Tech has transformed the construction industry. As the industry has evolved, technology has become a cornerstone of development and growth. From cell phone apps to drones, technology has made a lasting impression on how construction is being planned, managed and completed.

Drones 

While drones have a reputation of use for personal or military use, they have changed the face of how construction workers are managing their sites. From topographical mapping to redesigning communication amongst employees, drones have made a permanent home in the construction world. One of the more obvious uses of drones is as a means to survey land and construction sites. This allows managers to collect more information about the work being done, reducing the required labor and improving accuracy. Drones also provide better security, including monitoring safety for employees and maintaining a vigilant eye to avoid theft or damage. With the ability to provide real-time data, drones have made a permanent home in construction.

Cellphones 

Cellphones are part of everyday life, so it should come as no surprise that this technology has made its way into construction sites. With a construction app, managers are finding new ways to communicate with employees and handle important information. Using cellphones, employees can reach out quicker and easier. By being able to document potential issues quickly, site managers can get ahead of problems before they arise and avoid injuries or costly repairs. Additionally, apps can help provide documentation, such as timesheets, so employees and employers are on the same page about how many hours and where work is being completed. This allows for a better understanding on both sides, helping to avoid any confusion.

VR 

Virtual Reality (VR) has recently gained popularity for gaming. However, VR has been making a splash in the construction industry. With this tech, designers can see how their construction will be built, including getting an insight into calculations for the work, without leaving the office. These designs can then be presented to clients to help them get an idea of what their building will look like and start getting a clearer picture of how they can use the space. As conditions change, managers can use VR to start modeling these adjustments avoiding costly delays or missteps. Finally, VR is being utilized as a training tool, letting employees practice and recognize safety protocols before going out to the site.

AI 

A major change in how construction sites are managing safety and training has been with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) to the field. AI uses sensors to create real-time monitoring of conditions as they change. These sensors allow for workers to avoid dangerous situations and catch problems right away. The advantages are not limited to the sensors, AI is a great resource for schedule management and pattern recognition. This information allows managers to receive better information and work with a clear picture of what is happening on site. Using this information, workers can start building plans to help create contingency plans and forecast situations, saving both time and money for companies.

3D Printing 

Construction projects can create a large amount of waste. 3D printing can help reduce the environmental impact by lowering the amount of waste produced and decreasing the demand for natural resources such as lumber. By using 3D printers, companies can build houses faster at more affordable prices. For the construction industry, this translates to more projects completed and overall higher earnings for the year. This innovation has a growing number of potential uses while opening the doors to larger ventures for companies of all sizes. As this technology becomes more common, the bigger challenge for companies will be to keep up with the possibilities offered by these advancements.

As technology continues to evolve, its application in construction seems limitless. By keeping an eye on these innovations, companies can continue to find new ways to work faster and safer, benefiting employers, employees and customers alike.