How AI is changing construction sites - automation in times of skills shortages

In Germany and many other European countries in particular, there is a shortage of skilled workers in almost all construction trades, leading to considerable delays and rising personnel costs. To overcome this problem, the industry is increasingly turning to automation and innovative technologies. Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being considered as solutions to make construction processes more efficient and reduce the need for manual labor.

Challenges posed by the shortage of skilled workers

The shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry means that many companies are forced to implement longer-term projects with fewer resources. This increases costs, as specialized professionals often have to be booked in excess of hourly quotas and paid higher wages. The lack of well-trained specialists also has an impact on the quality of the work, as less experienced workers are deployed in demanding tasks. As a result, companies have to find alternative ways to increase productivity and ensure quality at the same time.

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Possible applications of AI and robotics on construction sites

Technologies such as AI and robotics offer exciting opportunities to automate processes on construction sites and alleviate staff shortages. Robots can take over repetitive tasks such as painting, bricklaying or even laying floors. They work precisely and are ready for use around the clock, which significantly increases efficiency. One example of this is bricklaying robots that work without breaks and guarantee consistently high quality.

Artificial intelligence also plays a crucial role: AI-controlled monitoring systems can monitor large construction sites remotely and analyze construction progress and potential safety risks. This allows construction site management to work more efficiently as manual checks and inspections are reduced. In combination, these technologies enable higher productivity while reducing labor costs.

Opportunities and risks of automation

Automation in the construction industry not only brings benefits, but also challenges. One major issue is job security and the question of whether robots could replace human workers in the long term. Above all, socio-political decisions are needed here to ensure that the use of automation is fair. Nevertheless, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in many cases: The industry can not only cut costs through automation, but also shorten project lead times, which leads to greater competitiveness.

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PROBIS as a solution

The PROBIS construction monitoring software offers companies the opportunity to optimally support the use of automation. PROBIS helps to make work processes more efficient by enabling comprehensive monitoring of construction processes and precise project planning. The transparent presentation of all cost and progress data allows project managers to maintain an overview and control automation in a targeted manner. With PROBIS as a partner, construction companies can successfully compensate for the shortage of skilled workers and at the same time take full advantage of modern technologies.

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