“The construction site of 2050 will be human-free. Robots will work in teams to build complex structures using dynamic new materials. Elements of the build will self-assemble. Drones flying overhead will scan the site constantly, inspecting the work and using the data collected to predict and solve problems before they arise, sending instructions to robotic cranes and diggers and automated builders with no need for human involvement. The role of the human overseer will be to remotely manage multiple projects simultaneously, accessing 3D and 4D visuals and data from the on-site machines, ensuring the build is proceeding to specification. The very few people accessing the site itself will wear robotically enhanced exoskeletons and will use neural-control technology to move and control machinery and other robots on site.”
Innovation 2050, A Digital Future for the Infrastructure Industry, Balfour Beatty
The above conclusion from this visionary report by Balfour Beatty may seem like a background setting for a Hollywood science fiction. However, this vision may not be that far-fetched considering the lightning pace of development in the fields of digital technology, artificial intelligence, telecommunications and robotics.
The report contends that the current technological advances will create a considerable opportunity for revolutionary changes in the construction industry. These changes will result in increased efficiency in an industry that has traditionally suffered from low productivity, and will provide a solution to its chronic problem of skills shortage in many parts of the world.
According to Balfour Beatty, the drivers behind these changes are the massive projects being planned to “stimulate sluggish economies, upgrade old systems and cater for growing and changing populations”. The demand for new infrastructure projects is forecast to increase significantly in the next few decades, fuelled by “changing demographics; the increasing expectations of businesses, service users and the public; and the need to reduce carbon emissions and waste”.
- Contractors and customers will become “less risk-averse”, driving more focus on innovation.
- The infrastructure industry will witness “new business models, products and services”.
- New materials which respond to environmental considerations will be used more frequently in lieu of “concrete and steel”.
- Low skill jobs will disappear and be replaced with new jobs and industries.
- Infrastructure will become “multi-functional”, not only about design and construction.
- The use of robots will become more prevalent in construction.
- The construction process will get faster with the use of 3D and 4D printing, and “self-transforming objects which self-assemble”.
- Transport will be “faster, safer and less damaging to the environment”.
- More use of wearable technology.
- “Direct neural control” over devices and vehicles.
The benefits of the anticipated changes in the industry are identified in the report to include addressing the problem of skill shortages, delivering a better service to customers, better collaboration, Improved health, safety and quality and greater profitability.
The report makes a number of recommendations which include the need for the industry to become “more agile”, proper management of cyber risk, balancing the benefits of big data being collected with privacy concerns, developing a more agile and skilled workforce, securing customers support of innovation, making digital transformation an integral part of the business, ensuring that regulatory frameworks are able to embrace new technologies and ensuring that new energy solutions are ready for the digital revolution.
The report concludes that the construction industry has not yet seen the same rate of change as other industries, but change is beginning to happen and it will be “both significant and unstoppable”. The Digital Revolution holds “a massive potential to transform both the industry and the built environment”.
Balfour Beatty believes that the industry must modernise in order to secure its own future. The report suggests that the industry must anticipate the change and adjust quickly, becoming “more innovative and less risk-averse” and being able to “balance the benefits with the risks”. You can see the full report here.
