According to a 2019 McKinsey & Company study, the construction industry ranked second-to-last among surveyed fields in terms of digital readiness. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, as more recent reports note a widespread shift towards adopting more advanced technology. This trend, referred to as Construction 4.0, has been most notably marked by the integration of smart solutions.
In line with this apparent demand and appreciation for such technologies, here are three of the most relevant ways that smart-tech-powered tools are being utilized within the construction sector.
Smartwatches
Tracking on-site workers is key to addressing production pain points, whether inefficient foot traffic paths or unaccounted attendance. Rather than implementing initiatives that may be hard to roll out without further spreading out supervisory teams, smartwatches have emerged as viable options. Specifically, researchers have found that these tools can effectively complete tracking tasks—like noting worker routes and locations—without verging on micro-management.
Moreover, smartwatches are a cost-effective, readily accessible solution. Consumers can easily find smart products among QVC’s vast selection of electronics. These include leading wearable tech models from brands such as Apple and Fitbit, which can track and send out user data relating to steps taken and user location.
Although they can be set to specific individuals, these smart watches can easily be adjusted for new users, making them easy to provide and reassign to different sites and teams as needed. If necessary, because these smartwatches can also detect a person’s vitals, they can provide valuable data on any health changes that workers experience while on the job. This can then be used to create more comprehensive worker well-being plans.
Smart Helmets
Despite having some of the most stringent health and safety measures, construction sites are still some of the most high-risk work locations given the nature of the work involved. In some cases, even if human error is not the primary issue, other factors like faulty machinery or natural disasters can pose a threat. This is why many construction companies have embraced smart tools that ensure prompt assistance should these incidents occur, to secure better employee health outcomes.
With this in mind, smart helmets have entered the market. Available from manufacturers like the safety equipment company Guardio, these tools can measure motion and force in such a way that they can gauge whether the impact of a fall or projectile has caused any grievous damage. Should it deem help necessary, it will alert the required contacts about the accident and patient location, so that rapid and relevant aid is provided. The helmets can also monitor if users return to safe zones within prescribed periods. This way, construction workers who do not return for any reason can be found more swiftly, better safeguarding team wellness.
Smart Safety Goggles
Smart safety goggles are enhancing worker safety and productivity. Chrono Eyewear’s award-winning Smart Safety Glasses, recognized with the 2025 iF Design Award, exemplify this innovation. These glasses are engineered to boost alertness, especially during night shifts, by projecting blue light onto the eyes to stimulate brain activity, reducing fatigue and improving concentration. They also feature a cloud-based app that customizes light intensity and duration based on individual needs, allowing workers to adapt seamlessly to varying shift patterns and operational demands.
In high-risk construction environments, where factors like poor visibility and tight deadlines are prevalent, maintaining high levels of alertness is crucial. The ergonomic and lightweight design of these smart goggles ensures comfort during extended use, making them ideal for long shifts. By enhancing focus and reducing fatigue, these glasses improve individual safety and contribute to the workforce's overall well-being.
About the Author
Colleen Anderson
Colleen Anderson is a freelance writer based in Florida. She writes primarily about technology and business and hopes to find a role covering one or both subjects for an online magazine or journal in the near future.