The global housing crisis is no secret, and it’s a challenge that countries, including the United States and Germany, are grappling with. Housing shortages have spurred innovation, and one of the most promising solutions lies in the realm of automated, modular housing.
All photos – ABB Robotics
As we look ahead to 2030, the construction manufacturing sector is set to undergo a remarkable transformation, with automation technology playing a pivotal role.
Rising Demand and Labor Shortages
According to the Global Construction 2030 Report, automation in the construction manufacturing sector is projected to surge by a staggering 85% by 2030. This surge is driven by the ever-increasing demand for housing and the simultaneous rise in labor shortages. Construction-related occupations consistently top the list of labor shortages, as highlighted in a recent EURES report. This labor gap is a significant contributor to the housing crisis witnessed in many countries.
In the United States, Freddie Mac reports that labor shortages are a primary cause of a housing shortfall that amounts to nearly four million homes. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank predicts that by 2030, Germany will grapple with housing supply shortages in 35 of its cities.
The Dream of Automated Housing
The dream of a fully automated housing construction process has been around for some time. We’ve all imagined a factory where raw materials enter at one end, and a completed home, constructed by robots, exits at the other end. It seems that Germany is now taking steps to turn this dream into a reality.
ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at driving automation within the construction industry. Their pilot project seeks to revolutionize modular housing manufacturing practices. The core objective of this partnership is to meet the growing demand for affordable and sustainable buildings while minimizing the environmental footprint of construction.
Overcoming Traditional Challenges
Traditional construction methods are struggling to keep pace with the demand for new homes. Simultaneously, there is a pressing need to enhance the environmental performance and efficiency of buildings, along with adopting more sustainable construction practices. One key aspect is the reduction of raw material transportation to construction sites, thereby eliminating associated costs and waste. Studies suggest that this accounts for up to 25% of the materials transported to a building site.
Benefits of Modular Construction
ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting assert that modular construction brings about a multitude of benefits. First and foremost, it significantly reduces material waste and minimizes the impact of adverse weather conditions, which often cause delays in traditional construction. Moreover, factory-based construction offers a safer and more favorable working environment. Shockingly, construction workers account for approximately 30% of workplace injuries and are four times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents compared to other sectors.
A Slow Adoption of Automation
Despite the evident advantages, the construction industry lags behind other sectors in adopting automation and robotics. A global survey commissioned by ABB revealed that only 55% of construction companies in Europe, the U.S., and China currently utilize robots, compared to 84% in the automotive industry and 79% in general manufacturing. Nevertheless, there is hope on the horizon, as the survey also indicated that 81% of construction businesses plan to introduce or increase the use of robotics and automation in the next decade.
The housing crisis is a challenge that cannot be ignored, and the road to a solution lies in automation and innovative construction practices. ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting’s collaboration to drive automation in the construction industry is a significant step toward addressing housing shortages, promoting sustainability, and reducing environmental impact. As we move closer to 2030, the transformation of modular housing manufacturing promises to revolutionize the way we build homes and create a brighter future for all.
CLICK HERE to read the entire Automation World article
.
CLICK HERE TO READ DECEMBER’S ISSUE
.
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach, author
