Proptech: Introducing ConTech and its Disruption in the Construction Industry

If you've ever visited a mediaeval town, you'll note that the architecture hasn't altered much over the millennia. While the world has changed dramatically around us, several fundamental processes and resources are still extensively employed.

The building is still a time-consuming and expensive operation that relies heavily on manual labor. The construction industry still amounts to a significant chunk in real estate development.  

By definition, construction technology or ConTech, according to CII, means "the collection of innovative tools, machinery, modifications, software, etc., used during the construction phase of a project that enables advancement in field construction methods, including semi-automated and automated construction equipment."  

According to JLL’s State of Construction Tech report, the coronavirus pandemic had a big impact on accelerating tech adoption in the construction industry in 2020. Per the findings, the rate of construction tech adoption reached in one year what normally would have occurred in a three-year span. 

Today modern technologies are being developed and incorporated at a breakneck pace. What seemed like a distant future has now connected the industry with technologies that make the whole process easier and much faster with drones, robots, AI and VR, 3D printing etc. They are being deployed in India and around the world.   

 According to Hindustan tech these technologies are enabling the industry and making way for enhanced digitalization. Let's touchpoint on technologies that are changing the face of the construction industry forever.  

Technologies Impacting and Improving the Construction Industry  

The digital landscape is ever-evolving; the question is not if they want to digitalize but how and when they incorporate these technologies to create a more significant impact. Some of these technologies making moves in the construction industry are:   

Big Data  

The digital landscape is ever-evolving; the question is not if they want to digitalize but how and when they incorporate these technologies to create a more significant impact. Some of these technologies making moves in the construction industry are:   

According to a report by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 552 projects were delayed out of the 1,634 infrastructure projects it monitors, which means one of three large projects is delayed. Moreover, 373 projects also reported cost overruns. As reported by The Statesman

To eliminate this big data can help analyze past patterns and probabilities in construction risks to work towards better precision and success. Optimal phasing of future projects can be done when analytics of weather, traffic, community, and business is known.  

Sensor data from machines on the job site can be analyzed to determine the optimal mix of purchasing and renting similar technology and how to use fuel most efficiently to reduce costs and environmental impact.

Much other information such as office blocks and various other sites can be tracked to ensure design goals are met and incorporated in other software for optimal use. 

 Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML)  

Both artificial intelligence and machine learning are fast becoming an integral part of the construction industry.

Predictive design, along with creating designs with variations as a solution, has become very common. According to UK connect, by implementing AI in construction it can save up to 30% of any business's time.  

This helps in considering the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and ensuring that the MEP system pathways do not conflict with the building architecture. It helps in better financial planning, project management, and increased productivity, and increased safety.  

Robotics & Drones  

Even though the construction industry has been slow to capitalize on tech, it has slowly but smartly taken growing strides in ConTech. More and more use of robotics is being seen in the construction industry lately.

Both robotics and drones are being used for site safety and monitoring and deliver materials to the sites cutting down unnecessary clutter at the site.

From bricklaying to masonry and demolition, effective use of technology is being done for easy and faster project delivery.  

5G and Wi-Fi6

Though 5G has been debatable in some parts of the world, it could increase productivity by 27X in not only construction but every other industry.  

With newer and more advanced construction techniques in use, faster and reliable connectivity will be the need of the hour. This is where 5G and Wi-Fi6 comes into the picture. 5G is the fifth-generation wireless tech for a cellular network with faster speed and less congestion.  

On the other hand, Wi-Fi6, the newest standard of Wi-Fi technology, also improves its predecessors. These technologies will enable effective communication, faster and comprehensive sharing of files, run resource-heavy applications with promising performance.

To top it all, it will also provide a reliable and secure network for other technologies to function.   

Building Information Modelling (BIM) 

BIM technology is an innovative 3D modeling tool that helps engineers, architects, and construction professionals plan, design, change and manage infrastructures more efficiently.

It starts with model construction and continues through management solutions, planning, and simulations throughout a project's lifecycle (plan, design, build, operation and maintenance).  

This technology not only enables better collaboration but also reviews the project evolution in real-time. Among all these benefits, it optimizes your work and the project throughout.   

Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) 

Virtual reality simulators have long been used to train engineers, pilots, and even surgeons safely. This tech could be used in training operators at construction sites who handle necessary machinery from excavation to welding and masonry work.  

On the other hand, the Augmented reality could significantly impact and better the safety at construction sites. Virtual tours, real-time design feedback, risk assessments are just some of the advantages of using AR/VR in the construction industry.  

3D Printing 

This technology has become an indispensable part of the construction industry. It creates three-dimensional products which get constructed layer by layer from the ground up.

3D printing provides prefabricated capabilities along with reducing material waste and saving time. It helps save notable labor, energy, and material costs, all while being a great sustainable alternative.    

Mobile and Cloud Technologies  

These technologies allow data sharing in real-time to all entities while the site is in the building process. It has significantly contributed to enhancing digital exposure and experience and enabling time information with greater productivity and organization.   

Blockchain  

Smart contracts and workflow management are a part of blockchain technology, making monitoring, optimization, risk mitigation and avoiding disputes easier. It helps trigger transparency and collaboration easier while other resources are timely implemented.  

Another aspect of this technology is Bitcoin for construction which could be innovative and an evolutionary addition. It could be a crucial catalyst in boosting collaboration and transparency in transactions during contract realization through pay as you deliver the model.   

Wearables and Site Sensors  

 Wearables are another monitoring based technology that plays a crucial role in making construction sites safer. It's continuously being embedded in the industry in PPE kits, including hard hats, gloves, safety boots, etc.

These wearables and site sensors are embedded with GPS trackers, Wi-Fi, and voltage detectors that sensor movement is prompting the operators about any setbacks and hazards endangering the workers.  

Smart clothing wearables monitor respiration rate, skin temperatures, heart rate while they are on the site. These would help keep a watchable eye in avoiding any mishaps and accidents.  

Conclusion

The construction industry is swiftly paving technology to become an integral part of making work faster and sites safer. The construction industry is continuously reaping the rewards of these implementations through increased productivity, better collaboration and timely completion of projects.   

For companies to stay up to date and competitive, technology implementation is crucial for innovative solutions and a sustainable way forward.