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Premium Insights Internet of Things in construction: controlled concrete pumping

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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.

Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.

80+ innovations will shape the construction industry

According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the construction industry using innovation intensity models built on over 232,000 patents, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.

Within the emerging innovation stage, robotic excavators, self-cleaning toilets, and smart waterproofing are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Sensor-integrated doors, eco-friendly HVACs, and automated slurry-blast tools are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas is work vehicle cruise control, which is now well established in the industry.

Innovation S-curve for Internet of Things in the construction industry

Controlled concrete pumping is a key innovation area in Internet of Things

Controlled concrete pumping is a precise method of delivering concrete to specific locations using a concrete pump and a remote-control system. This technique offers superior accuracy and control over concrete placement, making it beneficial for various applications. The process integrates advanced systems and technologies to monitor and regulate concrete pump operations, utilizing sensors and transducers to gather real-time data on the machine's position, attitude, and operational parameters. This data is then processed and compared to reference information, providing clear feedback to the operator. Additional technologies, such as rapid movement slewing gear, articulated arm vibration damping, and optimization for articulated arm control, are also employed. This method proves particularly valuable for pouring concrete in confined spaces or at elevated locations, where traditional methods face accessibility challenges.

Controlled concrete pumping reduces material waste and enhances product quality through its precision. With advantages in efficiency, safety, and waste reduction, it is gaining popularity in construction projects. As the construction industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability and efficiency, controlled concrete pumping is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of concrete construction.

GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 130 companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of controlled concrete pumping.

Key players in controlled concrete pumping – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry

‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.  

‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’. 

Patent volumes related to controlled concrete pumping

Sany Group is one of the leading patent filers in controlled concrete pumping, followed by Nippon Shuppan Hanbai and XCMG Construction Machinery.

Sany Group is a prominent global manufacturer specializing in construction and mining machinery. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses concrete machinery, road construction machinery, crawler cranes, excavators, pile driving machinery, truck cranes, and more. With industrial parks in various Chinese cities and manufacturing facilities in the US, Brazil, India, and Germany, Sany operates globally, providing services such as financing, insurance, spare parts, and technical support. The company has played a pivotal role in the evolution of controlled concrete pumping technology, contributing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, precision, and safety in concrete placement. Sany's ongoing commitment to innovation is anticipated to lead advancements in controlled concrete pumping, influencing the future of concrete construction.

Sany Group has pioneered an extruder apparatus tailored for 3D printing structural components using building material strands. This cutting-edge apparatus comprises an extruder nozzle featuring a discharge opening for expelling the building material strand. Additionally, it incorporates at least one inner element strategically positioned within the extruder nozzle. This inner element plays a crucial role in defining the inner edge of the building material's flow cross-section, intricately determining the inner edge of the strand cross-section as it exits the extruder apparatus. Sany's innovative approach in this technology showcases their commitment to advancing construction methods through precision and control in material extrusion for 3D-printed structural parts.

In terms of application diversity, FBR leads the pack, while Eaton and DXC Technology stood in the second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, Somero Enterprises held the top position, followed by FBR and Crown Castle.

FBR, formerly known as Fastbrick Robotics, specializes in the design, development, construction, and operation of mobile dynamically stabilized robots. The company is renowned for its Hadrian X robotic block laying system, designed to construct block structures and walls, and the Fastbrick Wall System, incorporating Hadrian-optimized blocks and adhesive. FBR employs dynamic stabilization technology (DST) alongside proprietary software, enabling robots to operate outdoors amidst unstable conditions, including wind, vibrations, machine motion alterations, and thermal variations. Focused on partnering with international customers, FBR offers Wall as a Service (WaaS) in the construction sector. With its headquarters in Perth, Western Australia, Australia, FBR stands out as a leading provider in controlled concrete pumping solutions, marked by innovative equipment, safety emphasis, and a dedication to sustainable practices. The company's impactful contributions have elevated the efficiency, precision, and safety of concrete placement, positioning FBR as a key player in the evolving landscape of concrete pumping technology.

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Internet of Things (IoT) in Construction.

GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.

GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.