The world of technology never changes and this underpins every advancement and improvement that we enjoy in modern life.
Banking and shopping in the palm of your hand with a smartphone, electric cars revolutionising transport and protecting the environment.
Another area that has changed a lot as we have moved through the third industrial revolution is the construction industry.
Here we will look at what exactly defines the third industrial revolution and how it has changed things.
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What is the third industrial revolution?
Also known as the digital revolution, this era of advancement is generally said to have started in the late 20th century as computing became more prevalent in our lives.
Digital electronic devices becoming key in everyday life and business is the cornerstone of this era – moving on from the second industrial revolution which is characterised by mass-production assembly lines and things scaling up from the initial industrial revolution of late 1700s Britain.
A fourth industrial revolution is already well under way – underpinned by a rise in computer intelligence. We’ll also look at how this could change the construction industry in the future later on.
How has the construction industry changed in the third industrial revolution?
As the world has gone digital, it may be tempting to think that such a manual and physical profession such as construction may not have been affected.
But that could not be further from the truth, and here are some ways in which it has been completely altered.
- Computer-aided design: Plans are no longer sketched and painstakingly drawn by hand, instead they are produced with accuracy to the millimetre by computer programs, which can also be used to build models of structures ahead of construction.
- Prefabrication: Combined with accurate planning, the creation of building materials is now made much cheaper. Many modern buildings are simply slotted together almost like giant versions of children’s toys.
- Improved tools and materials: Digital advancements have helped create smart tools and cordless technology has sped up workflows. Even smaller components such as drill bits are improved by the advancements in their design phase,
- Building Information Management (BIM): The lifecycle of construction projects can now be managed in these cloud-based and digitised platforms – offering all workers and stakeholders the same information about a build’s journey.
What are the future advancements in the construction industry?
As we’ve previously established, technology does not stand still in any sector.
All three of these fields have already begun to infiltrate the construction industry but could be set to become even more widespread and mainstream as the fourth industrial revolution now continues at pace.
- Augmented reality: This could revolutionise how building management works, putting any relevant stakeholders in the middle of the site – from wherever they are in the world! The safety benefits of people being able to visit the site in a non-physical way are also clear.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): Using algorithms and computer science in the design phase can further speed up how fast a building goes from idea to inception to creation.
- Robotics: With human input, robotics can turn already slick modern workflows into rapid builds. This could prove especially useful in areas where natural disasters or conflicts result in areas being destroyed.
Where do you see the construction industry making advancements in the future? Leave your thoughts in the comments section!
