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Construction 4.0
The process of construction from start to finish is complex and has many moving parts when it comes to data inputs, people, and equipment.
This complexity makes it challenging to get a clear view of what’s happening across a project, often leaving opportunities for improving productivity and efficiency hidden.
Our research in Construction 4.0 looks to address this by using technology to provide real-time visibility into every aspect of a project.
An Endeavour funded project
About the rangahau
Unlocking Construction 4.0 potential in Aotearoa.
This research is part of the $10.3m Endeavour Funded project “Developing a Construction 4.0 transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector”. Led by HERA, this four-year program brings together a diverse team of global experts who are passionate about the future of the built environment, especially within the unique cultural, social, and environmental context of Aotearoa.
The program emphasises strong international and industry connections to avoid redundancy and achieve international best practice. Integrating Mātauranga Māori, sustainability, and resilience, as well as experts in technology transfer in traditional industries, and public policy development, the research outcomes are designed to be both cutting-edge and readily adoptable by the industry.
By leveraging tools like IoT and AI, it enables better data-driven decision-making, identifies bottlenecks, fosters collaboration across previously siloed disciplines, and ultimately improves performance while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Originating from the broader Industry 4.0 movement, Construction 4.0 represents the next evolution in building, transforming traditional methods through advanced technologies and data integration. This approach is essential for solving long-standing challenges in the construction industry and revolutionising how projects are managed from start to finish.
Our project partners
Our key research themes
Data connectivity standardisation
This research focuses on developing protocols for standardising data management across the construction sector, ensuring seamless connectivity between systems. By integrating technologies like RFID and smart sensors, the aim is to create a cohesive data environment that enhances efficiency, safety, and decision-making across projects. This standardisation is key to unlocking the full potential of Construction 4.0 in Aotearoa
Circular design
Circular design is about creating a sustainable future by rethinking the lifecycle of building materials. This research explores how to incorporate circular economy principles into construction practices, minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency.
By focusing on recycling, reuse, and reducing the environmental impact of construction materials, this work supports a more sustainable built environment in Aotearoa.
Smart construction
Smart construction leverages the latest in digital technology to streamline the construction process. This research is dedicated to integrating IoT, AI, and other cutting-edge technologies into the construction workflow, enhancing real-time decision-making and improving project outcomes. The goal is to make construction smarter, safer, and more efficient, driving innovation in the sector.
Monitoring 4.0
Monitoring 4.0 aims to revolutionise how we track and assess building performance over time. This research focuses on advanced monitoring tools that provide real-time data on structural integrity, energy efficiency, and overall building health. These insights are crucial for ensuring long-term safety and sustainability in the built environment, helping to future-proof our structures.
Mātauranga Māori
This research theme integrates Mātauranga Māori, the Māori knowledge system, into Construction 4.0. By aligning indigenous perspectives with modern engineering practices, the project aims to create construction methodologies that are culturally connected and environmentally sustainable. This approach not only enriches the construction process but also supports the broader goal of intergenerational wellbeing in Aotearoa.
Sustainable future
This research theme is dedicated to ensuring that construction practices contribute positively to the environment.
This involves exploring new materials, processes, and technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of construction activities and promote the long-term sustainability of the built environment utilising life cycle analysis.
Technology transfer
Our focus is about bridging the gap between research and practical application, ensuring that the innovative solutions developed through Construction 4.0 are readily adoptable by the industry. By facilitating the smooth transfer of knowledge and technology, this work ensures that advancements in construction are implemented effectively and efficiently.
Emerging technologies
Our focus is on identifying and integrating new technological advancements, from AI to robotics, into construction processes. This is at the heart of transforming the construction industry by enabling industry to improve productivity, safety, and sustainability measures to ensure Aotearoa leads in global construction standards and innovation.
Our people
Kairangahau
Researchers leading change.
Our research roopu (group) is at the forefront of innovative research aimed at transforming Aotearoa New Zealand’s construction sector. Through their mahi, we’re paving the way for a more advanced and sustainable future in construction.
Industry advisory group
Influencers of change and progression
Our Industry Advisor Group (IAG) plays a key role in developing a Construction 4.0 transformation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Construction sector – making sure that its intended impacts are achieved and the sector is well positioned to uptake the results.
How it all began…
The potential for Construction 4.0 is huge!
In a report commissioned by HERA to model the potential economic impacts of Construction 4.0 in Aotearoa, it was found its adoption could be worth $8 billion, and that it could lead to nearly $3.5 billion in wage increases, bolster the middle-income bracket, and drive government spending for the construction sector and supply chain to benefit.
Recognising this potential, we kick-started our Construction 4.0 research program, aiming to position Aotearoa at the forefront of global construction innovation. We hope the findings will inspire the industry to rise to the challenge, ensuring those who do are better insulated from the rapidly changing global environment and poised to lead the way in creating a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable construction sector.
Our experts
Latest news & resources
This white paper report reviews academic literature on public governance in Construction 4.0, exploring themes like policy, skills, digital inclusion, data privacy, and societal impacts.
We check in with Kaveh Andisheh on his mahi in the Ngākopa Construction 4.0 Monitoring 4.0 theme he leads.