How the construction industry is utilising innovative technology to stay ahead of the competition
The top ten construction companies in the UK all have one thing in common, a desire to remain at the forefront of technology. New departments have been created in the past few years that incorporate a drive to be more innovative, experimental and data driven.
A few examples of how construction is innovating include:
Automated cones
Balfour Beatty was the first to trial automated cone laying – a task previously undertaken by people, and one that comes with a high level of associated risk.
FALCON ACLM® machines can distribute and collect cones at speed, and the machines received significant funding from The National Highways’ Innovation Designated Funds programme. Automated cone laying machines are impressive to see in action (see them in action here)
Automated cones are also being used in other major infrastructure projects by National Highways.
“We’re delighted to become the first construction company in the UK to successfully roll out these revolutionary new Automated Cone Laying Machines. This is yet another example of the investment Balfour Beatty has made to transform how we work on our roads”
Phil Clifton, Balfour Beatty Managing Director Highways
Building Information Modelling fuelled by open API infrastructure
BIM has quickly become a necessity for construction; however, Murphys Group have recognised that the key to success is having an open API infrastructure to facilitate seamless integration with the latest technologies. Open APIs enable construction to remain agile and have a flexible tech stack without being tied to legacy solutions that may be less willing to adopt a product roadmap that meets their needs.
“If I drew out my plan for five years’ time, it’s wrong, the minute I’ve printed it. That’s the pace of technology and why we have to make sure we’re open-ended with our application protocol interface (APIs). Open APIs offer an open coding background.”
Murphy Group’s Head of Digital Construction, Alex Jones
Operational Control Hubs
Operational Control Hubs enable visibility across projects that can span vast areas and cover multiple disciplines. Knowing where assets are located, enabling issues to be resolved quickly and easily – and bringing to life real-time activity from a centralised location.
The Balfour Beatty operational control hub in Herefordshire enables quicker and more seamless reporting and action to disruptive events such as floods – it means that these are dealt with quickly, efficiently by the closest team members. Discover more in this video.
“Our investment into new technologies, such as the Operational Control Hub, further demonstrates our commitment to going above and beyond for our customers to ensure that we can continue providing a best-in-class highways maintenance service for the council and local community alike”
Steve Helliwell, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Living Places
Robotics
Skanska has invested heavily into robotics by leading a research consortium into developing uses for on-site and off-site construction. The aim is for robots to carry out tasks such as drilling, cutting, and fixing. The project has been backed by the UK innovation agency. Skanska is collaborating with several key partners on this groundbreaking project.
View a video about robotics at Skanska here.
“If I drew out my plan for five years’ time, it’s wrong, the minute I’ve printed it. That’s the pace of technology and why we have to make sure we’re open-ended with our application protocol interface (APIs). Open APIs offer an open coding background.”
Murphy Group’s Head of Digital Construction, Alex Jones
About Onwave
We help our customers implement successful digital tools and technology solutions across complex construction sites at scale by powering them with the connectivity solutions required.
We have skilled and experienced Network Engineers, Software and Hardware Development teams combined the support of an operations team and account management.
We ensure that the latest technologies can be implemented by delivering connectivity solutions – these includes rapid deployment solutions, mobile connectivity, and site-wide wireless networks and satellite.
Onwave currently works with leading contractors on major infrastructure projects throughout the UK including ISG, Morgan Sindall, Murphys fuelling their technology and cloud-based solutions.
