“In five years we should see robots on construction sites working with people.”
The construction sector is the least digitalized in Aragon. What is this for?
This is due to the industry’s own industrial history, with periods of great excess which resulted in things being done quickly and not as well as they should have been. But I would like to send an optimistic signal because there is a reconversion happening in this sector. We have made significant progress in recent years and are looking forward to an exciting decade of technological and industrial transformation.
What achievements are you talking about?
Towards the industrialization of processes. Increasingly, ready-made parts are taken and assembled on site. In addition, more and more information and data are being extracted from execution, which is a way of introducing advanced technologies similar to those already used in other industries.
Experts warn of a slowdown in investment and worker training. Will government assistance be needed?
Yes, the construction sector is in limbo as it cannot access certain government aid that is primarily intended for industrial sectors, and this is inhibiting investment in new technology offerings.
Do you need a professional reconversion to launch construction 4.0?
This is one of the main obstacles. There needs to be a generational shift to bring digital natives on board, which will be a significant achievement. Plus, of course, all sorts of dual training and qualifications for traditional races. The education system needs to be changed.
How can you attract talent?
We have to compete with other industries and look at what we offer to data scientists so that they choose the construction sector rather than the pharmaceutical sector, the service sector or the automotive sector.
Do you have any suggestions?
We have to make it attractive and we have the attributes. The social work of the industry is undeniable, although we are not selling it as much because hospitals are being built, roads are being built and water is being used. There is also a collective agreement, which is one of the best, with fairly high salaries compared to other sectors. While a construction site is perhaps not the best place to work, it will improve with industrialization.
How can innovation be spread?
As I said, generational change will help because young people already have this DNA in their heads. And the Administration must promote this in two ways: finance, as we have already said, and promote it in the famous innovative public procurement.
Are you talking about prioritizing this in public works specifications?
Yes, the evaluation criteria give priority to those who do it in an innovative way, using advanced technologies.
Can artificial intelligence force large companies to compete in this sector?
Obviously, major developments in artificial intelligence today are mostly being undertaken or led by large companies, but it is true that many companies are creating business niches where they are very good. Opportunities will arise for small companies that specialize.
What is the extent of real implementation of construction 4.0 in Aragon?
With the noble exceptions which we have, and of which we should be very proud, it is comparatively low. But, as it happens in Aragon, in other communities and, I would say, in almost most countries in the world.
Where are the achievements going?
The first and most important thing is the industrialization of construction processes. From there, take the data and digitized information so you can process it later. With these two premises in mind, it is important enough to use information to be more efficient, secure, productive and environmentally friendly in the coming years thanks to technology and artificial intelligence. These are the four great leaps our industry, which is very waste- and energy-intensive, has made.
What applications could it have for the sector?
First, use all the digitized job information to create predictive models of things to optimize construction processes and predict scenarios. The second is the automation of construction processes, with robotic solutions playing a leading role. And the third is the part that does not need digitized information or artificial vision. We can now automatically monitor the progress of work using various machine vision devices that can analyze the work, interpret it and generate conclusions for decision making.
And can this reduce the final price or will it only lead to increased profits?
It is clear that this will affect the final price. Here in Aragon we have examples such as Lobe, which adheres to technology and quality standards such as Passive House and has managed to be competitive.
ITA is collaborating on a project to use robotics and virtual sensors to reduce accidents on construction sites. Is this science fiction or will we be able to see this in the near future?
Specific applications are already discussed in the work. There are cameras that detect whether the operator is wearing a helmet or seat belts. Perhaps the field of robotics is in its infancy.
Will we see robots in construction like we did in the auto industry?
Yes, and I am convinced that this will happen in the short term. In the next five years, we should see robots working alongside workers on construction sites.