Published on April 18th, 2019 | by Sunit Nandi

IoT Technology and the Future of the Construction Zone

Technology. It could be exciting, at the same time overwhelming. With the rise of different technological innovations, such as IoT, smart traffic signs, machine learning, and many more. We’re even at the point that if we’ll describe what exactly is happening at the moment, a lot of industries, especially the construction industry is on the verge of revolutionary changes.

IoT: What It Really Is

Before anything else, it’s important to discuss what exactly is the Internet of Things and what can we expect from it. Basically, IoT technology is an ecosystem of connected people and objects that are capable of collecting data and transferring them over the Internet.’

Furthermore, just like its name, it’s the Internet that meets things, where physical objects and reality connect to a single network and over the internet.

It’s also worth noting that the purposes related to the Internet may vary– as well as the things we encounter on our day-to-day lives- this can be various tools, hard hats, goods, machine, buildings, appliances, and many more.

If it’s going to be described based on a concept that the construction industry promotes, IoT technology entails that physical devices can use the Internet to transfer information regarding their position, condition, and other essential attributes.

Sensors can be strategically placed on objects, and this is considered to be one of the most common forms of IoT technology, and it’s capable of tracking various features, such as light, motion, temperature, air pressure, water flow, or even the size of the object.

With the help of IoT, items could efficiently transmit and deliver data that can be analyzed and acted right away.

This brings us to the next question. How come a lot of industry professionals are still skeptical with adopting new technology to ensure that they stay ahead of the competition?

Experts believe the reason behind this choice has something to do with scale, overall cost, and it could also be the absence of existing use-cases. Then, there are those who believe that a significant shift is necessary for the construction industry to enjoy what it has to offer fully.

No matter what your opinion may be, one this is for sure, technology is definitely changing how the construction industry works and progress.

The Science Behind IoT

Just like the Internet, IoT technology also has an IP address and sensors. These are used to provide instructions to machines and devices without any human intervention.

The Benefits the Construction Industry Can Enjoy

Just like what has been mentioned earlier, some benefits can be enjoyed with the use of IoT technology, and we’re going to discuss some of those.

Perhaps, one of the most relevant ones would be worker safety. The primary use of wearables in the construction industry is that they send signals to the office whenever an equipment usage is exceeded or when the alert malfunctions.

Aside from that, IoT technology can also be helpful in finding tools right away. Wherein in some areas, Bluetooth tags are strategically placed on assets, and it lets the crew find the exact location of the tools and equipment. Even remote repairs aren’t issues anymore.

Now, a material can be fixed in a remote place through the Internet, and this reduces the need to travel.

Predictive Maintenance

Equipment that has sensors are capable of generating essential data regarding elements of a construction project.

This includes light, temperature, weight capacity, and chemicals present. Such information is useful in terms of decision making, especially during predictive maintenance. That’s why it’s highly advised to integrate IoT technology in various equipment and machinery as much as possible.

This would allow operators to conduct maintenance right when issues arise efficiently.

Final Words

Clearly, the Internet of Things, together with sensor-based technology can be utilized to create considerable advantages in the construction industry and other sectors. It could improve safety, reduce overall project cost, perform predictive maintenance, and best of all, ensure that everything is happening the way it should be.

IoT technology collects vast amounts of data, and it could offer various kinds of analysis, such as descriptive, and it could also help in terms of relaying the current conditions of a particular piece of equipment and environment. If adequately utilized delays and errors can be avoided entirely in the workplace.

Tags: construction, future, iot, technology, zone

About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.