Construction has been historically slow to embrace new technology. With so many other priorities, the industry hasn't viewed digital transformation as a necessity. Today, however, perceptions are changing. Technology is being valued as one way to get a jumpstart on the competition. Companies unwilling to embrace innovation may fall far behind as their peers find ways to get more work done faster — and better.

In the 2020 State of Construction Tech report, commercial real estate services firm JLL reports that the construction industry has adopted more technology in nine months of the Covid-19 pandemic than what normally would’ve taken three years or longer. These changes are a result not only of the pandemic, but also current labor shortages and the need to appeal to new generations of workers. The construction industry is finally beginning to embrace more innovation in the office and the field.

As construction companies warm up to innovation, some technologies are catching on fast to maintain project timelines and budgets, while keeping workers safe and productive. Here are four construction technology trends set to disrupt the industry over the next few years.

1. Drone Deployment

Drones are starting to be used on jobsites to complete all kinds of tasks, including: 

• Executing site surveys
• Monitoring project progress
• Creating more accurate bids
• Analyzing working conditions
• Conducting remote inspections
• Mapping out and designing projects
• Capturing photography for marketing
• Tracking equipment and other assets
• Supporting visual immersion for clients 

No matter how they’re being used, drones are deployed because they help construction companies capture real-time information to get work done faster, safer, and more precisely. Think about site surveys, for example: how much time and money could you save by using a drone to analyze the site and gather measurements instead of sending individuals to walk around and manually measure everything?

2. Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality

Immersive technology like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality can enhance decision-making. It’s already being used in offices and on jobsites to boost collaboration and improve project delivery by: 

• Enabling teams to analyze project details before construction even begins
• Allowing workers to “test” physical structures to detect faults before assembly
• Putting teams from any location onsite to virtually explore layouts and designs
• Overlaying digital models on a site to see how components will appear in real life
• Connecting field workers to information and training whenever they need assistance
• Comparing project progress to building plans to make sure work is being completed correctly 

As it increases in popularity, this market is expected to see a 46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2020 and 2025, with construction seeing strong growth as the technology matures.

3. Automation and Robotics

They may not be seen on jobsites as often as drones or virtual reality, but robots are expected to disrupt the way construction work is done. In the right environments, many tasks already managed by robots in manufacturing may also translate to construction.

Repetitive or potentially dangerous tasks, like welding, lifting, and placing heavy equipment, or inspecting unstable structures can be automated through the use of robotics, so laborers can focus on safer, more strategic work. For example, in San Francisco, one company is using a robot to complete drywalling work. The robot applies tape, sprays mud, and sands to the appropriate finish on walls. Brick-laying robots and autonomous construction vehicles are other examples of robotics and automation being utilized in construction.

4. Internet of Things and Advanced Analytics

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects people and devices to the internet to monitor activities, and can also help construction machinery, equipment, materials, and structures connect to a central platform to collect and report data for strategic decision-making.

When combined with sensors, IoT devices on jobsites can report on everything from temperature and pressure conditions to equipment malfunction. This real-time feedback helps prevent injury and addresses potential problems before they cause damage or lead to downtime.

IoT in construction can be used to: 

• Optimize equipment maintenance schedules
• Improve safety by alerting workers to potential dangers
• Detect workforce patterns (e.g., certain times of the day when productivity slows and laborers may need a break)
• Allocate resources to reduce wasted time 

IoT is well on its way to becoming more useful in construction: global IoT in construction revenue has been forecast to reach $9.6 billion by 2025.

If your construction company wants to lead the industry, support remote work, ensure a solid pipeline of projects, and keep clients happy, then train your eyes on these four technology trends. They can help you get work done efficiently — and outshine the competition.

Find out how Wintrust’s Construction, Engineering, and Architecture group can help your business do more.