Technology

Digitalisation revolutionises lifting operations in construction with real-time data and AI integration

Sunday, 26 October 2025 1:06AM UTC

The construction industry is embracing a digital transformation, integrating IoT, digital twins, BIM, and AI to enhance safety, efficiency, and coordination in lifting operations, signalling a new era of data-driven project management.

The construction industry is undergoing a profound transformation as digitalization reshapes lifting operations, fundamentally altering how materials are handled, equipment is deployed, and operations are managed. This shift transcends mere adoption of new technology; it involves a comprehensive rethinking of workflows, decision-making processes, and organisational capabilities. Modern digital systems provide real-time insights, enable predictive analytics, and promote coordination that upgrades lifting operations from conventional manual tasks to intelligent, data-driven activities.

Historically, lifting operations in construction relied heavily on paper-based planning, operator experience, and limited visibility into equipment performance. While this approach sufficed in projects with slower timelines and generous contingencies, the demands of contemporary construction—characterised by compressed schedules, tighter budgets, and enhanced safety standards—necessitate more advanced methods. Digitalisation addresses these challenges by optimising resource use, anticipating potential issues before they arise, and enabling coordination levels impossible through traditional methods.

This transformation harnesses multiple technology domains working in synergy: IoT sensors collect operational data in real time; cloud computing platforms manage and process this data at scale; advanced analytics distil actionable insights; mobile applications deliver critical information to decision-makers irrespective of location; and Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems integrate lifting operations into comprehensive digital project representations. Together, they create ecosystems where information flows seamlessly between physical operations and digital management systems. Early adopters report increased equipment utilisation, better predictive maintenance reducing emergency repairs, improved safety through continuous hazard monitoring, and shortened project timelines owing to enhanced coordination.

A cornerstone of this digital evolution is the integration of connected equipment and IoT technology. Modern cranes, hoists, and lifting accessories now embed sensors and communication modules, transforming previously passive tools into intelligent systems capable of self-monitoring and real-time data sharing. Load monitoring systems continuously track weights and compare them to rated capacities, thereby preventing overloading that could jeopardise structural integrity or safety. Positioning systems offer precise spatial data revealing boom angles, crane locations, and hook coordinates, which enable automated collision avoidance and lift path optimisation. Environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions such as wind speed and temperature, automatically halting operations if safety thresholds are surpassed—an essential feature for tall tower cranes exposed to variable conditions at height.

Operational cycle tracking further captures granular data about every lift, including duration, paths travelled, load details, and anomalies, which aggregated over time highlight productivity trends and bottlenecks. Project managers access intuitive dashboards combining real-time and historical data to inform resource allocation and scheduling decisions. This aligns closely with broader IoT construction platforms that offer real-time equipment and asset tracking to improve efficiency, reducing time wasted searching for misplaced tools and materials and optimising overall resource deployment on-site.

Advanced data analytics underpin performance optimisation. Algorithms ranging from basic statistics to sophisticated machine learning systems interpret data to forecast maintenance needs, transitioning from fixed schedules to condition-based predictive maintenance. This shift reduces downtime and maintenance expenses while boosting equipment reliability. Additionally, benchmarking tools assess current performance against historical data or industry norms to identify underperforming equipment or skill gaps that may require additional training or process changes. Digital systems also model resource allocation scenarios to optimise equipment deployment, often outperforming manual human planning in handling complex logistics. Energy consumption monitoring tools detect inefficient operational patterns, suggesting alternatives that lower costs while advancing sustainability goals.

The application of digital twin technology marks a significant leap forward. Creating virtual replicas of cranes and lifting systems integrated with real-time sensor data, digital twins facilitate simulation of complex lifts, operator training through realistic environments, and predictive maintenance by identifying structural health deviations. This virtual validation helps reduce costly physical modifications and enhances confidence in lift plans before execution.

Integration of digitalised lifting operations with BIM offers considerable planning and execution benefits. BIM’s three-dimensional models permit virtual crane placement and lift path planning, verifying clearance, reach, and capacity to avoid conflicts with structures, utilities, or adjacent activities early in the planning stage. The addition of scheduling data into these models supports synchronisation with material deliveries and multi-lift sequences, optimising workflows and preventing resource clashes.

The digital ecosystem fosters unprecedented real-time collaboration and communication across project stakeholders. Cloud-based platforms allow project managers, crane operators, engineers, and safety personnel to share up-to-date information instantly, overcoming the limitations of traditional paper-based communication. Mobile apps provide operators with digital lift plans, safety checklists, and live updates, ensuring alignment across teams. Visual collaboration tools enable remote experts to provide on-the-spot guidance via live video feeds, a capability particularly valuable for specialised lifts or troubleshooting. Automated alert systems notify relevant parties of faults, weather changes, delays or safety concerns promptly, facilitating swift response and preventing minor issues from escalating. Furthermore, automated documentation streamlines record-keeping of lifts, inspections, and incident reports, enhancing compliance and reducing administrative burdens.

Beyond equipment monitoring and communication, digitalisation drives workflow optimisation by digitising processes such as permit approvals, inspection checklists, and incident reporting. These changes reduce paperwork, shorten approval timelines, and improve data accuracy. Photos, measurements, and detailed inspection results are captured digitally and shared instantly for rapid supervisory review. Structured incident data supports thorough investigations and trend analyses to address systemic safety issues proactively.

Looking forward, the trajectory of lifting operations digitalisation points to ever more sophisticated capabilities. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are expected to move towards autonomous decision-making in routine lifting scenarios, reserving human input for strategic or exceptional cases. Augmented reality (AR) could enhance situational awareness by overlaying operational data like load weights and safety warnings directly into operators’ fields of view through smart glasses. Blockchain technology offers prospects for immutable records of operation histories, maintenance logs, and certification data, improving transparency, liability management, and regulatory compliance. Advances in fifth-generation cellular networks will underpin these developments by enabling low-latency, high-bandwidth communication necessary for applications like real-time digital twin control and HD video streaming from equipment cameras.

As digital tools transition from innovative advantages to essential industry standards, construction lifting operations will evolve into fully integrated, data-driven systems fundamental to professional practice. The convergence of IoT, digital twins, BIM, AI, and advanced communication technologies not only enhances operational efficiency and safety but also redefines how complex lifting tasks are planned, monitored, and executed on modern construction sites.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (World Construction Today)
Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (World Construction Today)
Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (World Construction Today), ^[2] (Neuroject)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (World Construction Today), ^[5] (Premier CS), ^[6] (AlphaBold)
Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (World Construction Today)
Paragraph 6 – ^[1] (World Construction Today), ^[3] (arXiv)
Paragraph 7 – ^[1] (World Construction Today)
Paragraph 8 – ^[1] (World Construction Today), ^[4] (HashStudioz)
Paragraph 9 – ^[1] (World Construction Today)
Paragraph 10 – ^[1] (World Construction Today)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.worldconstructiontoday.com/industries/digitalization-of-lifting-operations-in-construction/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://neuroject.com/iot-construction-platforms/ - This article discusses the benefits of IoT construction platforms, focusing on real-time equipment and asset tracking for efficiency. It highlights how IoT platforms enable site managers to monitor tools, materials, and equipment in real-time using technologies like GPS trackers, RFID tags, and Bluetooth beacons. This capability reduces time spent searching for misplaced items, optimises resource allocation, and enhances overall productivity on construction sites.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.20705 - The paper introduces BIM2RDT, an agentic AI framework designed to transform static Building Information Modeling (BIM) into dynamic, robot-ready digital twins that prioritise safety during execution. It integrates geometric and semantic information from BIM models, activity data from IoT sensor networks, and visual-spatial data collected by robots during site traversal, aiming to enhance digital management in the construction industry.
https://www.hashstudioz.com/blog/iot-in-construction-improving-collaboration-between-teams-and-tools/ - This article explores how IoT enhances collaboration in construction by enabling predictive analytics, smarter project management, and seamless collaboration. It discusses applications such as automated scheduling, risk mitigation, and improved operational efficiency through IoT integration, highlighting the role of AI and machine learning in optimising workflows and resource allocation.
https://premiercs.com/au/blog/iot-in-construction-management-top-tools-and-benefits - The article outlines essential IoT tools in construction management, including live monitoring systems, asset tracking solutions, and analytics tools. It emphasises how these tools create digital maps of construction sites, monitor environmental conditions, and provide real-time data visualisations, leading to reduced operational costs and improved project oversight.
https://www.alphabold.com/iot-in-construction-benefits-and-practical-use-cases/ - This piece details the benefits and practical use cases of IoT in construction, focusing on enhanced safety and worker protection, real-time equipment monitoring, and predictive maintenance. It highlights how IoT systems improve monitoring and safety compliance, track equipment usage to prevent failures, and optimise resource management through asset tracking and waste reduction.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/8/1386 - The systematic review examines the impact of digital technologies on construction safety management. It highlights how real-time monitoring and alerts, facilitated by digital technologies, have contributed to a reduction in occupational accidents and injuries. The study underscores the efficiency of automated surveillance systems in hazard detection and accident prevention, suggesting that integrating digital technology can enhance safety performance in the construction industry.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative appears to be original, with no exact matches found in recent publications. The earliest known publication date of similar content is October 25, 2025, which is the same as the article's publication date. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.

Quotes check

Score: 9

Notes: No direct quotes were identified in the article. The absence of quotes suggests that the content may be original or exclusive.

Source reliability

Score: 7

Notes: The narrative originates from World Construction Today, a reputable organisation. However, the article includes references to external sources, such as Neuroject and Premier CS, which are less well-known and may require further verification.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with current trends in the construction industry. The integration of IoT, digital twins, BIM, AI, and advanced communication technologies in construction is well-documented. The article provides specific examples and references to support its claims, enhancing its credibility.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is original and timely, with no significant issues identified in the freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility checks. The absence of direct quotes and the inclusion of references to external sources suggest that the content is original or exclusive. The claims made are plausible and supported by specific examples and references, enhancing the overall credibility of the narrative.

Construction
Digitalisation
IoT
Lifting operations
Building Information Modelling