How military technology can solve America's housing shortage

While in the U.S. Army, I commanded a unit tasked with transporting large quantities of American paper in Iraq to fund critical infrastructure projects such as water treatment plants, schools, and hospitals. Completing these projects quickly and within budget required strategic planning and efficient use of complex technology. This experience inspired me to continue using technology to solve difficult problems in areas where technology had little access to it before.

While other sectors are rapidly modernizing, much of the American construction industry still relies on the same technology used 50 years ago. I see great potential for technology revolution in the construction industry, but it won't happen anytime soon.

There is an undeniable housing crisis in the United States, and while there are many contributing factors such as inflation, rising rents, and high interest rates, the biggest one is simply not enough new housing being built.

Many cities have begun relaxing building regulations to build new homes faster, and global construction spending is projected to reach $15 trillion by 2030. But to keep up, the industry will also need to modernize. We need to make it easier, faster, and more affordable to build new homes in America. The blueprint for making it happen is already there.

Both military operations and construction projects require clear communication and complex logistics synchronization. New homes could be built at lightning speed if the construction industry adopted the most innovative technology currently used by the U.S. military.

Better training for safer and faster construction

The military is using augmented reality (AR) simulations to allow soldiers to experience realistic combat scenarios in a safe environment, making them better prepared for what they will face in the field.

AR can be applied to training construction workers as well. Construction sites are dangerous environments, and most training programs, including paid apprenticeships, can take up to four years. Additionally, human error due to incorrect interpretation of design models often results in rework and extends project timelines.

AR can help solve these problems. German construction company Goldbeck saves $135,000 per week, reduces QA time by 80%, and significantly reduces rework by implementing AR in its training curriculum and providing access design information on-site. I reported.

AR not only increases site safety but also streamlines the entire construction process, allowing more homes to be built faster.

Speed ​​up production with IoT sensors

Another important element of military technology is IoT sensors installed on vehicles, equipment, and weapons. When inventory becomes damaged or malfunctions, sensors relay that information to expedite replacement orders.

The use of IoT sensors in home construction will be a real game changer for the industry. Equipment breakdowns or supply shortages often delay projects. If crews are notified of material shortages or equipment problems in advance, replacements may be available sooner.

IoT wearables can also monitor a worker's breathing rate, heart rate, and body response to a particular work environment, ensuring worker safety while on the job. The adoption of IoT devices on construction sites is increasing, although not as rapidly in the United States as in Asia and other parts of the world. U.S. homebuilders need to more easily adopt IoT technology to accelerate home production and reap immense efficiency and safety benefits.

Leverage data to eliminate red tape

Just as data analytics provides information that supports intelligent decision-making in the military, it has the potential to provide critical information during the construction planning process. More than 80% of construction companies will have access to better data analytics, which could increase profits and drive further construction opportunities.

Better access to data could speed up permit applications, which are notoriously difficult processes, especially in states like California with heavy building regulations. Use data to create predictive modeling for new construction projects to create more accurate work schedules, identify environmental impacts, and expedite the approval process.

Better technology doesn't mean higher costs

Construction leaders often find that they can actually save money when outdated technology is replaced with more efficient systems. Data analysis software is one of the most affordable and easy to implement technologies. And while IoT devices are expensive, they can help you save money in the long run by flagging resource overuse and cutting down on unnecessary spending.

The construction industry has been eagerly awaiting full-scale technological reform. The military can lead this change and serve as a guide to solving America's housing crisis. Now is the time to use it.

Former US Army Captain Alok Chanani build operation.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own.