Traditional equipment and manual techniques have dominated construction for decades. However, many companies, vendors, and partners in the industry have recently felt compelled to innovate to keep up with fast-paced market fluctuations and evolving consumer expectations.
Modernization isn’t a trend — it’s quickly becoming a staple among high-performing companies. Those who have adopted innovative construction technology are at the forefront of industry-wide change.
Why Construction Companies Need to Innovate
Every enterprise in the industry must innovate. Business leaders may believe holding on to their well-established solutions is advantageous, but the data says otherwise.
Many companies have found that keeping up with demand is challenging amid supply chain delays and material price surges. Only 50% of business owners report their projects are completed on time, with 87% admitting their post-production return on capital and measured benefits are under greater scrutiny. Ultimately, they feel pressured to make more with less.
At the same time, many companies are dealing with labor shortages, poor productivity, and skill scarcity, which are among the top factors driving project delays. The Great Resignation — the recent period where American workers quit en masse — drove many senior professionals away from the industry.
As project timelines lengthen and operational costs rise, more decision-makers must consider actionable, practical solutions to save time and money. Technology providers could help them resolve almost all their existing pain points.
Stepping away from outdated approaches could have industry-wide implications. Companies wouldn’t just save money on materials and meet deadlines more consistently, but they’d improve safety as well, all but eliminating budget line items like insurance, legal fees, and medical intervention.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1,056 workers were fatally injured on the job in 2022 — an 11% increase year-over-year — making construction the second-highest fatal occupation compared to others. This statistic presents an overlooked opportunity for businesses to drive success while protecting workers better.
5 Technologies Currently Shaping Construction
These construction technologies are already revolutionizing the industry.
1. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality overlays computer-generated assets onto real-world environments in real time. The glasses are transparent, so workers can see what they’re doing while interactive pop-ups and models hover in their line of sight.
This technology can alert crew members about safety hazards, helping to prevent on-the-job injuries and fatalities. Developers can also program interactive or trigger-based content to appear on specific objects, near certain areas, or while operating equipment.
2. Wearable Robotics & Smart Technology
Safety will always be a priority when operating heavy machinery and working with different materials. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), about 20% of worker fatalities were in construction. Wearable technology like augmented reality safety glasses, power gloves, and smart boots and monitors and watches can enhance safety and increase protection.
Wearable robotics typically include exoskeletons and braces. These devices act as a force multiplier for crew members’ strength and durability, helping them lift more and stand longer without increasing their risk of strain or repetitive motion injuries.
3. 3D Printing
3D printing is slowly catching on because it’s faster, easier, and more affordable to deploy and utilize than an entire crew. It is approximately 10-30% cheaper to build with than conventional construction methods. Many vendors now lease commercial-grade printers for on-demand fabrication.
4. Internet of Things
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are a collection of internet-connected devices that exchange data with each other and can be controlled remotely. Sensors can accurately monitor equipment, structure condition, concrete drying time, or impending weather changes.
IoT wearables are quickly catching on because they give project managers greater visibility. They can use heart rate, body temperature, and stress level indicators to track where workers move, how long they spend on break, and whether they’re overexerting themselves.
5. Drones
Using unmanned aerial vehicles in construction has increased by almost 240%, higher than in any other commercial sector. This technology is reshaping how decision-makers map sites and inspect builds.