While the construction sector has been relatively slow to embrace digital technologies compared to other industries, nothing changes behavior more than a crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted companies to fundamentally change how they do things. They are experimenting with a variety of tools—and seeing that they work.
Focusing on worker health and safety
Many of these technologies are key to keeping workers safe as they return to job sites. Geolocation-enabled remote sensors and drone cameras, which have been deployed to enhance productivity, can also be used for health and wellness. Data generated by these devices can feed artificial intelligence analytics to identify trends that previously would have been addressed during regular safety meetings with supervisors. And by supplementing these tools with temperature-sensing and geolocating wearables, supervisors who are now off-site can safely monitor for signs of trouble, from rising heart rates and potential dehydration to simply working too close to others.
Many of these technologies are becoming more common. In a survey of 99 civil engineers and contractors, Dodge Data & Analytics found that more than half are using drones, albeit only on an average of 36% of their projects. Wearables are less prevalent, with only 14% using them and 13% considering their use, but they appear poised for growth. In terms of the benefit of deploying technologies like these, 40% cited improved safety performance and 26% an improved ability to manage workers on site.
Technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality also have their place, enabling construction companies to visualize elements of their projects while reducing the number of people on site. However, Dodge found that they are being used by only 3% and 10% of contractors, respectively.
In addition, access to job sites can be further regulated through facial recognition, limiting who can access construction areas and when. And project managers can monitor the progress of their work through robot dogs that regularly surveil sites and collect 360-degree images with very precise measurements—within one millimeter.
Investing in future-focused technology
As engineering firms and construction companies navigate the effects of the COVID-19 crisis, they should take advantage of the opportunity presented while backlogs remain high. This is the time to invest in R&D to refine future-focused technologies such as prefabrication and modular construction, 3D printing and even physical robots.
The use of prefabrication and modular construction has been increasing steadily over the past few years. With components ranging from two-dimensional walls to entire multifamily units, prefabrication can save time and reduce labor on site. For example, with more work being performed in factories, the number of on-site workers can often be reduced. Even building inspectors can perform a majority of their inspections in the factory, alleviating the need for multiple people scheduling multiple site inspections and interacting with others.
Prefabrication is becoming more accepted and customizable through the rise of 3D printing. This additive manufacturing process allows for greater design flexibility and is suited for a variety of materials, from polymers and metals to ceramics and concrete. Emerging opportunities include:
- printing piping and fittings, tools and equipment;
- formwork for concrete;
- structural insulated panels, walls with embedded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; and
- roofs with solar tiles.
Reduction in construction time, human monitoring and environmental impact suggest that 3D printing will continue to grow in usage.
Similar to 3D printing, using robots in a prefab factory can be highly effective. Robots have been part of manufacturing lines for decades, performing repetitive tasks more efficiently and with greater accuracy than humans. And while they are a great fit for prefab construction companies, their use on construction sites themselves is just getting started. Robotics can be used for bricklaying, drywalling, rebar tying and concrete pouring, reducing the number of laborers. Robotic exoskeletons can even help users lift double their body weight, allowing them to do their jobs more productively and safely. However, this technology is very much in its infancy, and more R&D is needed.
Finding a new way forward
While each of these areas shows promise, they will need firms to invest in them and seize the marketing leverage that technological innovation can provide. Unfortunately, 56% of those surveyed by Dodge say the cost is just too high. Small margins and a lack of dedicated budgets for technology can hamper contractors’ ability to invest.
However, middle market companies are showing a way forward. They are taking advantage of their agility to approach clients to invest jointly in technology that can create cost savings for future projects. In this manner, they are able to work with partners and vendors to fund R&D through specific construction projects.
In this time of disruption, there is a true opportunity to enhance productivity and efficiencies by embracing the continued digital evolution of the construction industry.
