About the Conference Proceedings Series
Technology advancements and process improvements are rapidly progressing across various industries. Despite these improvements, the construction industry has been lagging in terms of productivity rates and R&D investment. In comparison to manufacturing, retail or agriculture, the construction industry has experienced extremely lower productivity levels. For the construction industry to continually improve, overcoming the barriers to adopting offsite construction and advanced technologies is an urgent.
Offsite construction or manufacturing methods of construction (MMC), such as prefabrication, panelized construction, modular construction, and industrialized construction, provide a significant opportunity to streamline construction processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve quality across different levels. MMC involves the manufacturing of building components or entire buildings in a controlled factory environment, followed by assembly or installation at the construction site. This approach allows for greater standardization, precision, and quality control, reducing the reliance on traditional on-site construction methods.
Concurrently, modern technologies, including software automation, reality capture and data sensing technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), 3D printing and additive manufacturing, and robotics, are transforming industries worldwide. In the context of construction, these technologies have the potential to revolutionize processes and increase productivity. For example, data sensing technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and building information modeling (BIM), enable real-time monitoring, analysis, and optimization of construction activities. AI can automate decision-making, improve resource allocation, and optimize project scheduling. 3D printing enables the rapid fabrication of complex building components with reduced material waste and increased design flexibility. Robotics can automate repetitive and hazardous tasks, enhancing worker safety and productivity. In conclusion, the integration of manufacturing methods of construction and advanced technologies needs to be fostered to overcome the productivity challenges faced by the construction industry.
