We have a strong background in technology, engineering and construction.
We now hear people talking about putting tracking devices onto construction workers to record and measure their movements to increase efficiency, or to assess their wellbeing for health and safety purposes – but might these devices also be used to assess work rates and monitor time spent taking a toilet break?.As an industry, we should also be conscious of how technology moves through society, and the consequences of that.
We’ve seen the recent studies showing how Twitter’s face-crop algorithm prioritises white faces and women;.1. or the issues in 2020 with the UK government’s algorithm for predicting exam results during COVID, which marked down students from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds.. 2.We’re not suggesting that either of these was deliberate, but what we are saying is that we need to be super-vigilant.
We can’t – and shouldn’t – avoid or ignore the ethical in the origin, the present and the destination of technology.. 1.See (for example):.
https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-photo-crop-algorithm-favors-white-faces-women.
See (for example).has demonstrated the potential to transform the way buildings are delivered at scale..
However, the unique challenges of constructing battery factories require careful planning for DfMA to fulfil its promise..Adopting a DfMA Mindset.
Successfully realising the benefits of DfMA is not easy, especially for complex projects like battery factories.Simply converting a design into prefabricated parts can add logistical complexity, transport costs, and supply chain fragmentation, while also forcing design compromises..