear

This may not seem like a big obstacle, construction workers need to wear clothes that can handle getting dirty, right? Wrong. There is so much more that goes into a construction worker’s day than just getting dirty. They are most likely outside all day which means they are subject to different weather elements.

Technology helps them out by making new fabrics and gear that allows them to be in the elements without feeling everything. There are different fabrics that are breathable that are perfect for cooling down a hot body that has to stand out in the sun for most of the day.

Construction Materials

Just as the construction worker’s outfit changes, so will what they are using. Different kinds of glasses and concretes are being designed and tested. This can help people live safer lives without needing to worry about what was used to make their houses.

There are also different convergent technologies that are concerned about what is used to make materials on a chemical level. Different elements can be used to make concrete and other building materials stronger and more durable. These kinds of materials are ideal if you are working on a special project that requires some added durability.

Artificial Intelligence

When you hear the term “artificial intelligence” (or AI) this may conjure up images of robots taking over the planet. This is not the case but many forward thinking construction people are hoping that AI can take the boring work out of construction.

There are many tedious jobs that construction workers need to do, such as laying bricks and pouring concrete over and over. We know that robots are good at doing repetitive tasks, so they may be a perfect fit for the world of construction. Drones can also help out with surveying and checking to see if a building is safe from being unstable.

Virtual Reality

This is more of a way that the business side of construction is changing, which is really exciting and groundbreaking. With the help of virtual reality, contractors are able to design spaces of what their proposals and projects will look like. This will allow them to take different people through their project to see what the building and space will look like without them having to leave the room.

As building information modeling (BIM) takes center stage, virtual reality will be able to help enhance its design. This promotes further efficiency and productivity within the work and design space.

With the ever changing environment of technology it will be interesting to see how it changes construction. What are some things that you hope to see in the near future in the construction industry?