Construction is ripe for transformation: Advanced robotics could be an answer

Construction as an industry generates trillions of dollars in work each year. Despite being a key part of the global economy, construction today looks largely the same as it did a century ago. In fact, Sam O’Gorman at McKinsey believes that if you took a construction worker from the 1920s to a site today, they wouldn’t be too surprised by what they saw.

Now, this is not to say that the construction industry hasn’t moved with the times, but numerous pain points persist. From the high cost of materials, labor shortages, workplace injuries, and low productivity – we have opportunities to address these 100 year old challenges, and in doing so, ?completely transform the sector with cutting-edge technologies. This is where AI and robotics come into play.

Kevin Albert co-founder and CEO of Canvas – one of our partners empowering people to build in bold new ways – believes the industry needs to build twice as much as it does today. This can only be made possible by introducing an entirely new class of robotic tools over the next few decades.

How can such solutions power the future of construction, and importantly, what opportunities do they present for the industry as a whole? I invite you to read on for my take here. ?

Evolving construction over time ?

As one of the largest global industries in existence, construction sees an annual expenditure of $10 trillion . Despite its huge economic, social, and environmental impact, the industry grapples with significant inefficiencies, with data suggesting that 98% of billion-dollar-plus megaprojects incur cost overruns or delays.

In 2017, the McKinsey Global Institute found that enhancing productivity in construction by 50-60% could increase the industry's global value by $1.6 trillion annually. The sector stands at a pivotal moment, poised for transformation amidst huge challenges and extraordinary opportunities.

Tackling labor shortages and low productivity

Despite overall productivity for the US economy having doubled over the past 50 years , the country’s construction sector has diverged considerably, trending downward throughout that period. Meanwhile, demand for construction is expected to soar, ?but such rapid growth necessitates a substantial increase in skilled labor and improvements in productivity. However, the industry faces a significant demographic challenge. For every new worker entering the field, 2.1 are retiring, creating a substantial gap that is becoming increasingly difficult to fill.

To make matters worse, worker productivity in the construction industry has plummeted by 50% since 1970. Now, labor shortages in construction have reached a state of global crisis, having a detrimental impact on society globally.

Addressing this issue is critical not only for the industry’s future, but for broader economic and social wellbeing. Advanced robotics and AI offer promising solutions to these challenges, providing the potential to significantly enhance productivity and plug the holes plaguing the sector.

Improving site safety

Robotics offer compelling benefits to construction workers – reducing accidents and injuries on-site. As one of the most labor-intensive trades, construction is rife with hazards such as falling from heights, electrical dangers, and the handling of hazardous materials.

The rise of construction robotics has the potential to vastly reshape the industry by addressing safety concerns. Robots can take on more dangerous and repetitive tasks associated with human error and fatigue-related accidents.

Canvas showcases a great example of how this can work. Traditionally, drywalling has led to one in four workers experiencing a career-ending injury, often due to falls from heights or prolonged overhead tool use, resulting in rotator cuff or soft tissue injuries. By implementing automated robotic solutions, Canvas not only protects workers, but significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Such technological advancements create a safer work environment, and promote a sustainable approach to construction, ultimately benefiting the entire industry.

Physical AI in unstructured environments

The advent of AI in robotics offers the opportunity to automate complex tasks in ways previously thought impossible. Unlike the controlled settings within manufacturing, construction sites are highly dynamic environments where workers, materials, and structures are constantly in flux. This requires robots to handle project variations and work seamlessly alongside human counterparts.

AI presents a significant opportunity to develop truly agile tools that can adapt with precision. The worker-controlled drywalling solution Canvas developed is a prime example. Its first product revolutionizes drywall finishing by integrating AI, machine learning, Lidar/3D technologies, and advanced robotics into a single powerful platform. This innovation enables building contractors to deliver high-quality production more efficiently.

Canvas' AI system allows robots to adapt dynamically, creating a truly agile tool for workers. The ability to respond to changing conditions on-site enhances productivity and ensures the technology can be effectively integrated into complex construction environments.

Where to next?

The global construction sector stands at an inflection point today. Rising demand, labor shortages, low productivity, persistent safety concerns. Despite facing significant challenges, the integration of advanced robotics and AI offers some truly transformative solutions.

By automating complex tasks, enhancing productivity, and improving site safety, these technologies can address both current and future challenges. Embracing this technological revolution will not only advance construction practices but ensure the industry's sustainability and growth for years to come.