The global Construction 4.0 market is experiencing rapid growth as the industry increasingly leverages the power of innovations such as BIM, AI, robotics, the Internet of Things and big data analysis to drive efficiency, productivity and safety, according to new research
The Construction 4.0 market was worth $16.8bn in 2023 and is forecast to grow by a CAGR of 13.8%, driven by the need for modernization and increased operational efficiency, the report by TNR said.
BIM is already widely used to crease digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of projects, improving collaboration and decision-making.
Robotics are also playing a crucial role in Construction 4.0, with robots now being used for tasks ranging from bricklaying to concrete pouring. In 2022, the University of Hong Kong incorporated robots for automated construction tasks, enhancing productivity and minimizing human error.
Additionally, IoT devices are providing real-time monitoring and data on construction sites, such as equipment performance and environmental conditions.
This information supports predictive maintenance and enhances safety measures. In 2021, Skanska Group implemented IoT sensors across its construction sites to optimize resource management and reduce operational costs.
Europe set to experience fastest growth of Construction 4.0
Significant investments in advanced technologies and sustainability are accelerating the European Construction 4.0 market, the report said.
In 2023, Germany’s Hochtief and the UK’s Balfour Beatty adopted digital twins and BIM to enhance project efficiency and sustainability.
The EU’s Green Deal, meanwhile, further supports this growth by promoting eco-friendly construction practices.
And earlier this year, Skanska in Sweden implemented AI-driven project management systems to streamline construction processes.
These initiatives underscore Europe’s commitment to integrating Construction 4.0 technologies, positioning the region at the forefront of market expansion, the report said.
Sector-specific innovations
The report notes that in the residential sector, 3D printing is being used to create components and even entire houses, reducing construction times and cost.
In 2022, US construction technology company ICON completed a 3D printed house in Austin, Texas, demonstrating the feasibility of the technology for the residential market.
In commercial, advanced BIM Is being used to streamline project management and improve collaboration, while robotics are reducing manual labour and IoT sensors are being used to predict maintenance needs and avoid downtime. Siemens’ industrial facilities in Germany use predictive maintenance systems to ensure continuous operation.
IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics are also being used to monitor equipment performance in the industrial sector, while automated fabrication systems are employed for manufacturing complex components. Automated prefabrication was used for the modular elements of the Tesla Gigafactory in Nevada, demonstrating its improved efficiency and scalability.
In the infrastructure sector, digital twins provide real-time monitoring and management of projects.
The Sydney Metro project in Australia, which began in 2021, is using digital twin technology to manage and optimize its construction and operational phases.
