4 Construction Industry Tech Trends to Watch in 2020

4 Construction Industry Tech Trends to Watch in 2020

In manufacturing, mining, and now construction, technology is revolutionizing industry best practices. Continual advances in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and machinery will boost productivity and enhance efficiencies across the board.

We expect to see these trends both nationally and locally. As a respected Chicago construction company, we work hard to incorporate the latest advances. Our team at JATES ensures that our clients receive the best quality work possible. 

Emerging Importance of 3D Printing in Construction

Over the last few years, the 3D printer has developed into a useful tool across a variety of fields. 

Construction companies have started to recognize their utility and have found uses for them as well.

Today’s 3D printer technician has emerged as today's version of the in house machinist. We have seen a number of companies, including ours, use 3D printers to fabricate durable and useful objects much more rapidly than if we had to order the part.

Increasing Use of Construction Project Management Software

Software continues to bring improvements to the realm of project planning and management. Capabilities continually improve with each new generation of both software and devices. Software assists in schedule management, bidding, timekeeping, and more.

With 5G upgrades imminent, construction software will enjoy all of the benefits that come with it. Increased speeds and expanded capabilities will bring an exciting array of new products that can do much more to benefit the home office and job site alike. 

Though construction companies and contractors have historically proven less receptive to new technologies, many will lose their competitive advantage if they do not modernize at least to the level of the competition.

More Modular Construction Expected

Modular and prefabricated construction has well over a century of application. For the most part, prefabrication was used for residences, sheds, and other smaller structures. In the last decade, however, we have seen the increasing use of larger pre-built structures. This includes an entire bridge shipped fully assembled from China for use in California. 

The use of these products should continue to grow into the next decade.

Modular and prefabricated construction products are built fully on partially, then manufacturers ship them to the construction site. Sears and Roebuck, for example, sold premade houses from their catalogs before World War I, proving the utility of the technique. 

Today, we can order premade products of a variety of sizes and shapes. They bring added efficiency and less headaches to construction.

Expanding Use of Robotic Exoskeletons

On thousands of construction sites across the country, the science fiction of yesterday has transformed into today’s reality. 

Workers can now use exoskeletons to enhance their ability to do physically demanding work. This equipment, composed of rugged steel parts, joints and pulleys, and the most advanced electronics, can help an individual pick up heavy items and perform other tasks. 

Closely related to this development is the increased use of drones and robots. Drones can perform aerial analysis of a construction site during different phases, giving managers indications of any potential problems. Robots will replace humans in performing tasks, especially work considered more dangerous. 

Reach out today to learn more about how JATES Construction Company has earned the respect of hundreds of Chicagoland partners and stakeholders.