With a worker shortage, complex projects, tight deadlines, new regulations, and a greater need for resiliency and sustainability, the construction industry has big tasks to tackle. The only way to approach most of these hurdles is with the right technology in hand. Enter the Internet of Things.
At its core, the IoT (Internet of Things) is a collection of sensors and microcontrollers connected to a network where data can move between devices. We can connect homes, buildings, cities, fleets, and so much more. In construction, in particular, the IoT presents an interesting opportunity, as the technology can provide three big benefits: cost savings, efficiency gains, and even new revenue opportunities.
Construction companies that want to tap into the full potential of the Internet of Things must get both intentional and creative with how the technology is used.
Construction IoT Case Studies
How, then, can the IoT help in construction? There are many areas. It can connect devices both in the office and the field, providing data related to project management, asset tracking, and so much more. Today, let’s consider one specific area: site safety.
As one example, Samsung C&T is leveraging the IoT to create safer work environments at construction sites and to mitigate risk. The OHSMS (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) aims to prevent accidents and follows a system to plan, do, check, and act to make continuous improvements to the safety of construction sites.
With the help of sensors and actuators, the IoT can be leveraged in the construction industry to monitor information on sites to measure environmental conditions, monitor the health status of workers, and prevent incidents with live data. The engineering and construction group at Samsung C&T has been using IoT applications on its construction sites to enhance occupational health and safety for workers since 2017.
Some of the sensors include heart rate monitors to track workers health; gas sensors to detect risk of potential suffocation; temperature and humidity sensors to improve the process of thermal insulation and curing; air quality sensors to ensure workers are not exposed to poor air quality; and noise sensors to ensure noise pollution is managed correctly.
Certainly, this is only one example. In August, Eyrus and Insight Risk Technologies announced a alliance to combine Eyrus’ construction IoT platform with Insight Risk’s Builder’s Risk insurance and risk management services. This technology can help prevent losses before they occur by deploying loss-minimizing solutions and delivering valuable data at a project management level and corporate initiative level.
Data is gathered from video cameras, water, fire, and CO2 sensors, weather services, and worker wearables. These devices provide information about safety, work time and attendance information, and other insights that can ultimately enhance both safety and productivity in construction.
So, those are just a few examples of how it works in construction. With all this in mind, what then comes next for contractors and builders?
Growth Is Imminent
Technologies will continue to be connected in the years ahead. GMI Market Insights says the IoT in construction market was valued at $14.8 billion in 2023 and it is estimated to grow at a rate of 14.1% between 2024 and 2032. This is due to the rise of smart equipment and the need for more data-driven insights. Ultimately, the technologies will help save time, money, and open the door to more opportunities in construction.
For example, Samsung C&T introduced robots that automate high-risk tasks to prevent incidents and introduced a virtual reality safety training program to educate workers. The company suggests in the future we will see more AI and machine learning to help prevent fatal injuries. Another technology to keep an eye on is blockchain, a technology that creates immutable data logs, which can be used to ensure the data collected on construction sites via IoT and other technology is secure, untampered with, and accurate.
The future is certainly bright for technology in the construction industry. Now, builders and contractors are tasked with finding the right solutions for their companies and projects.
Do you have a product that can help the construction industry? We want to hear about it! Make sure to submit it for the 2025 Constructech Top Products award. The deadline is soon.
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