How Automation Will Be the “Game Changer” for the Construction Industry’s Talent Shortage

With the world’s population rising, the global construction industry is expected to grow from $13,570.90 billion in 2021 to $22,873.96 billion in 2026 at a rate of 9.8%. But as positive as this outlook may be, the industry lacks the foundation to realize this growth: its workers.

According to expectations for this year alone, around 546,000 additional workers will be needed. The construction workforce’s most productive and refined skills are whittling away into retirement, with nearly one in four construction workers older than 55, and too few younger workers are entering the skilled trades.

This leaves the industry in a predicament. How can it make construction jobs more attractive? And what can it do to boost productivity among the existing workforce?

Let’s take a look at how machine automation is supporting worker efficiency while encouraging new recruits to join the sector.

Automating Processes Increases Worker Safety and Productivity

The construction robotics market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $7.9 billion by 2027. In particular, construction robotics is gaining attention in the area of rebar installation—the implementation of reinforced steel to ensure durability, versatility, and safety when building load-bearing structures. 

During rebar installation, each employee on the face of formwork or reinforcing steel must be protected from falling over 1.8 meters by personal fall arrest systems, safety-net systems, or positioning device systems. However, fall protection is the most frequently violated occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) standard. So how can tech help?

Advanced Construction Robotics (ACR) has launched a robot that can lift, carry and place nearly 2,300kg bundles of rebar, effectively reducing rebar installation times by 50%. What would once require ten men—and ten sore backs—can now take one robot and a machine pilot, freeing nine workers to safely complete groundwork or less dangerous tasks. By handling the heavy lifting, these robots help the workforce double productivity, remove the need to set up safety precautions, and reduce occupational injuries. 

Tech Keeps Costs Low and Enhances Productivity

Construction’s talent dilemma is so dire that a Montana-based firm flew construction workers in a private jet to meet labor shortages when they couldn’t source local talent. To avoid such expensive last-minute solutions, technology is helping to keep costs low. 

For example, on average, two inspectors are required to complete the manual procedures and reports in a standard daily quality assessment, which is a critical step post-construction. Yet the building and construction authority (BCA) of Singapore found that automating this process can reduce construction sites’ assessment and surveying costs up to 30%.

Unlike the two inspectors that are required to assess and survey manually, the BCA’s robotic inspection system can simultaneously assess defects and produce analytics quickly, with less draw on staffing resources. Furthermore, the machines operate 24/7, eliminating worker fatigue and manual error as factors that reduce productivity.

Additionally, surveying and inspecting the land for solar piling is another example of a tedious and time-consuming task where automation slashes implementation time by five. A two-person crew can install upwards of 300 piles per day with artificial intelligence (AI) software, advanced sensors, and a custom pile cartridge system. 

Efficiency gains and reduced implementation costs will free up existing staff time and make more profit that can be reinvested into attractive employment packages.

More Pay, Safer Environment: How the Future Construction Industry Can Thrive

A grand 91% of Gen Z employees report being more attracted to companies that use sophisticated technology. Moreover, half see upskilling opportunities as a benefit to their careers. As Gen Z matures into the workforce, they demand automation, streamlined processes, and the ability to advance their skill sets alongside the latest tools.

That’s why companies like Flex will focus on upskilling 2,000 employees on surface mount technology and critical manufacturing processes, including robotic assembly and automated optical inspection. This will support an increase in wages, with Inspection Systems Programme Managers’ bringing in just over $97,802 when, without the programming skills, a Construction and Maintenance Inspector makes an average of $32,768.

Similarly, under the Pact for Skills partnership, the European Commission and the construction industry aim to upskill and reskill at least 25% of the workforce—three million construction workers—in the next five years. Areas such as energy efficiency, circular economy, and digitalization will be of top priority in line with Gen Z’s preferences and demands.

As the construction industry swaps mundane and dangerous tasks with automation and upskills workers on the latest technologies, they will promote sustainability, safer practices, and increase the ability to offer higher wages. This helps the sector recover from the labor shortage and invites newer technologies and new talent pools to the industry.