What are technological innovations for constructions should you watch out for?
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Autonomous vehicles
- Robotics
- 3D printing
- Predictive analytics
People who are looking to build houses or buildings bring a heavy emphasis on construction materials in the Philippines. However, construction is not just about the materials used. It is also important to take note of the processes that happen at a construction site.
Today, technology has enabled many industries with many game-changing advances that have brought significant improvements. In this article, we will talk about the advancements that have happened in the construction industry.
Without further ado, here are 5 innovations in construction technology that you should watch out for:
Virtual and Augmented Reality
The opportunity to experience something through the lens of a computer screen can sometimes be sub-optimal for people. Getting the chance to see it via virtual reality is a whole other kind of experience.
Using virtual reality, clients of construction companies can show simulations of their finished designs. With technology today, it can be as simple as just the exterior, or as detailed as a fully furnished two story house. Virtual reality can also be used as training equipment for workers, though its use may be limited.
Augmented reality is another kind of virtual reality that enables a person to virtually see inputted graphics in a real-world setting. It can help in gathering data, particularly of measurements, and material details without putting real equipment, reducing the risks that come with it.
Autonomous Vehicles
With the continuous drive to safety and efficiency in construction sites, the introduction of autonomous vehicles has become one of the most sought-after innovations in construction. Driverless construction vehicles not only advocate safety by not needing people to operate it, but it also adds a layer of skill that can address any gap of it within personnel.
Because autonomous vehicles are operated through software, there are fewer chances for human error to take its toll. Since it is mainly operated by robots, it also addresses the shortage of skilled labor and provides enhancements to overall productivity.
UAVs or unmanned aerial vehicles or more commonly referred to as drones are also rising as a technology that the construction industry is eyeing to use. Its utility as an eye in the sky makes it useful for health and safety inspections, progress monitoring, and site surveying. They also make surveying potentially hazardous zones easy and safe, while keeping the surveyors at a safe distance.
The use of UAVs is assumed to be a great way of increasing safety for those who work in construction sites. It is also said that the construction industry is predicted to be one of the bigger users of commercial drones in the coming years.
Robotics
The past years have seen some incredible advances particularly in the field of robotics. Many industries have begun investing in robots for particular tasks. In some hospitals, robots have become the go-to tools for surgeons for operations in the human body that requires high precision. And since robots are already used for human surgeries. It is only fitting that they will also be used in the construction industry.
The use of robots in many stages of construction can speed up the process immensely. They can be used to accelerate the repetitive tasks on a site. They can also be specially made to do some of the more complex tasks such as tying rebar, or the reinforcement of steel by steel.
3D Printing
The use of 3D printers to produce physical objects has advanced a lot over the years. With news about houses and building made solely by using bricks that were created through a 3D printer, the technology has shown great potential in the building industry.
One of the biggest uses of 3D printers is for prototyping. Since 3D printers can easily produce any object as long as there is very detailed design information available, people can find and test the usability and strength of certain designs and features. In the Philippines, construction materials and scale models of buildings are the usual things that people in the construction industry produce.
The best part about 3D printing is that it is a relatively new technology and improvements to it will just keep coming.
Predictive Analysis
The construction industry is full of work hazards and risks to both the client and the company. Designers can only assume so much of the possible outcomes of a building that they can. There is almost no way to make sure a building will be risk-free unless countless tests, analysis, and predictions are used.
This is where predictive analysis software come in. This software helps analyze the risk factor that using certain materials as well as designs have. The latest software goes as far as analyzing and comparing the materials, design, and processes used with historical data to calculate what has the highest risk and needs the most attention.
Though these kind of software are currently in an infant stage, there is a big chance that it will be completed and ready for commercial use in 2018. It will surely have a great impact on how users manage risk and ensure safety in all their projects.
Key Takeaway
The construction industry has long since been considered as one of the more dangerous fields of work. However, with the latest advancements in technology, many things have been introduced to make is safer and more efficient than ever before!
