9 Construction Technology Trends in 2022

Augmented Reality

AR is a digital layer of information that enhances a view of the real world. By using a mobile device with AR capabilities, construction professionals can look at a job site with additional information laid directly on top of the picture.

Construction Exoskeletons

Exoskeletons are powered by electricity and others simply redistribute weight throughout the body, but all of them have advantages for workers performing tough jobs.

Construction Robots

Construction robots are still a ways off from completely taking over the industry, but several designs and proposals are on the table as the industry considers ways to deal with a labor shortage and the need for social distancing.

Drones

Drones have already made an impressive contribution to construction, and their influence is set to grow in the coming year. Small, camera-mounted flying drones can reduce the costs of processes that used to be extraordinarily expensive.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of technology to make decisions independent of human input, while machine learning is the ability of technology to “learn” from past experiences and big data analysis. Both of these technologies have massive implications for construction, where efficient and intelligent decision-making has notable effects on productivity and safety.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is an alternative building method in which structures are constructed off-site, delivered in pieces, and then assembled by cranes. Because construction of the building happens at the same time the site is prepared, modular construction can be up to twice as fast as traditional projects.

3D Printing

3D printing involves layer-by-layer creations using machines.

Like traditional printers, 3D printers take a digital design and render it in the physical world. Unlike traditional printers, however, 3D printers are not limited to a flat document, but can instead use a variety of materials to create objects or even entire structures.

Building Information Modeling

Building information modeling (BIM) is the process of creating a digital representation of a structure (a “model”) before building it. An accurate representation of the building enables everyone involved in the construction to anticipate difficulties, eliminate risk, determine logistics and increase efficiency.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology, first used for the online cryptocurrency Bitcoin, is a way of recording information that has broad applications for construction project management. Though difficult to understand at first, the importance of blockchain is that it is an intuitive way to increase project efficiency.