The Future Of Technology And The Construction Worker


As we slowly welcome the new year, construction experts are starting to look for ways on how to improve the efficiency, safety, and productivity in a construction site. This is probably something we all expect because we are currently living in a world where we rely on technology.
So, it shouldn’t be surprising that 2018 would be the year where the construction trends would revolve around new IoT technologies that wouldn’t only improve building design, but it would also enhance the construction and manufacturing process as well.
For professionals, it’s essential to keep themselves updated with the latest technology for them to stay ahead of their competitors. Below, we’ll give you an idea of what the IoT technological trends that you can look forward to in 2018. Likewise, we’ll also be discussing how these would influence not only those who are in the construction industry, but other sectors as well. Read on to find out!

Building Getting Smarter

In the coming years, we can expect that smart building would also improve in some ways– it would continue to utilize information technology to stay attached to the global environment, building systems, and people.
Expect structures that are capable of controlling buildings, such as heating, air conditioning, lighting, ventilation, security, and other home systems with the use of automated processes. Microchips, sensors, and other devices will also be utilized as a way to gather data and handle them according to a building’s function.
Smart building technology is already being used in residential buildings, and the commercial real estate is slowly embracing this. Through the help of IoT technology, facility managers will be able to take advantage of their use of the area, cut energy costs, and best of all, reduce environmental impacts.

Managing Materials Autonomously

Another IoT technology that we could expect by the year 2018 would be autonomous material handling– a system that improves the productivity within the job site. The construction industry has a set layout which can be integrated into a robot. This arrangement stays constant, allowing the machine to quickly detect system malfunctions or unusual activities.
Despite that, it’s still worth noting that the construction industry is dynamic–it changes from one project to another, especially during the building process. So, how can autonomous material handling be implemented?
This can be done through the use of drones that have a 3D map of the construction site focusing on unloading and loading zones. These aerial drones would be equipped with cameras as well as sensors that would allow accurate calculation. Aside from that, it would also utilize the IoT technology as a way to work with other pieces of heavy machinery.

Shortage of Skilled Labor Can Be Resolved

Despite all the technological hurdles that the construction world is bound to face, the fact that the issues are being addressed slowly, but surely is a clear indication that we are up for a bright future. One of the significant problems that would positively be resolved would be the lack of skilled labor– the use of robots that could handle uniform work process would be possible through IoT.
The Internet of Things, as well as the autonomous material-handling systems, would ensure that everything would be done accurately. The overall downtime due to maintenance and error would slowly be eliminated.

Exoskeleton to Improve Work Productivity

Exoskeleton suits could be the key to reducing workplace injury, accidents, and fatigue problems construction workers have to endure. Overall, the construction industry is hazardous, but experts have been looking for ways on how to resolve these with the use of IoT.
Aside from exoskeletons, the integration of mobile technology through traffic safety equipment, such as safety cones, would also have a positive impact on the construction process. Team members no longer have to endure the slow progress, or even wait for a few hours, sometimes even days, to get the answer they need regarding their concerns.
What’s more is that the video and photo capabilities of IoT devices will help in ensuring the quality of work.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Unmanned aerial vehicles are like driverless trucks that could be piloted using a remote device or remote computer. These vehicles could be automated through the use of preset flight paths, or they can also be controlled with a mobile device. With the help of aerial drones, it would be easier for contractors to handle site surveys and track construction process in real time.