Industry 4.0 technologies offer opportunities across industries to address safety concerns and simplify manual tasks that impact productivity. The construction industry is no exception.
Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is transforming the way construction projects are designed and managed. Industry 4.0 technologies such as AI, cloud computing, intelligent automation, IoT, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) help reduce costs and improve efficiency from design to project completion. . This trend is called Construction 4.0.
Sellen Construction, a Seattle construction management and renovation services company, uses AI and VR to determine if plans and execution match before it’s too late.
David de Yarza, Virtual Design and Construction Manager at Sellen Construction, said:
This practice gives his team a clear understanding of complex construction sequences, improving safety and reducing risk.
“What is hard to understand in drawings becomes clearer in 3D models and unmistakable in VR,” says Yarza.
Advanced technology enables designers to access real-time data to make decisions, explore alternatives quickly, and improve design accuracy. Other Construction 4.0 benefits include better project management and cross-team collaboration.
Construction 4.0 means better collaboration and project management
3D printing (often a form of generative AI) and VR tools are also changing the design and management of construction projects. 3D printing makes it quick and easy to create complex structures. VR allows designers to see designs and construction sites before projects are built.
In particular, Construction 4.0 enables collaboration between designers, contractors and other stakeholders.
Chris Alexakis, co-founder of online cabinet retailer Cabinet Select, said: “This increases efficiency, improves decision-making, and makes the entire construction process more streamlined.”
More specifically, several construction projects that Alexakis worked on used AI-based software for cost estimation and project management. Other processes are automated, such as project progress tracking, resource utilization, and scheduling.
Similar companies agree that Construction 4.0 will impact how projects are designed and managed.
Jason Farr, interior designer and founder of Aviara Pavers, a design and outdoor living specialist company, said: “From using artificial intelligence for more accurate estimates and cost analysis to automating processes for faster project completion, Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing the construction industry.”
Other Benefits of Construction 4.0
In addition to optimizing construction schedules and reducing waste, site safety is improved. For example, AI-powered drones can survey construction sites and quickly identify potential safety hazards.
Robotic technology is increasing construction efficiency as it enables construction professionals to automate repetitive tasks.
Iu Ayala, CEO of UK-based technology consulting firm Gradient Insight, said:
Home renovation company Bilt Renovation has developed a personal project hub that uses AI technology to track clients’ home renovation projects in an online dashboard. Dashboards provide complete transparency into project progress, financials, and other metrics. This approach proved useful during the COVID-19 pandemic when clients were unable to visit the site directly to check project progress.
The company’s software uses an app called Procore to collect and manage data and Matterport to create a digital twin. Bilt Renovation and its clients can then view a 3D diary of building demolition and reconstruction. Digital twins help identify hidden components such as wires, pipes and studs.
Bilt Renovation co-founder Owen Drury said: “Procore runs the backend for all projects, including submissions, RFIs. [requests for information], financial management, contract management, site diary. It also provides us with all the project data to closely monitor the progress of the project. ”
Procore collects all project data and leadership reviews it. This process captures valuable insights and learnings for optimal performance on future projects. In summary, Built’s Industry 4.0 benefits include:
- Visibility and collaboration.
- Data-driven decision making.
- Improved efficiency.
- Improve customer insight into response times, design preferences, and recurring problems.
- First mover advantage.
- Strengthening risk management.
