Data and technology are unlocking new, improved and safer ways for the construction industry to operate and, with the momentum of digital adoption growing, sites in 2050 may excel beyond our wildest dreams. Declan Byrne, technical sales specialist at Topcon Positioning Ireland, discusses how construction technology is transforming workflows to make this dream a reality.

A huge problem for construction sites is that they are high-traffic, ever-evolving environments with many potential hazards. Research from the Health and Safety Authority reported 12 construction deaths in Ireland in 2019 – an increase of 140% on the previous year. Because of this worrying trend, the biggest change for construction between now and 2050 will be a focus on improving site safety.

Automation and intelligent machine control are already available to improve safety, removing people from the hazards of sites and increasing productivity by streamlining workflows.

Although we may not remove whole teams from site, there are also AR technologies, like Topcon’s MAGNET Vision glasses, that allow us to vastly improve situational awareness by keeping eyes up and hands free when using certain equipment. The aspiration being that this will be able to reduce the injury and fatality figures in Ireland that urgently need addressing.

Machine control benefits

Machine control technology, like Topcon’s new Automatic Excavator (X-53x), allows operators to check designs instantly and makes complex excavation easy. Saving time and money, it upskills the workforce, and provides accurate and quick results – enabling businesses to hit sustainability targets.

Technology that accurately measures and uses the necessary amount of material needed for a task will also become popular on sites as sustainability targets become more pressing. It’s also likely that materials themselves will be technologically advanced in 2050, with self-healing concrete and asphalt already making waves in the industry.

A connected future

Data collection is critical to ensure accurate plans, which in turn ensure accurate works. However, it’s impossible for everyone to understand and stick to designs if data isn’t shared, updated and recirculated regularly.

Technologies like Topcon’s SiteLink and MAGNET Enterprise enable all members of the project – whether that be project managers, machine operatives or site engineers – to work from the same data and plans that are updated instantly. Innovations like these ensure accuracy at every stage and, with the government planning on investing heavily in infrastructure as part of Project 2040 are becoming vitally important.

The adoption of digital technology has more backing from the government than ever before, and every blue-chip now has someone at the helm of ‘Digital Transformation’ to drive the business into the next industrial revolution. To those who are still considering the worthiness of these technologies on their projects, my advice would be that you make sure you don’t get left behind.

For more information about Topcon’s technology, visit: www.topconpositioning.com/ie.