Construction sites in 2050 will look much different to those today, according to Balfour Beatty’s latest paper.

The firm predicts that construction sites will be human-free, with remote-controlled machines taking up existing labor tasks, while new materials and techniques will be used to improve safety and efficiency, while simultaneously reducing costs.

The firm says that technology has already changed contemporary life extensively, so it feels confident that its predictions will come to fruition. The international infrastructure firm also expects new roles and requirements to emerge, and says new skills will be needed to support the pipeline of construction projects.

“We are experiencing a digital revolution, redefining how we as an industry operate; becoming faster, better and more agile. By adopting and embracing the rise of digital solutions we are more able to deliver efficient, effective and safer solutions to our clients and customers,” said Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty’s group chief executive.

With its new paper, the firm explores the pace and rate of change within the industry with technology acting as a catalyst. The paper also discusses how business strategies will change, productivity levels will improve, and required skills will evolve.

The paper also presents how technology will help to bridge the skills gap by creating jobs, roles and industries that don’t yet exist, and shares how technology will benefit all stakeholders through increased productivity, efficiency and increased value. Additionally, the paper highlights how projects can be delivered effectively using technology such as BIM, augmented and virtual reality, cloud data storage, telematics, drones and data analytics.

“These changes will mean we have to ensure our industry trains our current and future employees with the skills to exploit the use of new technology, new materials and new methods of working,” added Quinn.

To read the paper in full, click here.