Leveraging Technology and AI to Attract Women to Construction Careers
Innovative Technology in Construction: The Role of Robotic Dogs
Larissa Zeichhardt, the manager of a Berlin-based construction company called LAT, utilizes a robotic dog to enhance productivity at her workplace. This agile machine is equipped with various cameras and sensors to track and document daily operations. LAT specializes in laying high-voltage cables along railway tracks, a task that demands accurate reporting of completed work.
Zeichhardt recognizes that her 130 employees often prefer not to return to the office after long days on-site to complete documentation. Without comprehensive records, subsequent shifts risk uncertainty concerning cable placements, which could lead to significant operational challenges. The robotic dog alleviates this problem by autonomously navigating the tracks, gathering location data, and updating a virtual 3D model accessible to team members.
This automated collection of information not only improves efficiency but also minimizes the risk of damaging cables. Proper documentation ensures that workers are informed about the cable locations, which is crucial in preventing incidents that could result in expensive repairs and power outages.
Revamping a Family Business
Ten years ago, Larissa and her sister, Arabelle Laternser, took over their family business following their father’s sudden passing. Faced with urgent operational needs, they embarked on a mission to modernize the traditionally conservative construction sector. Their push for digital transformation stemmed from personal experiences; Zeichhardt was pregnant at the time, and the sisters were overwhelmed with paperwork.
To streamline operations, they transitioned to a digital system that allowed them to manage documents remotely. Their field employees also benefit from using digital applications for various tasks, including documentation, tool management, and safety compliance, all integrated into a centralized construction-site database. Zeichhardt emphasized the strenuous nature of construction work, often requiring additional administrative efforts during evenings and weekends. Her priority is to reduce paperwork burdens for her team.
Addressing Gender Disparities in Construction
The construction industry has long been considered male-dominated and challenging for women, leading to a significant gender gap. In Germany, women make up only 14% of the construction workforce, and the figure drops to a mere 2% in labor-intensive roles like bricklaying and road repair. This underrepresentation persists despite the sector’s robust growth and potential for lucrative employment.
Many women find it difficult to balance the demands of construction jobs with family responsibilities, which has contributed to the low percentage of female workers in the field. In response to this challenge, initiatives like “WIR.KÖNNEN.BAU” aim to attract more women into construction careers by promoting flexible work hours, childcare support, and remote work options. Zeichhardt notes that despite LAT being a smaller company, it has attracted numerous noteworthy applications from young and female candidates. This interest is linked to the company’s modern image and commitment to family-friendly practices.
Breaking Barriers: Female Leaders in Construction
Bianca Weber-Lewerenz, the first female mason in her region, shares her insights on the evolving landscape for women in construction. Her journey began shortly after the lifting of restrictions on women working at construction sites in West Germany in 1997. Today, she is a vocal advocate for integrating digitization and artificial intelligence (AI) into construction practices.
Weber-Lewerenz highlights how technological advancements, including AI, are reshaping roles for women in the industry. Modern tools have reduced the physical demands traditionally associated with construction. Instead of relying solely on brute strength, tasks such as measurements, planning, and invoices can now be performed remotely, enhancing job flexibility. She emphasizes the effectiveness of AI in streamlining operations and ultimately making construction work more accessible for women.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Building Information Modeling (BIM) has emerged as a crucial tool in modern construction, providing a digital platform that facilitates communication among all project stakeholders. Weber-Lewerenz notes that BIM can significantly minimize conflicts and disruptions, thereby enhancing project efficiency.
Her initiative to promote sustainable, AI-enhanced construction practices aims to align technology with industry values such as reliability and quality. With support from both the construction sector and academia, her work emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in applying new AI tools within construction.
These advancements in technology and a growing focus on inclusivity are shaping a new era for the construction industry, one that aims to welcome diverse talent while enhancing operational efficiency.
