Overview of tech trends in the construction sector

3D: from design to printing, from CAD to BIM

For many years, the 3D ecosystem has driven technological advances in construction, from the end of the 1980s, with BIM, a French creation, to today with 3D printing of concrete or steel. From modeling to construction, the sector has been able to integrate these innovations little by little. According to a study by PlanRadar[1], while around the world, 40% of players were already investing in BIM over the last three years, 66% will be strengthening this position by 2026 (77% in France).

As for 3D printing, in just a few years it has become a major subject in the ecosystem. For example, the largest 3D printed building in the world was inaugurated in March 2024 in Germany[2]. More than 600 m² were printed in 6 days. Despite numerous announcements on the subject, PlanRadar notes that only 29% of professionals wish to invest in 3D printing over the next three years. However, this figure has doubled, with only 15% devoting resources to it over the last three years.

BIM thus seems to dominate investments linked to 3D technologies. But 3D printing is making waves and is of interest to more and more construction companies, just like other technologies which are gradually making their way onto construction sites and into real estate.

Robots and virtual reality

Nearly a quarter of construction companies say they are ready to invest in virtual reality (26%), in France they are more than double (55%). Only 22% of them devoted resources to it over the last three years. This includes simplifying validation operations but also carrying out remote visits. The objective is to immerse the client or buyer as close as possible to the construction site or the property. Another use case: training. Virtual reality makes it possible to train employees for all types of situations, from earthworks to security.

From demolition arms to mason or painter robots, including drones or exoskeletons, robotics has appeared in construction in recent years. While over the last three years, only 13% of companies want to invest in robotics, 25% want to develop it in the next three and even 38% in France. Whether to relieve humans, for example with a multi-piercer robot like that of Bouygues which had carried out more than 10.000 piercings in 2009, or to strengthen it and prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in particular with exoskeletons, it would seem that professionals are increasingly inclined to invest in these technologies.

The PlanRadar study also reveals the reluctance on the part of certain professionals who do not wish to invest in these technologies. For France, 28% of those who are reluctant do not want to take the risk of an ROI that is too low, or even non-existent. Secondly, too expensive an implementation also seems to limit these investments (21%). Finally, French companies also express a lack of training and digital profiles to promote their new technologies internally (18%).

The PlanRadar teams are convinced that all these technological advances will improve the efficiency and profitability of companies as well as the well-being of employees. Although companies' concerns are rooted in their decisions, reality seems to contradict these preconceived ideas. If we take the use of software, 95% of respondents consider that it has led to a reduction in the costs of their projects. Furthermore, the simplicity of these technological tools no longer needs to be demonstrated, especially when it comes to digital tools.

Ultimately, one of the main areas in which companies plan to significantly increase their investments is construction project management software (77%). This is the most important trend in the sector, the one which structures it and which will make it evolve in the years to come, because without digital software architecture, innovations will be less easy to implement, monitor and control.

[1] PlanRadar survey of professionals in the sector (1.355 professionals in the construction and real estate sector in 19 countries, August 2023).

[2] The largest 3D printed building in Europe - 3Dnatives

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.