Introduction

The construction industry is at a crossroads. While demand for new housing and infrastructure is on the rise, factors like labor shortages and environmental concerns are creating significant challenges. According to a report (by BuildForce Canada), the construction sector is expected to face a deficit of over 250,000 workers by 2030. At the same time, construction industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and construction waste. Innovation is desperately needed, and automation is emerging as a powerful tool to address these issues and build a more sustainable future for construction.

Automation to the Rescue

Automation in construction refers to the use of technology to perform repetetive tasks traditionally done by human workers. This can range from robots laying bricks and welding steel beams to using drones for surveying and inspections. Companies like Innovative Living Design (ILD) are at the forefront of this movement, utilizing automated machines for the production of prefabricated steel frame components.

Increased Efficiency and Reduced Waste

Automation offers several advantages that can contribute to a more sustainable construction industry. One key benefit is increased efficiency.

Automated machines can work tirelessly, unaffected by fatigue or the need for breaks. This translates to faster project completion times, allowing companies to take on more projects and meet growing demand.

A 2020 study (by McKinsey & Company), found that automation in construction can lead to a 20-50% reduction in project timelines. This not only benefits companies but also reduces the environmental impact of construction projects. Less time spent on a project translates to lower energy consumption from machinery and equipment. Automation can also significantly reduce construction waste.

Traditional construction methods often involve a high degree of on-site cutting and modification of materials, leading to a substantial amount of scrap. Automated processes, on the other hand, can be programmed for precise cutting and assembly, minimizing waste and maximizing material utilization.

Impact on depending of Unionised Labour Force

In location where site workers are unionized, Automation allows building elements such as walls, roof joists, roof rafters, etc.. to be pre-assemebled at factory. This minimises the amount of labour required on site to just screwing walls to each others or roof to walls. Unionized labour force are expensive, inefficient and are not always available whenver needed on site. 

A More Sustainable Future

A More Sustainable FutureThe benefits of automation extend beyond just efficiency and waste reduction. Automation can also play a role in improving worker safety. By taking over dangerous tasks like working at heights or handling heavy materials, robots can help to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.

Looking towards the future, automation has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry entirely. Advancements in areas like 3D printing for construction and autonomous vehicles for material handling could transform the way we build. These technologies have the potential to further reduce waste, improve worker safety, and minimize the environmental footprint of construction projects.

Challenges and Considerations

While automation offers a wealth of benefits, it's important to acknowledge the challenges as well. The upfront cost of implementing automation technologies can be significant, and smaller construction companies may struggle to make the initial investment. Additionally, concerns exist about the potential impact of automation on jobs in the construction industry.

However, a 2017 report (from McKinsey & Company) suggests that automation is more likely to create new jobs than eliminate them. New roles will be needed to design, maintain, and operate automated systems. Construction workers will also need to develop new skillsets to work alongside these technologies.

Conclusions

Automation is not a silver bullet, but it is a powerful tool that can help the construction industry address its most pressing challenges. By embracing automation, companies like yours can build a more sustainable future, characterized by increased efficiency, reduced waste, and a safer work environment for all.