The construction industry is critical to the development of the United Kingdom. It’s estimated to be worth over £475 billion by 2027 and currently employs over 2.1 million people, showing how important it is to the British economy.
A lot of demand is put on the industry and its workers, which has led to dangerous working conditions at times. It’s currently the industry with the most workplace deaths in the UK and the demand for speedier buildings continues to rise. Now, the construction industry is harnessing the powers of the technology sector to drive projects and workplace safety forward.
Whether you’re in charge of a nationwide construction firm or you’re a self-employed worker in the trades, understanding how you can use tech to your advantage is a must in 2024. That’s why we’ve put this handy guide together to help. Continue reading to see how technology is developing in the construction industry.
How is tech currently used in construction?
Technology can influence countless areas of the construction industry, from the tools used on-site to management systems for your clients. As tech developments advance, you can expect to see tools with greater power, battery capacities and durability as well as customer management systems with better user interfaces.
The combination of these technologies means you can operate more efficiently and ensure customer satisfaction remains high.
How is IoT influencing tech in the construction industry?
Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology in the construction industry that improves the interconnectedness of your devices. It’s being used for automating processes and improving your return on investment. Some of its uses include:
- Just-in-time provisioning
- Tool and equipment tracking
- Remote operations and activity monitoring
- Saving fuel
- Augmented reality
- Concrete curing
- Building information modelling
Are lasers helping the construction industry?
Laser technology is used to provide greater accuracy for the trades. Tech like rotary laser levels are used to give precise guidelines for projects, ensuring you can be fully prepared for the task at hand. Other laser uses include surveying inaccessible surfaces, recording the exact details of topography and measuring distances accurately.
What does the future of construction tech look like?
As with every industry, technology will continue to improve what you can offer your clients. Developments are likely to improve in the years to come, which could shape a very different construction industry from the one we know today. Some emerging technologies that will be a part of the future of construction include:
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Drones
- Blockchain technology
- Digital twin
- 3D laser scanner
- 4D simulation
- Enhanced building information models
- Greater 3D printing usage
Each of these technologies has the power to improve the safety, efficiency and quality of construction work, ensuring stakeholders, employees and clients are happy.
