b'Over time, advancements in machine learning, modular auto-How to Use Tech to Fill Constructions Skills Gap mation and adaptable robotics will help overcome these barri-Its no secret construction faces a skills shortage, oneers, making automation more viable. thats widening as veteran workers retire, project demands rise and sustainability goals add new complexities. Start small Change can be a daunting prospect for both managers and em-Fortunately, the rise of construction technology has intro- ployees, but its unavoidable as automation and digital tools duced a wave of innovationsfrom AI-driven projecttransform construction. Those who adapt by developing new management tools and advanced robotics to digital twinskillssuch as operating and maintaining robotics, analyzing technologythat can help fill this gap by reshaping howdata from digital twins or managing AI-driven scheduling buildings are designed, constructed and maintained. toolswill find themselves in high demand. Yet, adopting these technologies comes with its own set ofMany construction companies operate on thin margins, mak-challenges, including high upfront costs, training workersing it difficult to justify upfront investments in unproven inno-on new systems and managing safety risks. To be success- vations. To get around such hesitancy, companies can start ful, we need to balance innovation with practical work- with small-scale pilot programs that provide concrete benefits force development.before they commit to larger rollouts. Showcasing early winssuch as faster project completion times or improved safety Minding the gapmetricscan help build confidence among both leadership Artificial intelligence has emerged as a major focus inand frontline workers. construction over the last year, with AI-driven project management software helping teams stay aligned, reduceJust as architects transitioned from hand-drawn blueprints to errors and improve efficiency. These tools centralize pro- CAD software, construction professionals must become profi-ject data, ensuring that all stakeholders have access to thecient in emerging technologies. This transition wont happen same up-to-date information, minimizing miscommunica- overnight, but gradual integration will ease the learning curve. tion and delays. Site supervisors may spend less time on paperwork and more Another way technology is transforming jobsite planningtime analyzing real-time project data from drones and sensors. is through real-time process monitoring systemsEquipment operators might transition from manual controls to like ObraLink. Traditionally, when pouring concrete for aoverseeing fleets of autonomous machinery. high-rise building, construction teams must wait 28 days to confirm that the concrete has properly cured. ObraLin- To support this shift, companies should foster a learning cul-ks platform significantly reduces this waiting period byture in which upskilling is continuous rather than a one-time providing real-time data on concrete strength, allowingeffort. Investing in on-the-job training, online courses and in-teams to reduce downtime and keep projects on schedule.dustry partnerships can ensure that workers stay ahead of the curve. 3D printing also shows promise. While still in the early stages of adoption, the technology is being used to printFuture forward everything from concrete walls and foundation elements toUltimately, overcoming the skills gap and preparing for the intricate faade panels, customized formwork and evenfuture go hand in hand. As automation and digital tools re-entire small-scale structures. As it matures and becomesshape the construction industry, a collaborative effort will be more cost-effective, 3D printing could play a key role inessential to navigate this transition successfully.addressing skill shortages by automating labor-intensive tasks and reducing the need for large crews.Leadership must take the first step by adopting strategic tech-nologies that enhance efficiency, while workers need access to More advanced automationsuch as robotics for on-sitetraining that equips them with the skills to work alongside tasksremains in the early stages. Unlike manufacturing,these advancements. When the industry as a whole recognizes in which standardized tasks allow for efficient automation,innovation not as a disruption but as an opportunity for construction sites present constantly changing conditions. growth, it will be better positioned to meet both present and future challenges. For instance, robotic drywall installers and bricklaying machines exist but require recalibration for each project toByGonzalo Galindo accommodate different wall dimensions, material compo-sitions and structural layouts. Transporting and assembling these machines across multiple sites also adds logistical complexity, making them less practical for many contrac-tors. 29'