Modular Construction Automation for Affordable Housing

In recent years, natural disasters, along with ongoing conflicts and wars in various regions, have become more frequent and severe, leading to significant loss of life, displacement, and extensive property damage worldwide. The UNHCR's 2023 report revealed that 117.2 million people were displaced, highlighting that the speed and volume of displacement exceed the availability of solutions for those affected. To address the urgent need to provide affordable housing solutions to the displaced and homeless population, modular construction is increasingly preferred over traditional construction methods as it tackles challenges such as long project durations, high costs, and safety and environmental concerns. Integrating advanced technologies in modular construction processes can further enhance its benefits and address design, manufacturing, and assembly challenges. This paper examines the current state of automating modular construction processes to improve affordability, synthesizing literature about automation technologies like robotics and AI in modular construction. It explores how these technologies can enhance speed, cost-effectiveness, and quality. Additionally, the paper discusses challenges such as regulatory barriers, technological constraints, and stakeholder perceptions, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and standardized processes to maximize the benefits of automation in modular construction for affordable housing. Overall, this study offers insights into the opportunities and challenges of automating modular construction, providing a roadmap for future research and practical applications in the critical area of affordable housing.