Using technology to improve efficiency in construction is something every developer and builder should be doing or moving toward. The construction industry has lagged behind in it’s technological landscape compared to other industries, but it’s starting to close that gap. This third article in this series will briefly showcase how augmented reality and robotics are two pieces of technology that can improve efficiency in construction.
Augmented reality is not virtual reality. It is technology that incorporates virtual elements into real surroundings. Virtual reality would be 100% created by a software program, but AR uses both VR and reality to render images. This can be helpful for prospective buyers who struggle to see a finished product on a plot of land. A quote from Buildings.com summarizes it perfectly:
“AR can analyze layouts and designs, and even predict problems before any work begins, allowing issues to be correct before ground breaks,” says Jordan Moffett, a virtual design and construction manager at McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. “During a renovation, it can be hard for people to envision new cabinets, walls or even paint colors. With augmented reality, contractors can highlight new features within a real space, allowing the vision to come to life in real time. AR can also catch any issues before any construction begins and as construction progresses.”
Even if you are working with people who have no problem envisioning the final product, AR can be used to detect design problems before construction even starts. This is huge for contractors, designers and developers. It saves time, money, resources and delays in project completion by catching potential issues before breaking ground. It’s another piece of technology that improves efficiency in construction, a piece that can give your business the edge it needs to stay one step ahead of the competition.
Robots are another piece of technology which improved efficiency in construction. Employing robotics for various tasks saves costs on labor while also addressing the labor shortage problem that plagues construction today. According to The Robot Report, there are five ways robotics is disrupting the construction industry: Construction robotics can build walls, autonomous equipment doesn’t need an operator, smart robots employ imaging technology, you can operate construction robotics remotely, and robots can conduct surveillance, surveying and inspection.
Robotics has changed many industries. From assembly lines in manufacturing to robotic dogs monitoring social distancing, it’s no surprise that the construction industry found some new uses for it. Not only can robots help address the labor shortage, as mentioned above, but they are programmed to do one thing. They don’t need breaks to go to the bathroom or eat food, they don’t get tired or distracted. They stay on task because that is what they are designed to do. Finding new uses for robots in construction will certainly streamline processes, reduce long-term costs and create sustainability for your business.
Augmented reality and robotics are both forms of technology which improve efficiency. Like many new things, the up front costs may be higher, but the long-term savings will see both pay for themselves. And once that happens, the savings is officially going into the pocket of your company, increasing profits and giving you more funds to allocate somewhere else.
Technology in construction is a big deal, it’s something all companies should be aiming for and working toward. AR and Robotics are only a part of the available tech in construction, so be sure to check out the rest of this series on how technology can improve efficiency in construction.