As technology advances in all aspects of the construction industry, there are several emerging construction automation trends for electrical engineers. Companies are looking into robotic tools, AI-driven systems for predictive maintenance, and automated building systems that can improve energy management. These new electrical automation trends in construction processes help engineers and their teams do their jobs more efficiently and effectively.
An Ever-Changing Industry
As previously reported, the construction industry has faced several challenges since the global COVID-19 pandemic. The list ranges from the increasing complexity of projects to a shortage of skilled labor and supervisory staff. These challenges have become even more difficult due to safety concerns, reduced access to needed equipment, and a lack of digital infrastructure. Companies have had to quickly get on board with their technological investments in order to remain relevant in the face of these deep, industry-wide changes.
Some of the new construction automation trends for electrical engineers that have helped the industry include the following:
- BIM and IoT advancements allow companies to create 3D models. They can also enhance project communication across all construction teams. Ultimately, BIM and IoT allow electrical engineers to coordinate efforts with other teams for faster site preparation, inspection, and completion.
- AI-powered modeling tools allow electrical engineers to develop energy-efficient plans, custom designs, and industrial-compliant light configurations.
- Augmented reality (AR) and general AI integration can increase efficiency in costs, labor, time, and resources at job sites. Electrical engineers use AR to better visualize and design electrical systems, components, and circuits.
- Autonomous construction robots can reduce the physical strain and safety risks inherent in construction labor. In the electrical engineering field, robots can perform inspections and install systems. They remove the need to send workers to perform dangerous tasks.
Automation is the name of the game as general construction technology advances, creating such tools as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and layout robots that can handle tasks such as drawing electrical wiring locations.
Emerging Construction Automation Trends for Electrical Engineers
In looking specifically at the construction automation trends for electrical engineers, one of the most popular is the use of robotic construction equipment in efficient and precise assembly. Construction robots have been created not only to reduce the impact of the skilled labor shortage in the industry but also to use BIM models or CAD drawings to do layouts and complete measurement tasks.
A key component in robotics for electrical engineers is embedded robotic systems consisting of hardware and software components, such as real-time operating systems (RTOS), and communication protocols. These embedded robotic systems are designed to perform specific tasks. AI algorithms enable these robots to learn from their environment and make data-driven decisions.
Cloud-connected robots, such as HP's construction layout robot with printing capabilities, help solve one of the biggest challenges electrical engineers face, which is coordinating teams on-site and ensuring that the teams have the information they need to perform their tasks without getting in each other's way. By marking the site quickly and accurately with details to help workers capture precise specifications such as outlet height, construction teams can then collaborate to ensure there are no placement conflicts. This is associated with increased productivity and fewer last-minute changes that can make it difficult to meet important deadlines.
Another of the new electrical automation trends in construction processes is automated cable laying and routing systems. These systems use software to optimize electrical installations by minimizing the risk of human errors during the installation process. These systems also enhance worker safety by allowing workers to operate cable systems remotely, reducing on-site risks. These newer smart systems rely on IoT to:
- Provide real-time information to engineers
- Streamline the processes involved in cable laying and routing
Saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint are common demands for new construction. AI-driven technologies help electrical engineers do just that by allowing for predictive maintenance of electrical systems based on usage data and designing smart, efficient building systems. Through AI technologies, electrical engineers can modify their project design more easily to improve performance.
What's on the Technological Horizon for Electrical Engineers?
To be sure, most of these construction automation trends for electrical engineers are here to stay. One of the brightest future developments will likely involve autonomous vehicles. Self-driving vehicles will help companies navigate the labor shortage by allowing work to continue around the clock and eliminating human error on the job sites. Autonomous vehicles will likely handle tasks such as site survey and mapping, earthmoving and grading, and material transport, freeing up workers for other tasks.
Drones have become a staple for many construction companies and electrical engineers. But an increased reliance on this technology looms on the horizon. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow for increased quality and reduced project costs. They also enhance the safety of workers by enabling them to see areas that are difficult to reach or pose safety hazards. Drone technology is improving with time, allowing accurate and comprehensive data for mapping and measuring distances, surfaces, and elevations.
Robotic advancements are also expected and will likely provide additional ease for electrical engineers. Already, robots are cloud-connected. Layout solutions such as HP SitePrint are able to generate an incredibly accurate single on-slab print that includes every key aspect of the project. HP SitePrint is consistently working with construction leaders to integrate with the latest advances in electrical site design and optimize printing technology to provide a great layout solution for electrical engineering firms.
The Future Is Coming Fast: Stay Informed on New Electrical Automation Trends in Construction Processes
The use of technology and automation are surging in the field of electrical engineering in construction, addressing many of the challenges engineers face by improving accuracy, efficiency, and safety. HP SitePrint is committed not only to providing a modern solution but also to keeping construction partners informed about how these technologies can help electrical engineers mark sites quickly and with the necessary details. This can:
- Help workers meet deadlines and inspection dates
- Ensure they have the right equipment on-site
- Reduce friction
- Increase collaboration between construction teams
- Ensure that crowded spaces have accurate markings so electrical teams use the area as efficiently as possible
Contact us to learn more about how HP SitePrint can help your electrical engineering firm by providing an automated electrical site layout solution.
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