Rapid advancements in technology are creating new jobs roles that simply wouldn’t have
existed 10 years ago - and with such a wide and exciting range of technologies currently
entering the construction sector - from AI and robotics to drones, exoskeletons and even
4D printing - we are bound to see new occupations in the industry in the years ahead.
Looking at current trends and the projected growth of certain technologies, we’ve theorised
three construction job roles that could exist by 2028.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are already being used to survey sites, monitor building
progress and conduct inspections - and their use in construction is only expected to sky-rocket
over the next 10 years.
Pioneers have already envisaged “drone swarms” that could co-ordinate to conduct a specific
task, such as constructing a rope bridge.
In such an environment it’s easy to see the need for some form of centralised human
control and supervision arising in the form of a role that we’re calling “Drone Wrangler”.
This role would involve planning and scheduling UAV activity, monitoring drones in the field,
analysing performance and maintenance and co-ordinating with authorities regarding permits
and other forms of regulation.
Beyond the wrangling of drones on specific projects, and with a significant increase
in their use across the sector and in other service and goods industries, the opportunity
for regional Air Traffic Controllers based in state-of-the-art command centres could
also arise.
Closer to the present day, the industry could soon be tasked with building “skyports”
- a new form of infrastructure project to specifically facilitate drone activity, such
as Uber’s flying taxis.
With an incredible number of prototypes already developed and being tested in live trials,
robotics looks certain to be a key growth area in construction over the next
10 years.
We’re already seeing the potential of robots to automate dangerous and highly repetitive
tasks in a number of areas - from constructing masonry walls and tying rebar, to undertaking
site surveys.
There’s even the development of autonomous vehicles and plant which can
undertake grading or cut and fill.
These tasks are inherently labour intensive and limit what humans can achieve in a single
working day.
With potential round the clock automated construction, there is again likely to be the need for human
control, coordination of activities and supervision.
To prevent technical glitches derailing unsupervised robots or automated plant, we envision the
role of “Robot Commander” to come into existence.
This person would essentially be a manager for a series or group of robots and effectively
control a form of “kill switch” that could override them in the case of malfunction or error.
Robotics and automation lead to the broader area of artificial intelligence. This too
is already entering the industry in the form of “predictive design” and machine learning.
Perhaps more sinister is the fear shared by some pioneers around the ever increasing strength
of AI and its ability to potentially over-power mankind at some point in the future.
In this context, we foresee an “AI Regulator” role - a deeply complex task that requires
advanced ethical judgements almost daily. Although this may seem far-fetched,
it wouldn’t be a million miles away from some of the emerging regulations around data
protection and ethics we see be debated in reference to internet service providers and
social media giants today.
With a rapidly increasing population applying pressure to urban centres, resources and land
availability, humans could begin to colonise the oceans in the coming decades.
Oceans cover over 70% of our planet, yet we have explored a mere 5% of them.
While a number of research facilities, specialist hotels and even a data centre exist under
the ocean, the successful colonisation of this space to form habitats for millions of
people will take engineering to the next level.
An entirely new class of architects and design engineers will need to be trained to develop
these submerged worlds.
With a host of challenges to overcome including water pressure, water tightness and the inclusion
of natural light, what will these new worlds look like? Will we live on the ocean floor
in domes and mine minerals? or will we float along the surface in structures such as there
giant “oceanscrapers” that stretch down into the depths?
Whilst each these roles may seem far-fetched, history has shown us that advances in technology
almost always lead to new opportunities and job roles that the previous generation never
could have imagined.
YouTubers are a perfect example.
If you’re watching this video back in 2028, drop us a comment below and let us know what
that’s like. Otherwise if you enjoyed this and would like to get more from the definitive
video channel for construction, subscribe to The B1M.