Will Technology Replace the Workforce in the Construction Industry?

Advancements in new construction technology have always boosted the construction industry, so companies today should welcome new technology with open arms. With the help of technology, you can build stronger, taller, and more energy-efficient structures.

Technology and AI can help in reducing construction time, increase productivity, tackle complex projects, and improve collaboration.

There are many benefits of technology and AI but there is another side to it too. There is a possibility that technology might replace the workforce, leading to unemployment. Let’s see what the prediction says!

Prediction: According to a World Economic Forum report, AI is predicted to replace 85 million human job functions globally in the near future, with heavier losses in warehouse and manufacturing jobs, research and data entry, and customer service. In fact, construction laborers were at the bottom for workers whose jobs would see decreasing demand.

There are various opinions revolving around this topic. Some say AI will replace the workforce, while others say it will help create jobs demanding a different role to handle and operate the technology. Here is another opinion about replacing the workforce with technology:

Making, Not Taking Jobs: Dan Maxwell is interested in the productivity, efficiency, and cost impacts of AI to clients rather than any specific job displacements that might occur. He argues that generative AI and proactive intelligent tools can provide a localized job stimulus and position the construction industry as an adoption leader as the technologies evolve.

Technology has one more major benefit. It may help create a safe work environment and provide safety to employees and workers. Here is how technology can help in keeping the environment and workers safe.

Making the Job Site Safer: One of the most essential benefits of technological advancement in the construction industry is improved employee safety. Job site monitoring from remote locations will be easier with drones and mobile devices.

The employees will be able to report hazards and emergencies immediately and the instructions on how to deal with hazards can also be reverted soon. Helmets have always been mandatory safety equipment. Now they are available with advanced wearable technology. Special lenses and helmets with augmented reality capabilities help in providing early warnings about any risks. To ensure adequate breaks for the workers, a technologically advanced wearable can be useful to track the time.

The solution can be the integration of workforce and technology. This integration in the construction industry does not necessarily mean the replacement of the workforce with technology or AI. Instead, these technologies offer to boost the potential of the human workforce, allowing for increased efficiency, productivity, and safety.

The future of construction lies not in the replacement of human workers, but in the harmonious collaboration between humans and AI.