The construction industry and technology go hand-in-hand. New design tools, software, better machines and equipment make work more efficient, thus reducing building times and costs.
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In 2020, construction technology will be sure to focus on these 4 trends:
VR, AR and MR
Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality are changing the way we think about construction and design. Emerging technologies such as interactive plans and gesture-based interfaces allow architects, designers and contractors to view, edit and finalize proposed designs before proceeding with a project.
Clients will now be able to view garden rooms and grannyannexes and make the necessary changes before construction begins, which is more convenient for everyone involved.
Modularization and Pre-Fabrication
As the world moves to 3D printing and modularization of equipment and parts, so do the building industry. Multi-trade prefabrication allows construction companies to assemble say, a high-rise office building or bespoke insulated garden rooms quickly and with great accuracy.
In the same vein, modularization is the process of off-site material production. Construction companies assemble materials outside the site and bring it in mostly finished. This form of standardization greatly reduces lead times and cost and has steadily gained momentum over the past months.
BIM
BIM, or building information modeling is a 3D model process that can give construction, engineering and architecture professionals the information, tools and equipment they need to design, plan and build the infrastructure.
A collaborative ecosystem allows for greater accuracy and the exchange of information between stakeholders and builders. When used the right way, BIM can make constructing homes and offices more affordable and in less time, too.
Wearable Technology
In the near future, wearable technology such as 3D glasses, armbands, Google Glass and similar devices can bring relevant information up front and center without workers having to look down at their manual.
In terms of safety, these smart glasses can track workers’ location in case of accidents. Once technology and these kinds of devices become more accessible they will become a mandatory equipment, like safety goggles and hard hats.
