Innovative, on-site construction techniques, such as modular construction, drones and self-sufficient machinery, have revolutionised the industry by enhancing efficiency, safety and sustainability. Modular construction significantly shortens overall construction time and is becoming more common for tasks such as surveying and working in hard-to-reach areas. They also encourage green building techniques for more environmentally responsible construction practices.
Our survey findings found majority agreement (92.5 percent) on the positive impact of advanced techniques and their enhancement of projects in the region.
Survey findings
of survey respondents said they had witnessed the use of advanced construction techniques (robotics, automated machinery, 3D printing, modular construction, prefabrication, drones) being used on construction sites.
Of these respondents:
said they had witnessed the use of 3D printing on site.
said they had witnessed the use of modular construction and prefabrication.
3D printing
3D printing has become a game-changer in the field of construction. By depositing materials layer by layer, this technology enables the creation of structures with impressive speed and cost-effectiveness. Its advantages include the minimisation of material waste, greater precision and the possibility of producing components directly on-site.
Our survey results suggest a growing acceptance and integration of 3D printing technology in the region. However, addressing challenges (budget constraints, timeframes, material limitations and lack of regulations specific to 3D-printing) plus promoting the benefits of this technology will be crucial if the industry is to maximise potential benefits.
Modular construction and prefabrication
Adopting modern methods of construction in the Middle East
The use of modern methods of construction (MMC) is becoming increasingly popular in the Middle East:
- During the construction of some FIFA 2022 World Cup stadiums in Qatar, MMC were implemented across multiple projects, to help maximise quality and reduce the construction programme to meet impending deadlines.
- The Red Sea Project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has also used both modular construction and prefabrication methods.
Additional types of MMC include the use of structural insulated panels, additive manufacturing (printing building components based on digital design and manufacturing techniques) and on-site process improvements, such as lean construction techniques, digital augmentation and the use of drones.
The next stage for the Middle East is to expand on its market-proven capabilities and make them the norm for construction projects. Public policy reform will play a fundamental role in this as the construction sector seeks to define a robust approach to improving sustainable construction practices. International offsite manufacturing companies are establishing offices in the region, and over the next five years, the sector is expected to mature. KSA now has 44 MMC facilities spread across the country, with an annual production capacity of more than 25,000 units. MMC will be viewed as a crucial component of future construction methodologies, enabling large-scale, high-quality construction.
Site-based robotics
Research and Markets found that the global construction robotics market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 16 percent between 2021-2026. This anticipated adoption is expected to lead to enhanced efficiency, as well as reduced cost and improved safety across the industry. Additionally, it may stimulate innovation as companies explore new ways to use advanced robotics applications for various construction tasks.
Challenges of implementing robotics and implications for future adoption
Whilst using robotics and automation in the construction industry offers a wealth of advantages, there are certain difficulties to be addressed, including upfront expenses, specialised training requirements and the potential replacement of jobs. Ultimately, finding a balance between automation and human labour remains a crucial factor to consider.
Survey findings
of survey respondents had experienced the use of either robotics or automated machinery in some capacity on construction sites.
Although our survey results indicate a relatively low adoption of robotics, recent stats on international-construction.com show rising robotic use in the Middle East, notably in KSA due to increased investments aligning with Vision 2030’s National Industrial Strategy. A report by PwC also states that the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) could contribute over US$135bn to the Kingdom’s economy by 2030.
In Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, recently unveiled The Dubai Robotics and Automation Programme. The initiative aims to boost the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP to nine percent within the next decade, positioning Dubai among the world’s top ten cities in robotics and automation (R&A). By embracing and advancing robotics technologies, nurturing local talent and fostering innovative solutions, products and services, Dubai aspires to solidify its regional and global leadership. The programme seeks to enhance industry adoption of technologies, reduce robotics adoption costs, foster investment collaboration in R&A, support systems integration, ensure public acceptance of innovative technologies and accelerate the deployment of robotics technology.
Drone technologies and application in construction
The global construction drone market is anticipated to reach US$11.96bn by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 32.8 percent from 2020-2027 (Transparency Market Research).
Drones have proven to be extremely valuable tools in construction projects, offering a unique perspective that assists with planning, progress tracking and surveying. The use of drones provides many advantages such as increased safety, quicker data collection and better project management. However, it is important to acknowledge and address any regulatory obstacles and privacy issues that may arise, especially in populated areas.
Survey findings
While globally, numbers indicate significant growth and rapid expansion in the drone market, just 18 percent of survey respondents said they had witnessed the use of drones on their construction projects. This suggests that the use of drones is still in its infancy in the region and its application has yet to reach mainstream projects.
Digital upskilling for construction industry automation
As the construction industry adopts more advanced techniques, there is a growing need for digital up-skilling and improved digital literacy. A workforce adept at handling advanced technologies is pivotal, requiring investment in training initiatives to ensure a smooth shift towards a digitalised construction sector.
Upskilling to accelerate digital adoption in construction
Digital transformations are an enormous undertaking, whether they involve digitising an entire organisation or establishing an advanced analytics start-up. So far, many of transformation intiatives have repeatedly struggled to sustain any progress over time. Talent and technology are crucial to success throughout the digital transformation journey, from planning and hiring, to managing and developing.
Survey findings
of survey respondents anticipate that the integration of advanced construction techniques will expedite the digital skills requirement in construction.
“The process of upskilling encompasses the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to effectively navigate and excel in a digitally driven environment while also ensuring long-term sustainability. Upskilling the construction workforce to align with a digitally driven environment needs to be approached from both an industry and organisational level.”
Adam Ralph
Country Manager, UAE
The construction industry as a whole must embrace digital innovation to enhance efficiency and productivity, as well as aligning with government policies. Efforts include establishing training boards to address the digital skills gap, testing technology on large projects and partnering with regional associations.
At an organisational level, strategies to upskill the construction workforce involve identifying digital transformation needs, providing hands-on training, fostering collaboration, committing to long-term upskilling, prioritising senior digital leaders’ recruitment and transitioning towards integrated enterprise-level technology instead of fragmented adoption through pilot programmes.
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