ASTM Unveils Digital Roadmap of Construction Industry

ASTM International has developed a roadmap on digitalization of the construction industry, sponsored by the NIST Advanced Manufacturing Technology Roadmap (MFGTech) Program. The roadmap identifies key technological/technical challenges that, if solved, would encourage industry collaboration and technology development to advance digitalization of the construction industry.

Dr. Mohsen Seifi, ASTM International vice president of global advanced manufacturing programs notes that delving into the potential of eight technologies, the roadmap envisions a construction sector revolutionized by these game-changers. These technologies—additive manufacturing, robotics and automation, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), simulation, augmented reality and cybersecurity—offer productivity, safety, and sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s urban landscapes, ASTM reports.

“While Industry 4.0 technologies have already reshaped the manufacturing landscape, the time is ripe for the construction sector to realize its digital destiny. This roadmap is the beacon, guiding the community towards collaborative activities that prioritize innovation and elevate our global competitiveness.,” says Seifi.

Specifically, the roadmap identifies priority challenges and sets out action plans in the areas of standards and codes; data and integration; technological advancement; economics and business models; and education, workforce development, and awareness. Suggested activities range from developing data standards to creating demonstration centers for new construction techniques.

The roadmap is based on input from the 3rd ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) Specialty Workshop: Digitalization of the Construction Industry, held in January 2023, as well as a community survey and interviews with experts representing diverse perspectives across the construction community.

According to Seifi, the roadmap is rooted in the collective intelligence of industry pioneers, tech innovators, and specialists, and serves as a guide and a challenge to all stakeholders in the construction ecosystem. 

For more information on the roadmap, or work of the AM CoE, click here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.