Singling out just newer factories for using AI isn’t quite fair but that’s the reality. The older, established modular plants see limited use for it and even if they wanted to expand its use, in most cases, it would be cost prohibitive to retrofit their production lines.
But adapt they must! Maybe not by changing their production line to robots and automated tables but there are other ways to add AI.
Modular and in fact, all offsite construction factories, can benefit from adding AI. It can be used to generate design options, optimize designs, and create 3D models. This can save time and money, and it can also lead to more innovative designs.
The most obvious and visible uses for AI are on the production line where it is used to control robots and other machines in the manufacturing process. This can improve efficiency and quality. This is the part that fascinates industry leaders and observers.
But it can be used for other, not-so-glamorous parts of the overall success of a factory such as tracking materials and components, and optimizing the delivery of materials to the construction site. This can reduce costs and delays.
Overall, AI has the potential to revolutionize offsite construction. By automating tasks, improving efficiency, and reducing costs, AI can make offsite construction more competitive and more attractive to builders and developers.
One of the companies using AI is technology-driven Factory_OS. The company uses AI to automate tasks, such as the design and manufacturing of building components which in turn improves efficiency and reduce costs. The company is working on a system that uses AI to monitor buildings for potential problems, such as water leaks or structural damage.
Factory_OS uses AI to control robots in its manufacturing facility, design building components, manage its supply chain and monitor construction sites for safety hazards.
AI is Good for Older Factories
AI is more than controlling robots and automated processes. For those older factories that are just beginning to explore its uses, here are some of the lesser-known benefits that can be derived from it even if the factory doesn’t install robots.
Reduced carbon footprint: The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. AI can help to reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects by optimizing the use of materials and energy. For example, AI can be used to design buildings that are more energy-efficient.
Improved quality control: AI can help to improve quality control in the construction industry by automating inspections and identifying defects.
Increased sustainability: AI can help to increase sustainability in the construction industry by optimizing the use of materials and energy. For example, AI can be used to design buildings that are more energy-efficient or to use recycled materials in construction.
Gary Fleisher is the Editor in Chief of Modular Home Source and Offsite Builder magazine. Email at [email protected]
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach
