As the construction industry stands at the crossroads of tradition and technology, innovative developments are beginning to reshape how we build. AI, robotics, and 3D printing are increasingly being integrated into construction processes, offering a glimpse into the future of automated building. An example of this modernisation is Kajima, a company with a 200-year history in Japan’s construction and real estate industry that has pioneered efforts to introduce robotics and automation into construction over the last 40 years.
Despite the slow evolution of construction practices, companies like Kajima are endeavouring to change the sector. At the International Built Environment Week (IBEW) 2024 held from September 4-6, Dr Chae Soungho, Deputy General Manager and Head of Construction Intelligence Team at the Kajima Technical Research Institute Singapore (KaTRIS), shared his thoughts on during the panel discussion on “Construction Automation: The Use Cases for AI, Robots, and 3D Printing”.
He is joined by industry leaders including Anand Natarajan, Global Sales & Portfolio Manager, Head of General Industries Segment at ABB Robotics; Abhijit Datta, Head of International Business & Managing Director at SCG International Corporation; and Prof Immanuel Koh, Assistant Professor at Singapore University of Technology and Design. The panel was moderated by Er David Ng Chew Chiat, Executive Director at One Smart Engineering.
Dr Chae discussed the key use cases and challenges that come with adopting advanced technologies and their impact on every stage of the built environment—from architecture and design to construction and facilities management:
1. Modernising an Outdated Industry
The construction industry has been slow to adopt new technologies, with many methods remaining largely unchanged for decades. However, Kajima’s 40-year journey toward automation shows that the tide is turning. Their efforts to implement AI and robotics represent the first significant push to modernise an industry that has traditionally relied on manual labour.
Use Case: Automated design and planning software powered by AI can assist architects in creating optimised layouts, and project engineer in simulating construction processes and reducing the overall time needed for project planning.
2. Robotic Automation in Construction
Kajima's success story of a fully automated construction site in Japan, where robots handle the entire soilmoving process without human intervention, showcases the future potential of construction automation. This demonstrates how robotics can be used to reduce labour costs, increase efficiency, and streamline construction timelines.
Use Case: Automatic system application for moulder assembling, robots for finishing work and sensing for site recognition can revolutionise traditional construction tasks, enabling continuous, precise work even in hazardous or remote environments.
3. Challenges of Adopting New Technologies
The transition from manual processes to automated systems is not without its challenges. Companies like Kajima must overcome confusion from designers, engineers, and workers who may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with innovative technologies. Additionally, integrating AI and robotics requires critical testing and stakeholder collaboration.
Use Case: AI-powered systems can analyse project workflows to identify potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies, but they must be customised to the specific needs of the project and workers on-site.
4. The Role of 3D Printing in Construction
3D printing has emerged as a game-changer in construction, with the potential to create building components more quickly, flexibly, and sustainably. From creating intricate architectural designs to large-scale construction of homes and commercial buildings, 3D printing is reducing waste and labour costs while offering new design possibilities.
Use Case: Custom 3D-printed concrete or modular components that fit perfectly into a larger construction project, offering both design flexibility and sustainability.
5. Collaboration for Accelerated Progress
To accelerate the development and integration of construction automation, companies like Kajima are collaborating with researchers, startups, and technology firms. This networked approach helps create a connected ecosystem where AI, robotics, and 3D printing can evolve more rapidly.
Use Case: Startups focusing on advanced robotics or AI-driven project management systems can bring innovative solutions to larger construction firms, speeding up the overall automation process.
6. Integrating Technologies for a Connected Future
For automation to deliver its full potential, the integration of new technologies into existing systems is critical. Kajima emphasises creating connectable systems where different technologies can work together seamlessly. This integration ensures a more comprehensive and efficient approach to construction automation.
Use Case: AI-driven software systems with common data platform that communicate with robotic equipment, enabling real-time monitoring, data collection, and decision-making to enhance construction efficiency.
7. Focusing on Future Development
As automation continues to develop, it is essential to focus on optimising systems for different construction scenarios. Kajima’s long-term approach highlights the importance of making these systems adaptable, scalable, and easy to integrate, ensuring that they can be applied across various construction projects globally.
Use Case: Future-focused platforms could incorporate multi-dimensional data integration system for project management with generative AI or predictive AI for long-term project maintenance planning.
While the challenges are significant, the potential benefits of AI, robotics, and 3D printing in construction are immense. Automation not only increases efficiency and reduces costs but also provides new opportunities for sustainability and design. Kajima’s efforts to modernise their construction processes demonstrate the importance of embracing technological innovation and fostering collaborations to bring the industry into a new era.
As these technologies continue to develop, the focus should remain on their critical application to add value to the construction industry and its stakeholders—from architects and engineers to workers and end-users in the built environment. By doing so, we will build smarter, faster, and more sustainably, ensuring the industry is well-equipped for the future.
This article was written by Joey Jiahui Ong, Innovation Manager at Kajima Development.
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