The construction industry is undergoing a major transformation, leveraging technology to make construction management and site operations more efficient and sustainable. Major trends in the industry include building information modeling (BIM), construction robotics, and the use of advanced building materials. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has created the need for new forms of construction that comply with regulations and worker safety. As a result, start-ups and expanding companies are increasingly developing innovations in prefabrication, worker safety, and construction robotics.
In parallel, 3D printing and green building solutions are significantly reducing the negative impacts of construction on the environment. The Construction Innovation Map highlights 20 carefully selected start-ups, all of them working on emerging technologies that advance their field. Moreover, incorporated carbon (carbon released in the construction process) accounts for about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the construction and real estate sectors. The incorporation of BIM as a government construction standard has been a major contributor to this shift, allowing construction managers and personnel to adapt to the new trend of innovation in construction.
The development of long-term business objectives and plans to achieve net zero emissions will enable decision makers to define and plan the actions needed in the short term to achieve the longer-term objectives, as well as track progress over time. Companies are also using advanced materials such as self-healing concrete, artificial wood, and nanomaterials in modular construction and 3D printing. The inputs with the highest price increases were diesel fuel (which doubled since June 2002), asphalt roofing products (22% more than a year ago), and plastic construction products (27% more than a year ago). Monitoring of construction workers is being done with high-definition (HD) cameras and AI-based facial recognition techniques to improve productivity.
Among the new construction technologies, virtual and augmented reality have been a great innovation, providing visualizations. It is estimated that repairs to defective or incorrect constructions account for nearly 30% of the costs of the construction industry. In addition, the development of BIM dimensional models ranging from 3D to 7D, as well as some digital innovations such as virtual and augmented reality, have made these trends more affordable and accessible to companies of different sizes. On the other hand, there was much lower activity in heating and cooling, an area that will require more innovation to meet net zero emissions ambitions, particularly in emerging and developing economies.
The creation of structured workflows and data integration at every step of the construction site ensure that the right information is available for each interested party. MMS specializes in prefabrication and remote construction, regularly updating its Podular technology.The use of technology in the construction industry is revolutionizing how projects are managed from start to finish. By utilizing BIM software, advanced materials, 3D printing solutions, prefabrication techniques, virtual reality applications, facial recognition systems, and other innovative technologies, companies can reduce costs while improving efficiency and sustainability.
Leave Message