2020 is a year surrounded by the words “green” and “sustainability,” and that’s far from all. A focus on making the world safer and healthier to live in puts pressure on every industry to continue to change. Electrical construction is one of many industries facing the challenge to improve and become more creative. Let’s take a look at four trends electrical contractors and construction crews should watch out for in 2020.
1. AI Technologies Artificial intelligence (AI) systems and technology are continually advancing to increase knowledge and information around the world. AI is being used to help industries become more efficient and increase their productivity. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) provided an example of an AI system called ALICE that will work to make construction planning easier. Improved construction scheduling techniques can save time and money.
AI systems are memory-based systems designed to remember previous construction project building techniques for the next job. The NECA reports that AI technologies will be used to take images of a job site. Image recognition will be used to analyze the job site, look for unsafe worker behavior and determine whether any materials are at risk.
2. BIM Building information modeling (BIM) is already being utilized in the construction world to manage and create information from the idea stage to the end of the project. BIM can be used for electrical contractors to plan, manage and construct a building they’re working in. The BIM technology provides efficiency through well-managed information.
While many designers and architects have begun using BIM technology, all construction professionals are likely to be using it over time to plan and manage every project efficiently. BIM is still advancing to work throughout more industries, and it’s becoming compatible with more AR and VR technologies.
3. 3D Printing Advancements The use of 3D printing has been in the construction industry for a few years now. Prefabrication is a huge part of the construction realm, making projects safer and more efficient. 3D printing provides a way to plan and prefabricate directly on-site or off-site. These types of printers are already producing large-scale projects within hours. The advancements for 3D printers include the use of materials that incorporate environmental sustainability.
3D printing already reduces waste and doesn’t restrict construction workers’ shifts. Reducing costs and job site accidents while increasing the speed of project turnover are other reasons 3D printers have begun seeing use in the construction process. 3D printers will continue to advance too, providing safer alternatives when it comes to planning and building on a job site.
4. AR and VR Technologies Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are more pieces of tech that electrical contractors will begin incorporating into their design process. These types of technology provide a basis for builders and designers to plan projects more thoroughly. AR and VR technologies can be used to improve the BIM visualization process. They can even provide records of the building to allow clients to see the various design options before construction begins.
3D laser scanning is one piece of technology being used by contractors to scan a renovation jobsite and find any electrical hazards or foundation issues within a current structure. AR and VR technologies can greatly improve the planning process before construction to save time and money while providing safer working conditions.
Maddox has become an electrical industry leader by keeping up with the industry trends. If you’d like to learn about the innovative and creative techniques Maddox Electric Company uses, contact us for more information.