8 Construction Tech Trends To Watch in 2018 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Technology is rapidly changing the construction industry with innovations such as autonomous vehicles, virtual and augmented reality, exoskeletons, advanced construction materials, drones, robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things.

Key Insights

• 👷 Autonomous vehicles could revolutionize construction sites, addressing labor shortages and improving efficiency.
• 😤 Virtual and augmented reality technologies offer immersive experiences and data-driven insights for construction teams.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Exoskeletons can enhance the physical capabilities of construction workers, improving health and safety.
• 🏗️ Advanced construction materials, like self-healing concrete and smog-eating buildings, improve sustainability and air quality.
• 👷 Drones provide efficient and safe means of inspections, progress reporting, and surveying in construction.
• 👷 Robotics automate tasks and improve productivity and safety on construction sites.
• 🏗️ 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and full-scale printing of building components, offering faster and more cost-effective construction methods.

Transcript

technology is having an ever greater impact on the construction sector many ideas there were once thought of as gimmicks or even the stuff of science fiction are now being steadily incorporated into the mainstream industry with new and practical applications for technology being developed at a rapid pace here we've short listed the top eight tech t... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How can autonomous vehicles benefit the construction industry?

Autonomous vehicles can improve efficiency and productivity on construction sites by addressing labor shortages and automating tasks such as bulldozing, excavating, and lifting heavy equipment.

Q: How are virtual and augmented reality technologies being used in construction?

Virtual reality allows contractors, designers, and end-users to immerse themselves in future building environments, while augmented reality provides real-time data and specifications to construction personnel, improving productivity and safety.

Q: What are the advantages of using exoskeletons in construction?

Exoskeletons can assist construction workers with lifting heavy equipment or supplies, reducing physical strain and improving overall health. They can also help combat conditions like arthritis and hand-arm vibration.

Q: How are advanced construction materials revolutionizing the industry?

Materials like self-healing concrete, kinetic paving, 3D printed structures, and smog-eating buildings are pushing the boundaries of construction. They improve durability, energy efficiency, and air quality in buildings and infrastructure.

Q: How are drones being utilized in the construction industry?

Drones are used for health and safety inspections, progress reporting, and surveying large areas of land quickly and safely. They provide accurate data and reduce risks for surveyors.

Q: What are the benefits of robotics in construction?

Robotics improve efficiency, productivity, and safety on construction sites. Brick and track-laying robots, as well as machines for tying rebar, automate tasks that would traditionally require human labor.

Q: How is 3D printing technology impacting construction?

3D printing enables rapid prototyping, component manufacturing, and even full-scale printing of building components. It offers faster and more cost-effective construction methods, with potential applications in space exploration.

Q: How does the Internet of Things (IoT) contribute to the construction industry?

The IoT allows for remote operation and monitoring, supply replenishments, and equipment servicing and repair in construction. It also provides valuable data analysis, leading to more efficient and responsive cities.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Autonomous vehicles are being developed for construction sites to improve efficiency and address labor shortages.

• Virtual and augmented reality technologies are gaining traction in the construction industry and offering valuable tools for project teams.

• Exoskeletons are becoming a reality and can support construction workers with physically demanding tasks.

• Advanced construction materials, like self-healing concrete and smog-eating buildings, are revolutionizing the construction sector.

• Drones are being used for inspections, progress reporting, and surveying in the construction industry.

• Robotics, including brick and track-laying robots, are increasing efficiency and safety on construction sites.

• 3D printing technology is being used for rapid prototyping, component manufacturing, and even full-scale printing of building components.

• The Internet of Things is being utilized for remote operation and monitoring, supply replenishments, and data analysis in construction.