ADOPTION OF TECHNOLOGY

Based on the survey findings, the key business case for robotics is worker health and safety, followed by schedule efficiency and productivity. This is aligned with the manufacturing sector, where automotive companies have already invested in such tools as exoskeletons to improve workplace and worker safety.

Blockchain And Smart Contracts

Almost six in 10 companies surveyed plan to introduce, or are in discussions to implement, smart contracts built on blockchain technology, finds the research.

Bim And Digital Twins

Building Information Modelling (BIM) uses 3D modelling to digitally render construction designs and analyze construction phases and site logistics, increasing both efficiency and productivity by providing a central repository for project data, providing critical project data spanning design criteria, materials, construction, cost, and warranty and operation documentation.

About a third (34 per cent) of respondents to the 2023 KPMG Construction Industry Digital Maturity survey say they are experienced “to a great or considerable extent” with BIM and digital twin technologies and the application of these two technologies in project delivery, while 28 per cent are experienced to a “moderate extent.”

Robotics And Automation

When asked the extent to which the surveyed companies are using robotics, such as drones, exoskeletons and collaborative robotics, nearly a third (32 per cent) say to a “great or considerable extent,” and a quarter (25 per cent) to “a moderate extent.” Sixteen per cent are using them “a little” and 28 per cent aren’t using robotics at all.

While the survey shows an increasing focus on robotics and automation, the survey authors believe this focus is primarily on investing in lower-cost technology, like drones. Expected payback times are getting shorter though, with most respondents (63 per cent) stating an expected payback time of less than three years for their technological investments, which is a shorter timeframe than when companies were surveyed three years ago.

The objective is to improve transparency, accountability, and traceability. It’s a single source of truth covering all aspects of a construction project, and as such, can also deter fraud by eliminating suspicious and duplicate transactions. Information on purchased materials can be visible on the blockchain, including production and quality certificates.

Internet Of Things Sensors

Canadian construction companies have various reasons for investing in wearables and Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, including to improve productivity, planning, estimating, sustainability and/or health and safety.

The survey finds that only 56 per cent have invested to a “great or considerable extent” (34 per cent) and to “a moderate extent” (22 per cent). Twenty per cent have invested “a little” and a quarter have not invested at all.

IoT sensors can cover a broad array of