Construction will always be necessary for human life. Whether it’s creating a home out of sticks and leaves, or building a skyscraper filled with apartments in a bustling city, construction happens every day, in every place around the world. But as technology continues to change the ways that work gets done, it’s only natural that the construction industry would be impacted as well. From the smart technology that goes into a home to the use of innovative building practices, technology is changing the game.
3D Printing
Most people never could have imagined a world where a printer could create a small toy, an engine, or a work of art, let alone create an entire building. But the technology is here and it’s making waves in the construction industry. Instead of pouring concrete the old-fashioned way, scientists and innovative engineers have devised a way to use poured concrete and other materials along with 3D printing technology to create sturdy homes. This innovation means that some houses could now be built in days instead of months. It has many benefits including bringing costs down. Labor is a huge portion of construction costs, and less time equates to less money.
Drone Technology
There are countless inspections that happen on a job site. One of the traditional ways to complete these inspections has been to send someone up to do them in person. Using drone technology instead, workers can stay firmly planted on the ground, while they use the camera and other features of a drone to ensure the building meets all standards and codes. Drones are changing the way that construction happens because they allow engineers to more easily see into spaces that are difficult to reach. Drones give a literal birds-eye view of construction sites as well to see if anything is out of place.
Robotics on Work Sites
Another advancement that is changing construction is the use of robotics. Some robots are automated, much like a driverless car, while others are guided by people. Think about bomb defusing robots and other similar technologies. On construction worksites, in industrial environments, and even in dangerous places, powered exoskeleton suits enable workers to lift and do more than they could alone.
This can help prevent and reduce the incidences of workplace injury and give them steadier hands when they are doing work that requires precision. The strength of the suit combined with the intellect of the operator inside maximizes the benefits of having both on a worksite.
Modular Buildings
Buildings that are created in a factory and moved on-site, or homes that are built with walls already prefabricated can help reduce the time it takes to build a house and lower the overall costs. Because these homes are made in factories, you don’t need to be concerned about the weather causing major delays. This creates more stability in the construction industry and can also reduce the cost of building. Plus, modern technology means that these modulars aren’t like mobile homes of the past. Instead, they are sleek and elegant and some, like Boxabl homes. can be constructed in mere hours once they are on location.
Software Programming
How can software help with construction? Well, think of programs like CAD, but only better. Engineers use advanced building information modeling systems to create 3D plans that are far more intelligent than predecessors. These systems can create complex information that is then used to create actual buildings.
Because there are so many layers of data contained in these plans, each professional can add their part to the same set of plans instead of creating 2D models for each component. This means that plumbers and electricians can collaborate with engineers to put their data on the same set of plans and it’s easy to view and use when it comes time to build.
Using technology to advance construction is valuable for the industry. Not only can it create better safety protocols, but it also can reduce costs, improve collaboration, and help engineers get better at imaging the structures of the future. By leveraging modular technology, 3D printing, and even advanced software, construction teams are able to be more precise and make fewer errors in their work.