Technology in the construction field is growing every day. Job sites are getting easier to manage, and many construction workers, from project managers to the field workers, are discovering the advantages of those incredible tools. Take a look at some of the latest developments in construction technology and how they can help inspire you as you build your construction business and improve safety, security, and capability across your job sites.
1. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality--the ability to lay virtual reality visuals over the real world--has been transforming the construction industry in recent years. Augmented reality offers an incredibly accurate tool that can make it easier to visualize exactly what a project will look like, any problems that the construction workers on the site may face along the way, and what will best fit in a certain area.
Augmented reality is helping to decrease waste across construction sites, since it can help workers and clients alike get a better idea of exactly what a finished product will look like long before it hits the field.
Thanks to augmented reality, clients can make changes before the construction team starts to actually put their designs into practice. They can make changes before materials are ordered or even change directions when needed, all without the high cost of unused or even wasted materials that often go into making those changes once construction begins.
2. Construction Site Management Technology
Construction site management is frequently a difficult proposition. Communicating across the project team as a whole can present a challenge, since many construction workers are out on the job site every day, while project managers and company leadership may spend most of their time in the office.
The recent developments in construction site management technology, however, are transforming the way construction workers communicate--and making it much easier for them to keep up with the latest changes and developments.
With effective construction site management technology, it's possible to keep up with communications from subcontractors, keep field workers in the loop about the latest changes to the project, and ensure that everyone stays on the same page from start to finish.
3. Wearable Construction Technology
The construction industry presents a number of dangers that workers have to deal with on a regular basis. The latest technology in the industry aims to help decrease those challenges and avoid injury on the job.
For example, smart boots can provide a warning to the driver of a heavy construction vehicle before he collides with a worker out of his field of vision, while smart hard hats can track "microsleeps" in overtired construction workers, which can help reduce the risk that they will suffer severe injuries.
In addition, power gloves can help increase dexterity and strength for many construction workers, which can make it easier for them to take on smaller tasks more effectively--and decrease the risk of injury at the same time.
Speaking of decreasing injury risk, exoskeletons can help provide additional support and power when construction workers need to utilize strength or engage in repetitive movements. Both of these types of wearable technology can improve safety and stability for construction workers, offering them more support so that they do not suffer serious repetitive stress injuries or acute injury due to heavy lifting.
4. 3D Printing
In recent years, it seems as though everything can be 3D printed, from tiny models to prosthetics. As it turns out, 3D printing offers a number of advantages in the construction industry, too.
With effective 3D printing tools, construction workers can produce the specific materials they need on the spot, rather than waiting for them to be shipped from manufacturing facilities across the country and even around the world. 3D printing can help reduce overall costs from fabrication and shipping as well as decreasing delays--something that has become increasingly important for many construction businesses as shipping delays continue to plague the country.
3D printing is also often less expensive than it is to source materials from other sources. Not only does it help cut down on the cost of shipping, since the items can be produced locally and conveniently (or even directly on site), but 3D printing can allow for more custom options and designs without the increased cost of working with a specialist.
5. Robotics
Robots have the ability to complete an impressive number of jobs and tasks--and construction jobs are no exception.
Robots are able to complete many of the repetitive or dangerous jobs that often fill construction sites: laying brick, pouring concrete, or welding, for example. Those robots have the potential to streamline many job sites and make it easier to keep up with demand, since they require relatively little human contact in order to get the job done.
Robots may also offer more precise job completion, which can help improve overall safety on the job site.
6. Drones
Thanks to drone technology, construction workers and project managers now have more insight than ever into what takes place on a job site.
Drones can help survey the job site before the work begins, giving a better look at the topography while reducing costs and time spent on the task. Drones are also an ideal source of construction site security. Construction sites often involve a great deal of expensive equipment, tools, and materials.
Having it go missing can cut into your profits or even leave you struggling to make money from a job. Drones can provide much-needed security, particularly when workers aren't actively on the job site to keep an eye on who comes and goes.
Construction technology is growing--and it's more inspiring than ever. With the latest advances in construction technology, workers are safer, sites are more secure, and many construction companies are discovering that they can cut costs and provide more for their workers than ever before.
Do you want to learn more about the advances in construction site management and how we can help? Contact us today to learn how LinkedField can help transform and enhance your construction site management.
