Edge and super computing
Computing is going to get faster! Currently most processing takes place in the cloud, which is run by one server. But with Edge Computing, multiple computers handle the processing allowing them to deal with vast amounts of data without reducing connection speeds. This will be invaluable to those industries like construction, where users are collecting, storing and accessing many types of data from various sources.
Japan is currently building the world’s biggest supercomputer, which will be able to carry out 130 million billion calculations a second, making it one million times faster than your average computer. Its developers hope it will be used to advance artificial intelligence technologies, such as "deep learning” for government and commercial users, so the ideas it generates could benefit to the construction industry in the near future.
Exoskeletons and robotics
Wearable exoskeletons aim to reduce some of the stresses manual labour places on the body; by transforming and supporting a worker’s movements, to improve biomechanics and efficiency. They are powered by electricity or human motion and can be as large as a space suit or as small as a glove. Currently, tests are being undertaken to explore how exoskeletons could be successfully adopted in construction and other industries where they face similar issues. Ford
is trialling the EksoVest, which is an upper-body exoskeleton designed to help workers lift heavy objects and perform overhead tasks. It elevates and supports a worker’s arms and can provide lift assistance for up to 15 pounds on each side
. However, the use of exoskeletons can create their own hazards such as an inability to move out of the way of falling objects or injuries from long term wear. In 2015, the EU undertook a study to develop safety standards for their use in manual handling activities but further research and trials are needed to develop appropriate standards, before we will see their widespread use on construction sites.
Robots are already appearing on site, carrying out jobs such as demolition and bricklaying. This year we will continue to see new robots being developed to carry out those tasks which are repetitive, labour intensive and high risk. Advanced Construction Robotics Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company has created a rebar-tying robot called "Tybot";
Honda recently unveiled the 3E-D18
, which is an autonomous off road device that can drive round a site on its own and climb obstacles to reach hard to access spaces and MIT’s Media Lab has created an autonomous 33ft robot arm, comprising a large powerful pneumatic bicep, and a smaller, more agile electric forearm that recently built a 50-foot diameter, 12-foot-high domed structure in 14 hours; all by itself.
However, it is unlikely that in the next 12 months we will see an influx of robots on site, as we still need to fully understand how robots need to be deployed to achieve the optimum results; what infrastructure is required to support them and how we mitigate against any risks.
In 2017, the Wannacry ransomware attack caused chaos in the NHS but it is not just viruses that we need to be aware of. Hacking and data breaches can have serious implications when personal or secure information are accessed and find their way onto the dark web. Currently, the user name/password process can be hacked in less than 20 min and many sensors have no security because RFPs don’t request it and companies won’t give it for free. Security experts are also predicting that we will see the first drone hack in 2018, where a third party will be able to take over a drone’s operation. Although construction companies might not have sensitive health and financial data, they do have lots of client based business critical data such as building plans, product information, energy usage etc. that could be used for negative purposes and we need to make certain that we maintain the optimum levels of security to protect this information. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Experts believe that in 2018 AI will help companies to detect and protect against new sophisticated threats; increasing detection rates and decreasing false alarms
Are we heading for a digital overload?
2017 saw the first challenges to the unchecked growth of digital technology. TfL banned Uber in Greater London and there was protests and legislation aimed at curbing the impact of Airbnb on property availability and rents. 2018 could see more of the same. Apple
was recently asked by two of its major investors CalSTRS and Jana Partners to look at reducing children’s addiction to their devices
and people are starting to talk about digital overload. In response, some venture capitalists are now looking at funding offline businesses which foster greater community connectivity. Hayley Barna of First Round Capital, speaking to Fast Company Magazine stated “It’s pretty clear that people are dealing with the effects of digital overload. Too much screen time, and we’re feeling disconnected because of it. We’re thinking of businesses that counteract that … such as co-working spaces
”. Construction companies need to be aware of the changing perceptions of digital and make certain that any technology used on schemes has a positive impact on the end user and surrounding community.