We don’t have a crystal ball to read the future but one thing is clear: The construction industry is rapidly transforming, driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and changing consumer demands.
Can you imagine a world ruled by robots? Well, in some way it’s happening and of course, it sounds out of a sci-movie but no. The future of construction is already here!
As we look ahead to 2025, It´s clear that several construction industry trends will shape the way we know the built environment. From the Cemex Ventures team, we want to explore some of the most significant developments, from the increasing adoption of robotics and AI to the growing focus on sustainable materials and new construction methods and how they affect the final customer. And of course, make you part of the change for a greener future and a more efficient construction industry.
2025 has arrived, but…What’s next in Contech? Keep reading to know more!
Market Forecast and Growth Situation
The Contech sector is in the midst of significant changes, with a number of 325 transactions exceeding expectations, increasing by more than a third compared to 2023, and with a future full of innovation opportunities. This indicates that the sector will follow the upward trend in investments, which will help the industry face significant challenges that must be addressed to reach its “maximum potential”.
So, what can we expect for 2025 in the Contech environment? The answer is clear: The growth of the industry is fueled by the increasing need to enhance construction productivity, reduce costs, improve worker safety, and minimize environmental impact. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR), 3D printing, and data analytics are being rapidly adopted.
However, the building sector faces challenges, including resistance to change, a shortage of skilled labor, and the need for greater interoperability between different technologies.
Labor Market Trends and Workforce Challenges
The construction industry is facing a growing labor shortage, making it more difficult to find and retain skilled workers.
Here are some of the key workforce challenges impacting the construction industry include:
- An aging workforce: The average age of construction workers is increasing, and many are approaching retirement.
- Lack of interest from younger generations: Construction is often seen as a less desirable career path compared to other industries.
- Skills gap: There is a shortage of workers with the necessary skills and training to meet the demands of the evolving construction industry.
- Competition from other industries: Other sectors, such as manufacturing and technology, are also competing for skilled workers.
To address these challenges, construction companies need to adopt proactive strategies for attracting and retaining talent. Some effective approaches include:
- Embracing technology: Investing in innovative technology can make construction jobs more efficient and appealing to younger workers.
- Investing in training and development: Providing opportunities for employees to upskill and learn new technologies can make them more valuable and engaged.
- Improving workplace culture: Creating a positive and inclusive work environment can help attract and retain top talent.
- Offering competitive compensation and benefits: Competitive pay and benefits packages are essential for attracting and retaining skilled workers.
- Promoting the industry: Highlighting the rewarding aspects of construction careers can help attract new talent.
Digital Transformation and Smart Construction
The construction industry, traditionally considered a sector with slow technological adoption, is undergoing an unprecedented revolution that has been palpable in recent years. Digital transformation is impacting all aspects of construction, from planning and design to project execution and management. This transformation materializes in intelligent construction, where the integration of digital technologies allows optimizing processes, increasing efficiency and productivity, and improving safety on site.
One of the pillars of this revolution is the growing incorporation of robotics and automation, which are transforming the sector, making repetitive and dangerous tasks easier, and freeing workers to focus on higher-value activities. And at the heart of this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). Which is driving automation, data analysis, and intelligent decision-making in construction.
In this context, we will explore how robotics, automation, and AI are redefining the construction industry, creating a future where technological innovation is key to the success of Contech.
The Rise of Robotics & Automation
Once upon a time, by 2016 Sophia the robot said “Ok, I will destroy the humans” but nothing could be further from the truth. So don’t be afraid.
Robotics trend is helping to accelerate processes, increase efficiency, and improve safety in construction projects. Moreover, as the shortage of skilled labor increases, robots can help workers increase their output and productivity, an alternative to the current construction methods that not only update the industry but also complement it.
Here are some of the benefits of robotics and automation in construction tech:
- Increased efficiency: Robots can help teams work faster and more accurately, reducing time and costs. An extremely important factor that will help to solve the problem of construction demand.
- Improved safety: They can solve problems by performing dangerous tasks, such as working at heights or in confined spaces, protecting workers from potential harm.
- Enhanced precision: Robots can achieve levels of precision that are difficult for humans to match. For example, autonomous vehicles are used in BIM construction projects to capture and process 360-degree panoramic views to create accurate 3D models for analysis, optimization, and tracking of volume, material flow, and location in just a few seconds.
The Role of AI in Construction
AI has been the standout player of 2024 – yes, even in construction – and will be one of the key tech trends in 2025. AI is a dynamic concept revolutionizing the construction industry by enabling data-driven making and automating processes. Some applications of AI in construction include:
- Productive analytics: AI can be used to predict project delays, identify potential problems, and optimize resource allocation.
- Design optimization: AI-powered algorithms can generate design options that meet specific performance requirements.
- Construction management: AI can be used to monitor construction progress, track materials and manage schedules.
The market for artificial intelligence surpassed $184 billion in 2024, a significant increase of nearly $50 billion from 2023. This trend is expected to continue, opening new horizons and possibilities for our sector, making it more efficient.
Sustainable and Green Building Practices
There is an increasing demand for the application of sustainable measures and eco-friendly practices in the construction of buildings and no, we are not talking about setting a vertical garden in your living room. That doesn’t help to reduce the 40% of global CO2 emissions that buildings are responsible for.
Sustainable construction has established itself as one of the main trends last year and It is based on minimizing the environmental impact of buildings, using efficient materials and processes that reduce resource consumption and emissions.
There are a lot of new startups on the market working and developing sustainable materials and processes that are coming to replace the current ones, helping to create a more green industry.
Bioclimatic design, energy efficiency, new sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality or even the integration of buildings with the environment are collaborating to reduce the CO2 index in the atmosphere and therefore contribute to the project of a greener future in the sector.
Innovation in Construction Materials
Construction materials, such as cement, have been used for centuries. Increased pressure to reduce embodied carbon, reduce the amount of resources and energy, and implement circular practices is pushing the industry to find new alternatives to traditional materials, such as:
- Recycled materials: Recycled concrete, steel, and wood can reduce the demand for virgin materials and lower carbon emissions.
- Bio-based materials: Materials derived from renewable resources, such as bamboo and hemp, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
- Smart materials: Smart materials can adapt to changing conditions, improving the energy efficiency and durability of buildings.
Case Studies of Successful Construction Projects
At Cemex Ventures, we are fully convinced of the importance of seeking out, promoting, supporting, monitoring, and developing new disruptive startups that represent a revolutionary shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for construction. A great example of this is the last edition of our Construction Startup Competition, where we were able to witness the great talent of the coming generations in the sector.
Another great example is our portfolio companies, among which we find great examples of robotics solutions such as COBOD, and of course, the emergence of startups like Obralink and DroneDeploy that go a step further through the development of AI.
Each new project helps us to continue working with enthusiasm to achieve all the sustainability and zero-emission goals that we have set for ourselves. We cannot deny that the biggest trend is and always will be to achieve a greener, more efficient, and safer world.
Does your startup have a procurement solution that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry?
