The pace of technological development continues to astound even the most ardent innovation champions. The BD+C editorial team is on a mission to track and evaluate the latest tech tools and trends that show promise for widespread AEC adoption. Here are three compelling developments that we will be watching closely in 2019:
1. The rise (finally!) of 5G. Years of hype and buzz around the fifth generation of cellular mobile communications has led to more apathy than enthusiasm over 5G networks. But 2019 promises to be the year in which 5G finally gets off the ground. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all working on 2019-20 launches for 5G network offerings in parts or all of the U.S. It promises new levels of connectivity and unprecedented speeds. (Latency—the time delay required for information to travel across a network—is expected to drop from 100 milliseconds with today’s 4G networks, to just one millisecond with 5G.) This will lead to breakthrough wireless applications that rely on “real-time” communication of data. Think IoT, edge computing, smart buildings, and wearable tech applications.
2. Cheaper, smarter, multifunctional sensors. Wireless sensor technologies like MEMS ultrasonic sensors—combined with more sophisticated analytics platforms—show promise for widespread adoption of smart building operations and advanced project team operations and collaboration. Next-gen sensor technologies can collect multiple pieces of data (CO2, light, temperature, etc.) while supporting a critical role in a building’s operations (e.g., occupancy sensor). They are cheaper, longer lasting, more accurate, more robust, and faster than the previous generations of sensors.
3. “Anything as a service.” We’ve all heard of “software as a service.” But did you know there are firms that offer “analytics as a service,” “artificial intelligence as a service,” “cybersecurity as a service”? These companies are part of the cloud computing boom, and they are disrupting traditional business models by providing digital tools, services, and expertise on a subscription basis. These platforms allow AEC firms to “tinker” with advanced tools and methods—and also consult with some of the industry’s brightest minds—while minimizing risk and resources.
CALLING ALL ‘AEC INNOVATORS’!
BD+C is launching a recognition program, AEC Innovators, to honor the industry’s brightest minds and most accomplished innovators and disruptors. We’re looking for individuals who 1.) have developed something tangible, something groundbreaking—design idea, app, business tool, construction method, breakthrough material, business approach, real estate model—for their firm or client, and 2.) can talk about ROI/results and provide real-world examples of its application. The 2019 AEC Innovators will be featured in the August 2019 issue of BD+C.
Related Stories
Building Team | Jun 13, 2018
How your AEC firm's brand affects recruiting top talent
There is a major shift in workforce demographics as upwards of 80 million baby boomers retire over the next fifteen years.
Sponsored | | May 24, 2018
Water treatment facility renovation benefits from laser scanning technology
Sponsored | Building Team | May 8, 2018
5 tips to improve employee utilization (and morale)
Ways to increase productivity and revenue, while providing a supportive workplace environment
Architects | Apr 5, 2018
Tech Report 5.0: The Human Touch
Can studying humans at a behavioral level produce better buildings? Cognitive architecture experts are working to find out.
Sponsored | Building Team | Mar 28, 2018
6 strategies to keep your project on budget
Here are six strategies to keep your projects on or even under budget.
Sponsored | | Mar 14, 2018
Getting there may be costing you more
Commercial transportation is getting more expensive, and it’s driving up the price of steel.
Sponsored | Building Team | Dec 12, 2017
3 tips to address the top causes of budget overruns
The most cited issues are communication breakdowns, inadequate fees for the work provided, and unrealistic deadlines or schedules.
Building Team | Nov 14, 2017
12 differences between average and high-growth firms
We’ve developed a pretty good understanding of what high-growth firms do differently from their average-growth peers.
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 3, 2017
4 strategies for marketing your AEC firm
Having a clearly defined competitive brand and a fine-tuned marketing approach can give your firm a significant competitive advantage.