Construction has a long history of innovation that has spurred impressive advances in the types of buildings we can produce. For example, the development of cofferdams and caissons opened the door for majestic underwater structures. Meanwhile, advancements in tower crane technology propelled construction upward, opening up the possibility for massive skyscrapers.

After a long construction boom, the year following the pandemic was difficult for the construction industry as it struggled to protect its workers and reopen job sites. The industry responded to this difficult period with an increased focus on innovation, and the coming year is likely to see further development of automation and technologies that are reshaping construction as we know it.

Below, we’ve outlined 10 of the most important technologies to watch in 2022.

1. Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a digital layer of information that enhances a view of the real world. By using a mobile device with AR capabilities, construction professionals can look at a job site with additional information laid directly on top of the picture.

For example, a construction worker could point a tablet at a wall, and the tablet could display the building plans for that wall as if they were part of the physical environment. Augmented reality has huge implications for construction because it provides additional information exactly where it’s needed.

2. Construction Wearables

Construction wearables offer numerous benefits for productivity, but they may succeed in rapid adoption especially because of their safety advantages.

Construction is one of the riskiest industries to work in, with accidents like falls and collisions with equipment accounting for hundreds of worker deaths each year. Wearable technology offers the possibility of added safety for workers, potentially preventing injuries and deaths across the industry.

3. Construction Exoskeletons

Construction exoskeletons, or exosuits, are wearable machines with motorized joints that provide extra support and power during repetitive movements like bending, lifting and grabbing.

While exoskeletons originated in rehabilitation programs, they are gaining attention as a tool to reduce injuries and increase efficiency for construction workers. Some exoskeletons are powered by electricity and others simply redistribute weight throughout the body, but all of them have advantages for workers performing tough jobs.

4. Construction Robots

Construction robots are still a ways off from completely taking over the industry, but several designs and proposals are on the table as the industry considers ways to deal with a labor shortage and the need for social distancing.

5. Drones

Drones have already made an impressive contribution to construction, and their influence is set to grow in the coming year. Small, camera-mounted flying drones can reduce the costs of processes that used to be extraordinarily expensive.

Drones also have implications for progress reports, personnel safety and building inspections. One of the ways that drones — and other types of construction technology — will continue to improve is by increased use of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability for technology to make decisions independent of human input, while machine learning is the ability for technology to “learn” from past experiences and big data analysis. Both of these technologies have massive implications for construction, where efficient and intelligent decision-making has notable effects on productivity and safety.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence will soon affect every aspect of a construction project, from planning to project closeout. Additionally, AI and machine learning are improving novel methods of building, like modular construction, which is a growing part of the construction sector.

7. Modular Construction

Modular construction is an alternative building method in which structures are constructed off-site, delivered in pieces and then assembled by cranes.

Because construction of the building happens at the same time the site is prepared, modular construction can be up to twice as fast as traditional projects.

While modular construction currently represents a small fraction of the overall industry, two-thirds of contractors believe that it will experience increased demand in the coming years. A related technology that benefits modular construction as well as traditional construction is 3D printing.

8. 3D Printing

3D printing involves layer-by-layer creations using machines. Like traditional printers, 3D printers take a digital design and render it in the physical world. Unlike traditional printers, however, 3D printers are not limited to a flat document, but can instead use a variety of materials to create objects or even entire structures.

Though 3D printing is still in its infancy for large-scale construction projects, entire houses have already been printed using this technology. Though 3D printing is likely to have a huge impact on construction in the coming years, the technology is still relatively new and untested. In the meantime, another 3D technology has emerged to increase efficiency on job sites: building information modeling.

9. Building Information Modeling

Building information modeling (BIM) is the process of creating a digital representation of a structure (a “model”) before building it. An accurate representation of the building enables everyone involved in the construction to anticipate difficulties, eliminate risk, determine logistics and increase efficiency.

Building information modeling may currently be one of the most important developments in construction because it affects and improves every aspect of the construction process. That said, an emergent technology may even further revolutionize construction with its innovative approach to information: blockchain.

10. Blockchain

Blockchain technology, first used for the online cryptocurrency Bitcoin, is a way of recording information that has broad applications for construction project management. Though difficult to understand at first, the importance of blockchain is that it is an intuitive way to increase project efficiency.

In the coming years, blockchain is likely to influence many aspects of construction management, from contracts and asset management to payment and material procurement. Blockchain is helpful for the entire length of a project, and it helps store information that is accessible even after a project is completed.

Technology is moving rapidly in the construction industry, which is currently looking for ways to innovate and improve processes. Today, technological innovations in construction affect every aspect of the industry, including project planning and safety for workers. With the right equipment and technology, the construction industry is ready for its next leap forward.