Is New Technology Replacing Contractor Jobs?

Although it seems to be a growth in construction jobs, is there a chance construction jobs can be taken away? From robots? Sounds like fantasy, huh? However, with growing technology, this isn’t really a sci-fi story anymore… it’s now our reality. According to a study done by the Midwest Economic Policy Institute, they estimate robots could either replace or displace 2.7 million jobs in construction by 2057.

Operating engineers have a high rate (88%) for the potential of going automation. Many companies are investing in technology that will make automation possible. Such companies include: CAT, Komatsu, Volvo CE. Roofers have the smallest potential for automation, as well as construction laborers and sheet metal workers. Certain takes just can’t be done by robots due to unpredictable and changing environments.

Overall, it’s predicted that only 5% of contractor-based jobs have the potential to be completely replaced by robots. Although many new jobs were added in construction in the past few years, there still is a labor shortage. The younger generations are not filling in the employment gaps from the older generations leaving and/or retiring.

Unlike other industries, new technologies take longer to catch on in the construction industry, so full-on robot usage is probably many, many years from coming into fruition. Right now, there are robots doing smaller (yet still important) tasks, like bricklaying. Robots that can do repetitive tasks faster than a human are being sought out to get project’s done faster. However, this doesn’t mean the human is replaced. The human needs to run the robot, check on the robot’s work, and set up the work before the robot completes a task.

So overall, contractors don’t need to be alarmed just yet. Your jobs are safe from the robots. People will always value people. People will have to manage, repair, control, maintain, and direct the robots. With a changing society, new jobs will also emerge for people to do, as well.

It’s best to think of new technology as things that can help us on the job not harm us.

If you’ve been interested in a career in contracting, you will need your Florida contractor license. As a Florida contractor licensing company, we will do the contractor licensing process for you. We know the ins and outs of the application process, because we’ve helped thousands of people get their Florida contractor’s license. To get started with us today, click here or call 239-777-1028.

 

Contractor Products Worth Checking Out

If you’re a construction contractor, you want to be on top of the latest construction products on the market. New products can help you do work faster, more efficiently, and have clients know you’re on top of the latest and greatest thing in the field. New products show that you’re a forward thinker. Below, we wanted to share some new construction products out there that you may be interested in purchasing for your contracting business.

Cat and NoteVault – Cat and Notevault came together to increase productivity by combining smartphones and technology. All purchases of Cat smartphones will come with 4 months of a Notevault account for free.

Airhome – Airhome is an in-room audio feature for a client’s home or commercial building. Airhome is a multi-room, built-in home audio system that operates on Wi-Fi. This can work with in-wall or in-ceiling speaker so the home will not have a cluttered effect with boxy speakers laying around or wires everywhere.

Houdini glass – Bendheim Wall Systems is offering this specialty architectural glass; it allows both privacy and daylight. It is translucent, u-shaped, and machine rolled.

Surface armor – Urban Armor has created a case that protects devices while being slim, form-fitting and hard and protective all at the same time.

Concept – Concept by US is a Powerstation, This is a new turnkey, solar energy storage system that gives steady, reliable energy to off-grid people in daylight and nighttime.

Scala – Scala Architectural and Engineering Scale is a new app that gives a new way to measure printed drawings anywhere. It includes standard imperial architectural, metric architectural and engineering scales.

Qvarn – Qvarn offers open source identity management software that helps an organization manage a secure database of workers’ data; this system helps protect personal and private identification of the workers.

The contracting industry is constantly improving with new technology. If you are looking to get your Florida contractor’s license and are looking to get into this industry, contact us today and let us help you. We are a contractor licensing company in Florida. Click here or call 239-777-1028 to contact us today.