Future of Indian AEC Industry: A Few Trends

The Indian AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) industry has been on a positive growth curve for many years. Pre-pandemic, it was poised to become the world’s third largest by 2025. The hope is that once the pandemic subsides and business as usual is resumed, projects can resume too and parity can be restored. Technology, government-led affordable housing schemes and customer demand generation will be key in driving this.

With labor shortages and social distancing norms to be upheld, the industry is looking for innovative solutions to present and existing challenges. Technology that helps navigate these challenges will play a pivotal role in recovery. It will help boost demand, generate liquidity and reduce costs at a critical time. Businesses are demanding smarter and cost-effective solutions, even as customers are calling for sustainable and eco-friendly updates. With that in mind, here are a few trends in the AEC industry to look out for in 2021.

IoT-powered workplace safety

With workplace safety in the time of corona becoming vital, leveraging IoT to deliver worker safety is a great option. Equipment, materials and machines can be fitted with IoT sensors to deliver real-time updates. This can ensure worker wellbeing and efficiency. Site accidents can also be reduced greatly if IoT-powered safety is given importance. Wearable tools can further share location tracking and even monitor vital body functions of workers. Maintaining safety and health standards for workers is a significant change in 2021 and will be increasingly in demand.

Cloud-based Building Information Modeling (BIM)

 Real-time monitoring of construction projects gives project managers and engineers an ubiquitous view into progress. No matter where team members are located, they can collaborate, communicate and co-create. Developers, architects and contractors alike are leveraging BIM for project lifecycles to avoid costly errors from the very beginning. A major barrier for successful project completion has traditionally been delays due to unforeseen circumstances, and BIM counters that by removing conflict and rework.

Modular building

Offsite construction, or modular building, helps projects complete faster, reduces safety concerns and saves costs. It’s no surprise that modular building is becoming very popular. Using pre-engineered parts for structural frameworks also ensures compatibility and reduces vendor clashes. For project managers focusing on quality control, this is the one-stop solution to a lot of common issues. Even in cases where worker shortage exists, like in the current climate due to the pandemic, modular building can circumvent it. This is especially feasible for structures with repetitive floors and plans - it minimizes wastage and grants more productivity. 

3D printing

With rising concerns about the climate and carbon footprints of projects, sustainable construction is a key priority. 3D printing is eco-friendly technology that will become a mainstay in the years to come. It is becoming increasingly affordable, and the durability and low worker requirement it offers is endearing it to builders everywhere. Long-lasting green projects will soon increase in demand, and builders that deploy 3D printing in the sourcing of their parts will achieve tremendous credit and increased demand.

AI and machine learning

 We are surrounded by the data deluge, and we just need intelligent machines to make sense of it all in the AEC industry. AI and machine learning are changing business models in every industry already. In a construction project, AI can generate better design alternatives and improve decision-making cycles. This will boost project planning, risk mitigation and cost analytics. Machine learning can also be implemented beyond the completion of projects to boost lifecycle and conduct preventive maintenance. So many industry consumption patterns can be rewired with the help of AI in the construction space.

Robotics

As AI and machine learning boost the software components, robotics will deliver advanced hardware to make physical tasks simpler. Heavy activities such as lifting, loading, unloading and moving can be outsourced to machines to reduce labor demand and human contact. Worker safety can be promoted by deploying robots in hazardous areas. Machines can also perform tasks faster, to ensure timely project delivery. Drones are another type of robots that are already helping with surveys, inspections, surveillance and more. Their impact is already being felt in many AEC activities, and we are going to see advanced robotic implementations in 2021.

Every company operating in the AEC industry in India today is dealing with a complex set of challenges that technology can help them solve. There are so many cloud-based data-driven solutions to contemporary problems and leveraging them in the smartest way can transform the infrastructure sector and the economy at large.