New technologies, such as AI, are playing an increasingly important role in construction and should be embraced to push the sector’s boundaries, says Dr Graham Kelly, managing director of BIM Academy
The quickly evolving field of construction technology is increasing demand for a new way of thinking and a new set of skills. The construction technology ecosystem is therefore shifting industry need to a digital-first approach, which for some offers a significant amount of opportunity and yet for others perhaps trepidation and caution.
However, I do believe that we should not fear the future. With a focus on positive future thinking, we need to be looking ahead to technology solutions that will help our industry survive and indeed thrive.
What we also need to be mindful of is that people are driving the future of technology, not the other way round – we should never exclude or ignore the human element of technical evolution.
AI like ChatGPT is an inevitable part of construction’s future
Construction today is more open to innovation than ever before, allowing us to assess, analyse and improve many different aspects of the construction process.
When it comes to asking the question, what does the digital future of the construction industry look like, who better to ask than ChatGPT!
Ask just about anyone today, what is the biggest topic in construction tech right now and the answer will be artificial intelligence (AI).
AI in construction has the potential to help organisations realise value throughout the whole project lifecycles, including design, procurement, construction and operations. It can also help to overcome challenges is safety, costs, scheduling, maintenance and so much more.
So when I asked ChatGPT what tech is driving construction, these are the top five answers – interestingly, AI isn’t in the top five, and BIM is at the top of the list!
“The digital future of the construction industry is expected to be transformative, leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability and overall project outcomes.
Here are some key trends and aspects shaping the digital future of the construction industry:
1. Building Information Modelling (BIM)
BIM is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure. It allows for collaborative planning, design, construction and management of projects in a 3D virtual environment. BIM helps reduce errors, improve communication among stakeholders and enhance project visualisation.
2. The Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT is being increasingly integrated into construction processes through sensors placed on construction equipment, materials and even workers. This enables real-time monitoring of equipment health, project progress and environmental conditions. This data can be used to optimise construction schedules, improve safety and enhance decision-making.
3. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)
AR and VR technologies are being used for virtual project walkthroughs, training simulations and on-site visualisation. These technologies can enhance collaboration among stakeholders, improve design validation and provide a more immersive experience for project planning and execution.
4. Drones
Drones are used for surveying, mapping and monitoring construction sites. They provide a cost-effective and efficient way to gather real-time data on project progress, identify potential issues and improve overall project management. Drones also enhance safety by reducing the need for manual inspections in hazardous areas.
5. 3D printing
3D printing is gaining traction in construction for creating components on-site. This technology can significantly reduce construction time, minimise -waste and enable the creation of complex and customised structures.”
Pushing our boundaries
Technology plays a crucial role in the construction industry for various reasons and in many different ways. As we can see from the above response from ChatGPT, we have so much technology available to use to help streamline the construction process, why would we fear this?
From efficiencies in productivity, greater precision and accuracy, cost savings, time savings, safety improvements, greater collaboration and communications to increased sustainability, we can see the list on the areas we have improved upon and continue to improve is long and still growing.
As construction becomes more complex and challenging, technology is providing the solutions to enhance efficiency, transparency and decision-making. It is only by pushing our own boundaries that change is possible. And it is only by embracing change that we can generate new ideas that will have a positive impact on the future of the built environment.
The future is not to be feared, the future is there to be shaped and moulded by humans wielding the power of technology.
Dr Graham Kelly
Managing director
BIM Academy
Tel: +44 (0)191 269 5444
