Top 3 Smart Building Trends in the Construction Industry

By CIOReview | Friday, February 28, 2020

Leveraging technologies in the construction industry can ease the management process, making it strategic operations. Implementing machine learning capabilities removes the burden of mundane and repetitive tasks.

FREMONT, CA: A smart building is a building or structure that uses automated processes to manage and control its operations (HVAC, lighting, security, and a variety of other systems). It does so via a fully integrated network of sensors, actuators, and microchips that all generate a constant stream of raw data that can be converted into critical insights. Such insights are harnessed for continuous improvements such as cost attainment and greater overall efficiency. This is where a platform such as Service Automation shows its mettle, converting all this complex data into actionable information explicitly tailored for facilities managers.

It is essential to distinguish the building technologies to see them individually since they provide a distinct layer of functionality. Below given are some of the most influential smart building technologies.

AI and ML

The applications of AI within smart buildings are extensive, especially being that AI is easily integrated with IoT sensors and devices. Such devices apply deep learning to hierarchically understand objects and environments, making adjustments according to learned user preferences or an analysis of historical trends.

AI-enabled Service Automation software predicts upcoming maintenance and even reviews and approves work orders with minimal human intervention.

Drones

Drone technology are not just valuable for taking aerial photographs or delivering packages. They also help to exceptional support, taking over many routine or time-consuming tasks, and freeing up employees to focus on essential things. The unmanned aerial vehicle, drones are operated remotely and may also employ AI to operate autonomously.

AR technology is useful in conjunction with BIM. Typically involving a camera and some sort of viewing device like the tablet, smartphone, or even eyeglasses, augmented reality superimposes a non-real object onto a view of one's real, physical surroundings.

For example, wearing a pair of AR-enabled glasses when examining a room of different kinds of electrical and mechanical equipment. Programmed with existing BIM models, the glasses allow viewing digital representations over each piece of equipment, providing identification and additional detail. This information might include written instructions, warnings, dates of installation, and troubleshooting for problems, all of which are especially useful during outages or emergencies.