An annual survey asks construction professionals about their perception of innovations and new technologies in the sector

3D imaging technologies, software for the dematerialization of workstations or site equipment, innovations related to the construction sector are part of the daily life of sites. But to what degree? Does the Covid crisis play a role in accelerating innovation? How do construction professionals see these innovations? Do they feel prepared to integrate them?

Specialized in temporary and permanent recruitments in the building and public works trades, the firm Fed Construction dedicates its annual employment survey to innovation.

140 professionals in the field of project management and construction entrusted their views to Fed Construction between January and March 2021. They discuss both their knowledge of new technologies related to the sector and their views on their current and future use. The majority of them (84%) consider that the construction sector is innovative.

On the occasion of this study, we also learn that construction professionals are rather serene about the future of the sector: nearly one in two respondents (42%) believes that the sector will rebound following the COVID-19 and will remain in a positive dynamic.

67% of respondents work remotely

At the center of the news since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, teleworking and the dematerialization of workstations are cited by a majority of respondents when asked about the use of these innovations.

67% say they practice the home office (when their position allows it) and / or have a mobile workstation available everywhere
45% use technologies related to the automation and dematerialization of administrative procedures
on construction sites, 41% say they regularly use BIM technologies

Among the innovations, construction professionals identify imaging and graphic visualization tools, as well as technologies related to dematerialization and mobility of workstations and administrative procedures.

Against all expectations, robotization and artificial intelligence technologies, which are talked about a lot in the news, are only mentioned at 17%.

The crisis accelerates innovations

Almost 2/3 of respondents (59%) believe that the crisis will accelerate the development of new technologies or democratize certain innovations already present in the daily life of construction sites.

As for the innovations that they see democratizing within 5 years, the responses are rather homogeneous and all innovations are concerned. However, innovations related to teleworking and the dematerialization of workstations are in the lead (65%).

Interestingly, intelligent and / or connected site equipment used on a daily basis by only 14% of respondents, is doomed to develop for more than half of respondents (54%).

These very diverse innovations, such as exoskeletons or connected helmets, represent for them the types of technologies that will standardize the most compared to today. Just like artificial intelligence technologies, cited at 23%.

Professionals at ease in the face of future innovations

What professionals expect from these innovations is above all the improvement of working conditions on construction sites, the reduction in the arduousness of workers' tasks and then better project design.

The arrival of new technologies or the democratization of innovations already existing in the sector are seen as an opportunity.

Almost two-thirds (63%) feel ready to develop professionally in their profession thanks to these innovations
22% remain mixed when they wonder about the impact of these innovations on their work