The Internet of Things in the construction industry. How MakoLab builds smart data ecosystems in real time

The forecasts are crystal clear. The value of the market for construction industry IoT is set to grow almost fourfold by 2031. At MakoLab, we view this not merely as a trend, but primarily as a necessity for companies intending to maintain their competitiveness and the highest possible safety standards. Leveraging advanced IoT technologies facilitates process optimisation, increased operational efficacy and improved safety on construction sites.

The IoT is a collection of connected devices, machinery and systems that communicate with one another via wired and wireless networks. In the construction industry, that technology is opening up the way to a move from intuitive management to precise, fact-based analytics. Sensors and monitoring systems are transforming building sites into smart ecosystems that provide valuable information on construction status, equipment locations and environmental conditions, 24/7. It is this continuous communication and data processing which makes the IoT the ‘nervous system’, as it fills the role of providing situational awareness and enabling rapid responses to changing conditions.

At MakoLab, an effectively deployed IoT is one that is grounded in meticulously thought-through architecture, the mainstay of all the innovations. 

The sensory layer: this constitutes the ‘eyes and ears’ of a construction site. It features state-of-the-art micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), sensors that detect movement, vibration, temperature and humidity. Advanced measuring devices are a crucial addition to this layer. Their detection of a range of factors, including chemical substances and gases that are health hazards, aligns directly with the concept of dual use. With their high resistance to dust and shocks, these sensors not only constantly monitor OHS but, in emergencies, they can also serve as a basis for a crisis management system, building a highly resilient society by rapidly identifying contamination.

Connectivity: the uninterrupted flow of data is essential. Technologies such as Wi-Fi, BLE, ZigBee and Sigfox are used, as are long-range LPWAN and LoRaWAN networks. Redundancy and resistance to challenging environmental conditions are both vital here.

1. The data platform: the information collected is sent to the cloud, where it is stored, processed and prepared for advanced analytics.
2. Applications and software: this is where the raw data are transformed into business value, from project management systems to tools for optimising energy consumption.
3. Security: in an era of operating with sensitive project data, protection against cyberattacks is an absolute priority.
4. The analytics and AI layer: this is the ‘brain’ of the entire ecosystem. It is here that raw data are processed by AI algorithms, such as machine learning, for instance. This is what facilitates complex pattern analysis, data correlation and the visualisation of critical indicators in business intelligence (BI) systems. In the context of crisis management, these analytics faciltate threat prediction and the automatic activation of security protocols before an incident escalates into an extreme situation.

Within the construction industry, the IoT is first and foremost a threefold means to operational effectiveness.

·     Predictive equipment monitoring: breakdowns are predicted, rather than reacted to. The systems analyse vibration patterns, bearing temperatures and the pressure in hydraulic systems and provides maintenance alerts before faults occur. This involves the use of advanced algorithms and IoT sensors and the outcome is minimised downtime and optimised maintenance processes.

·     Effective materials logistics: RFID tags and QR codes make it possible to track raw materials from warehouse to installation. This opens the door to automated inventory management and just-in-time delivery planning and that, in turn, reduces warehousing costs and minimises losses.

·     Sychronisation with building information modelling (BIM): one key trend defining the Construction 4.0 era is the deep integration of BIM and data transmitted by IoT sensors. While a BIM model itself is a static information resource, connecting it with a network of sensors creates a dynamic system that supports automated decision-making, For example, integrated BIM-IoT platforms make it possible to visualise levels of hazardous gases at underground construction sites in a 3D model, automatically triggering alarms in critical situations. This kind of synergy not only makes for better control of the progress of building works, but also facilitates advanced data analysis (big data), which translates into increased profitability and higher security for the development.

Deployment of the IoT doesn’t stop once construction is complete. Studies show that its use evolves with the life cycle of a building or facility. During the construction stage, the technology is focused chiefly on rigorous compliance with OHS requirements and monitoring quality. An example of the latter is real-time digital control over adding gravel piles. The longest and most costly phase is the use stage, which is responsible for 80 to 85% of the total energy consumption across the lifecycle of a building or facility. Here, the IoT functions as the cornerstone of smart building/facility management, with the data from the sensors facilitating intelligent energy management, HVAC systems optimisation and predictive maintenance planning. All of this effectively extends the life of the building or facility and reduces operating costs.

At MakoLab, we place particular emphasis on ensuring that technology serves people and the environment.

·    Intelligent OHS: cutting-edge hard hats fitted with accelerometers can detect when their wearer falls and immediately send an alert providing the exact location. Proximity sensors prevent collisions between people and heavy machinery.

·    Ecology on construction sites: IoT systems monitor carbon footprint, water consumption and noise level, making it possible not only to reduce costs, but also to turn architects’ designs into reality in line with the principles of sustainable building.

·    Edge computing: in order to guarantee immediate responses from security systems, we use edge computing. This facilitates the direct, on-site analysis of critical data, without the delays resulting from transmitting them to the cloud.

As the IoT develops, the number of potential attack vectors grows. MakoLab’s strategic approach includes multi-layered protection ranging from two-factor authentication at the device level, via network segmentation, to data-at-rest encryption and regular security audits. Our priority is not only data protection but, above all, ensuring the continuity of work for machines which, if taken over, could endanger workers’ lives.

With the advent of the quantum computer era, traditional cryptographic mechanisms could prove vulnerable to attack in the future, giving rise to the need to consider quantum-safe solutions. It is possible to root data protection in multi-layered architecture that uses post-quantum cryptography (PQC). This would secure construction machinery and robots against takeover or the manipulation of their tasks.

Our approach fits the widest dimension of the dual use concept perfectly. Not only does it protect a construction site, but it also prepares the infrastructure for future regulations like the Network and Information Security 2 (NIS2) Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which are forming a foundation for a society with high digital resilience. This means that our clients can focus on seeing their projects through, assured that their IoT infrastructure is ready to meet the technological challenges ahead.

Bringing IoT technology into your construction organisation is an investment that will pay for itself through greatly enhanced precision, far lower risk and real savings. As your technology partner, MakoLab offers comprehensive support at every stage, from designing the data architecture, via choosing the most suitable sensors, to integration with AI systems, Blockchain technology and PQC solutions. Our clients can always count on process optimisation, increased operational efficacy and improved safety on construction sites.

Are you interested in building the smart construction sites of the future? Contact our experts to find out how real-time data can optimise your next project.