ABB Robotics and Porsche Consulting have joined forces to pioneer automation in the construction industry, specifically in the production of modular housing. As the demand for affordable and sustainable housing grows and labor shortages persist, this collaboration aims to transform the sector by introducing highly automated factories for building construction.
Eberhard Weiblen, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche Consulting, stressed the significance of addressing the challenges the construction industry faces. He emphasized the potential for highly automated factories to produce superior, cost-effective housing. By merging ABB's cutting-edge robotic solutions with Porsche Consulting's expertise in state-of-the-art factory planning and management, the goal is to revamp the construction industry.
Marc Segura, President of ABB Robotics Division, underlined the need for more intelligent automation to combat widespread labor shortages and enhance productivity. He explained that this collaboration would not only lead to more customization in housing but also enable sustainable and efficient construction practices.
Construction labor shortages have been a prevalent issue, contributing to housing deficits worldwide. In the United States, a shortfall of nearly four million homes is attributed to labor shortages, while Germany is projected to face housing supply shortfalls in 35 cities by 2030.
The conventional construction industry struggles to meet housing demands while simultaneously needing to improve the environmental performance and efficiency of buildings. Sustainable construction practices, such as reducing raw material transportation and waste generation, can address these concerns. Up to 25 percent of materials transported to construction sites are estimated to be discarded as waste.
Modular construction offers increased efficiency by reducing material wastage and minimizing delays due to adverse weather conditions. Moreover, factory settings provide a safer work environment, which is crucial, considering construction accounts for around 30 percent of workplace injuries and a significantly higher risk of fatal accidents compared to other sectors.
The construction industry lags behind other sectors in automation and robotics adoption. A survey conducted by ABB of construction businesses worldwide revealed that only 55 percent use robots, while automotive and manufacturing industries stand at 84 percent and 79 percent, respectively. However, 81 percent of construction companies plan to introduce or expand the use of robotics and automation in the next decade.
Porsche Consulting's Eberhard Weiblen expressed their commitment to sustainable housing and the potential for technology transfer to revolutionize the construction sector. ABB's Marc Segura emphasized their objective to elevate modular construction in terms of quality, efficiency, design, and sustainability, ushering in a new era in construction.
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