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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.

Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.

80+ innovations will shape the construction industry

According to ³Ò±ô´Ç²ú²¹±ô¶Ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the construction industry using innovation intensity models built on over 240,000 patents, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.

Within the emerging innovation stage waterproof floor drains, adjustable width road pavers and construction 3D printing are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Floating breakwaters, self-healing concrete and building panel interlocking are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are pneumatic door closers and embossed floor panels, which are now well established in the industry.

Innovation S-curve for the construction industry

Polishing robots is a key innovation area in construction

Polishing robots are automated systems that use robotic arms equipped with polishing heads to perform polishing operations on different surfaces. These robots have multiple degrees of freedom and are capable of performing complex polishing tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.

³Ò±ô´Ç²ú²¹±ô¶Ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 4 companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of polishing robots.

Key players in polishing robots – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry

‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.

‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.

Patent volumes related to polishing robots

is the leading patent filer in polishing robots. The company focuses on designing connectors and sensors for industrial robots. , a leading nano manufacturing technology solutions provider, is also a key player in terms of filings related to polishing robots. According to the company, its patented technology enables real-time polish control of wafer production without compromising throughput.

In terms of application diversity, leads the pack, while and stood in the second and third positions, respectively. By means of geographic reach, held the top position, followed by and .

To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access ³Ò±ô´Ç²ú²¹±ô¶Ù²¹³Ù²¹â€™s latest thematic research report on .