Augmented reality, robotics, artificial intelligence and 3D concrete printing technology could be pivotal to ending the housing crisis, according to a Virginia Tech expert.
Andrew McCoy, director of the Virginia Center for Housing Research, testified before Congress in May, telling a committee that these resources could lead to a larger housing supply and make the cost of a home more affordable.
“Construction technology is especially compelling right now because it doesn’t replace human workers, it amplifies them,” said McCoy.
McCoy said the roots of the affordability crisis began in the 2008-09 recession which led to a significant slowdown in the construction industry. The pandemic exacerbated the issue with supply chain disruptions and rising financing costs.
After more than a decade of underproduction in new houses, new technologies could accelerate the rate of new construction if federal policies are updated, he said.
“Our policy dilemma is that the nation is not reaping economic and social returns from innovation when the industry is not innovating as much as possible,” said McCoy. “We tend to think of housing as an economic indicator, while we need to see housing innovation as an economic driver.”
For example, a community innovation grant from the Virginia Housing Development Authority helped McCoy’s research team at Virginia Tech use 3D concrete printing to build four affordable housing units in Williamsburg and Richmond.
“It is time to harness these tools for progress in the housing industry,” McCoy said.
“We’re beginning to see how targeted policy and funding can de-risk innovation for builders, but we need much more if we’re going to close the housing gap.”
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Crystal Graham
