Robots Can Now Build Houses: Will They Replace Construction Workers?

The construction industry is undergoing a technological revolution, moving beyond traditional methods to embrace digital solutions that promise greater efficiency and fewer errors. Ernesta Railė, head of real estate development at SBA Urban's "Urban LIVE," highlights Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a key advancement. This system allows all specialists, from designers to engineers, to collaborate on a single digital project model.

"Imagine we build a building twice: the first time on a computer screen down to the smallest screw, and the second time on the physical construction site," Railė explains. This virtual pre-construction phase helps manage complex project budgets and prevents costly mistakes. Kęstutis Vanagas, CEO of YIT Lietuva, echoes these benefits, noting that mobile BIM platforms like "Dalux" enable real-time collaboration on-site, allowing for immediate comparison of the digital model with actual work and early identification of discrepancies.

Almantas Čebanauskas, CEO of EIKA Construction, emphasizes BIM's role in decision-making. His company uses systems like "Dalux," "Sitewalk," and "Bauwise." Weekly 360° camera captures of construction sites allow the entire team to virtually inspect the project, monitor progress, and address contractor queries remotely. This technology even enabled them to precisely determine if a specific car could fit into an underground parking garage before construction was complete, solving a customer's query during the building phase.

Beyond digital modeling, drone technology is also transforming construction sites. Drones are used for measurements and 3D environment scanning. Artificial intelligence (AI) is entering the field, adept at handling repetitive and tedious tasks. While these technologies offer significant advantages, the consensus among industry leaders is that they are more likely to augment human capabilities rather than completely replace construction workers. The human element of creativity, problem-solving, and oversight remains crucial in the complex world of building.