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Review
. 2024 Aug 26;10(17):e36846.
doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36846. eCollection 2024 Sep 15.

Assimilation of 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for the construction of eco-friendly intelligent homes: An explorative review

Badr Saad Alotaibi  1 , Abdulsalam Ibrahim Shema  2 , Abdullahi Umar Ibrahim  3 , Mohammed Awad Abuhussain  1 , Halima Abdulmalik  2 , Yakubu Aminu Dodo  1 , Cemil Atakara  4
Affiliations
Review

Assimilation of 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) for the construction of eco-friendly intelligent homes: An explorative review

Badr Saad Alotaibi et al. Heliyon. .

Abstract

The construction industry is witnessing a transformative shift towards sustainable and intelligent housing solutions driven by advancements in 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT). Several architectural and construction firms have adopted innovative technologies to make construction easier, sustainable, efficient, cheap, fast, low generation of waste etc. This explorative review critically examines the integration of these technologies in the construction of eco-friendly intelligent homes. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of literature spanning from 2010 to 2024, the review explores the synergistic potential and challenges associated with amalgamating 3D printing, AI, and IoT in construction processes. The increase need of smart homes equipped with sensors that can sense and regulate temperature, prevent or control fire, sense gas leakage, motion detectors and alarms for security and other application is in high demand. These types of smart homes can only be achieved by integrating different technologies together which include 3D printing (3DP), AI and Internet of Things (IoT). Despite the growing research in the field of automated construction, there are few articles that attempt to integrate these technologies together for futuristic smart homes and potential of smart cities. This study is aim at providing up-to-date advancement in technological innovation within the construction sector with regards to applications of 3DP, IoT, and AI. Key findings highlight how 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and customization of building components, AI enhances energy efficiency and occupant comfort through predictive analytics and automation, while IoT facilitates real-time monitoring and control of building systems. Furthermore, the review discusses the environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and societal implications of adopting such integrated approaches. However, challenges such as regulatory barriers, technological limitations, and the need for skilled labor are identified as critical barriers to widespread implementation. Future research directions are proposed to address these challenges and further optimize the integration of 3D printing, AI, and IoT for the construction of sustainable intelligent homes. In this review article, the need for 3DP in construction, advantage and disadvantage of 3DP, (AI) and IoT and the application of these technologies in addressing challenges regarding 3DP and promoting sustainability in the construction industries were comprehensively explored.

Keywords: 3D printing; Artificial intelligence (AI); Construction; Internet of things (IoT); Smart homes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Framework of the study.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Flow diagram of screening process.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The advantage of 3DP compared to traditional building.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Classification of ML techniques.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Application of IoT.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Application of IoT in smart homes.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
3D printed building in Dubai by Apis Cor: a) and b) during printing and C) finished in its environment.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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