August 20198 IN MY V EWBlockchains, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, 5G, Li-Fi, Smart Dust--we've come a long way (and added a number of new words to the dictionary) since the first radio signals were transmitted in the late nineteenth century. Just as the first wireless technologies opened up new doors for society, these new technologies are revolutionising life as we know it. In industries from finance to retail, recent advancements in wireless technology--such as the Building Internet of Things and Blockchain--are radically reshaping supply chains and, as a consequence, industry norms. Even our food can now be traced back through the food supply chain from paddock to plate, thanks to blockchain technology. Lack of knowledge and confidence impeding the adoption of new technologiesYet, compared to these industries, the built environment sector is a little slow off the mark when it comes to embracing wireless technologies. Why? A recent survey of Aurecon clients and property industry representatives revealed that many businesses have a lack of knowledge in how to use this technology. They can also lack confidence in choosing the right technology for their needs.It can be daunting, but as this technology becomes more innovative and the need for stronger cyber security increases, it is crucial that the built environment catches up--and does so quickly. This technology is here. It's not going away. When Amazon focuses on developing and selling sensors, then invests in a modularised housing company, we all need to sit up and take notice. These are strong signs of a future where smart devices will become more normal over time, buildings will have many more sensors, and building owners will realise the experience of people inside the buildings is impacted by how well connected and managed the building is in real time. Buildings that are connected will have a better human experience. Building owners who don't adapt, adopt, and evolve will be left behind. The time is ripe for major disruption in the built environment sector--but a greater understanding of the technology, the benefits and the risks is needed.What are these technologies and how will they bring benefits? The latest technologies (specifically blockchain and the Internet of Things) will enable buildings and infrastructure to self-manage, learn, anticipate, adapt, and enhance without us being aware of it. They will change how buildings are designed, constructed, and managed, which will have a major impact not only on building operations, but also on business performance, and will change the commercial models around how buildings are leased and used.The Internet of Things, when combined with machine learning--connections in a smart building linking devices THE WIRELESS BUILT ENVIRONMENTBY SIMON MCFADDEN, CLIENT DIRECTOR, DATA AND TELCO, AURECONSimon McFadden
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