Technology is Transforming the Construction Industry: How drones offer builders a relatively affordable, competitive edge
New technologies like robots, drones, and 3-D printers are slowly disrupting the construction industry. While many of these types of tools are beyond the scope and affordability for small-to-medium-sized businesses, drones may be an exception. Gaining popularity a couple of years ago, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are proving to be a relatively affordable device that can increase efficiency and decrease builders’ overall costs. After learning a little more about their functionality in the field, we can see why Goldman Sachs predicts that following the military, and construction industry will be the largest professional market for drones.
Drones’ aerial data can be used in impressive ways. The two benefits we think offer small-to-medium sized construction companies a clear advantage is the ease and sophistication of surveying a job site and the ways it can improve project management.
Surveying a Job Site during Pre-construction
Most construction projects require site surveys for bidding, project planning, and approval. The capability to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and reliably measure global coordinates, such as Ground Control Points (GCPs) , means that the high definition images and video drones produce can also provide precise aerial mapping. This visual data is easily accessible with cloud technology and may be helpful in communicating the project dimensions and scope to the homeowner or any stakeholder, as well. Some drones also provide tools to determine volume, area, and distance .
These technological advances give business owners two advantages over traditional methodologies. First, they generate a more sophisticated and thorough site survey. Second, they do so in much less time and with much less effort, thus freeing up valuable time and money that can be put to other endeavors. We think this level of efficiency can improve overall productivity by helping businesses expedite their estimate process and enable them to potentially serve more clients.
Project Management during Construction
For a multitude of reasons, finishing projects on time can be challenging for construction companies. While weather and other extenuating situations are outside of a manager’s control, superintending multiple projects at different locations can still be difficult to execute well. Drone surveillance can keep an eye on equipment as well as the crew. A drone’s ability to monitor a job site in real-time provides valuable information that can allow teams to quickly assess and deal with issues that might impede a project from finishing on time and within budget.
The visual information drones give can be valuable to the homeowner during the construction phase as well. Providing homeowners with access to the aerial data collected can help businesses effectively communicate progress and any unexpected problems. If construction is taking place while a homeowner does not reside on or near the job site, providing this data can improve trust and goodwill by maintaining transparency and keeping the homeowner or stakeholder(s) informed of your progress.
In general, the construction industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, however, with so many features that easily tie into the needs of the industry and their relatively low cost, drones are an exception. We think many of the builders in small to medium-sized businesses would find this technology beneficial.
If you are considering adding drones to your arsenal of tools and equipment, Thompson Tractor Company recommends evaluating the following features:
Camera (Image) Quality- the higher the resolution the better. Proper features and software functionality can depend on the drone’s resolution.
Portability- how you plan to use your drone will determine how important this feature is. Be mindful of the drone’s weight and size if you plan to carry your drone to multiple locations.
Durability and Stability- construction sites are dirty and contend with many different environmental conditions. Make sure your drone won’t lose any functionality or disassemble (beyond normal wear and tear) from being exposed to your site conditions, like weather (wind, rain, etc.) and being handled on-site by your crew.
Ease of Use- before your purchase, do your research to find out if the drone will require any peripheral equipment, including batteries, or if it will be ready-to-use.
Post- Construction
When you’re finished with your project, you can take advantage of the various vantage points drones provide and capture your work from many angles.
Resources:
The Disruptors: The house the robots built
Drone Technology in the Construction Industry
Construction Industry Trends 2020
6 Ways Drones Are Affecting the Construction Industry