MARCH - MAY, 2020CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM8By Gary Helminski, Executive Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield Five years ago, we kicked off one of the most significant private-sector, mixed-use developments in the Washington, DC area. For such a massive undertaking, our goal was to develop a new technology roadmap. In pursuit of a "better way," we began utilizing smart design and manufacturing, new materials, data democratization, smart infrastructure underpinned by artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, sophisticated building, and offsite construction.Organizations have experimented with some of these technologies, but to achieve widespread adoption, it requires a commitment to collaborative innovation. Unfortunately, the construction industry's adoption of new technologies has lagged behind other industries.According to McKinsey, the construction industry is one of the least digitized sectors in the world. They estimate there's an opportunity to add as much as $1.6 trillion to the sector's value, or about 2 percent of the global economy. With that much money being left on the table, saying there's room for disruption in the construction industry is an understatement.Today, the construction industry is being confronted by significant labor shortages and high material costs. The need to identify meaningful solutions that will lead to growth and innovation is more vital than ever. It is essential that contractors, architects, and designers invest in understanding how technologies like BIM modeling, IoT applications, productivity software, robots, and 3D printing can transform job sites and impact businesses in the near- and long-term.The nature of building projects is inherently uncertain, and emerging technology is the future of design and construction. Being open to a better way to build is how the structure will survive and flourish. This means gathering knowledge from industry veterans while infusing modern processes and tools.Some of the elements we have employed directly on our projects and continue to foresee -Tech supports workers. Despite advances in technology, our plans continue to be built by humans. In 2020, the story will not be CONSTRUCTION DISRUPTION THROUGH EMERGING TECHNOLOGIESIN MYOPINION
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