Technology Disrupting The Construction Sector

By adopting innovative technologies like automation in construction, innovative designs, sustainability, use of prefabricated material and online marketing, developers can value-engineer their product, opines Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group

- Anuj Puri

Technology has disrupted almost every facet of the real estate business today. However, the creation of the core product is and will remain the most important aspect of this business, and advanced technologies are certainly playing a major role there. By adopting innovative technologies like automation in construction, innovative designs, sustainability, use of prefabricated material and online marketing, developers can value-engineer their product. More so, with labour shortage looming large across cities due to the pandemic, developers may look for alternate construction methods that focus on saving time or subverting costs. If not entirely, at least some stages of the entire construction cycle may become labour-free. Let’s look at some of the existing and upcoming technology disruptions in real estate construction.

3D Printing

Among the many new technologies already adopted by the construction sector, 3D printing which is the large-scale printing of homes is anticipated to change the way real estate is built over the next decade. Though still very nascent, 3D printing can potentially replace a substantial amount of construction across major segments, including residential, commercial or even retail. This will be a massive paradigm shift in real estate development. Apart from seriously reducing waste, cost and labour requirements, 3D printing will help builders penetrate the hitherto inaccessible areas of dense urban centres, where it is impossible to set up heavy machinery for construction. 3D printing technology will eventually also involve the printing of internal structures such as walls, plumbing, electrical systems, venting, and so on.

Anuj Puri Chairman, ANAROCK Property Consultants