Robots in the construction industry are designed to automate processes and streamline projects. They can be used for a wide range of tasks, from pre-building to giving the finishing touches to a project. However, the definition of robots in construction can be different from what people generally believe. According to experts, robots refer to autonomy and assistive technology that enable skilled personnel to carry out their work in a safer, more efficient, and more accurate manner.
There are different types of robots used in the construction industry, including compact gadgets, specially created machinery, or aftermarket enhancements. Robotics may assist with many different activities on the job site, but automation is what separates it from competing technology. We are starting to see more and more building processes being automated, especially in larger metropolitan projects where time and money are constraints.
What Are The Main Uses Of Robots In The Construction Industry?
Robotics in construction can be used for many different activities such as surveying, reality capture, and autonomous mobility. They can be used for repetitive or dangerous tasks, minimizing worker fatalities. Robotics’ future is likely to continue to be dominated by automation, which is expected to advance to support subtasks, increase scalability in terms of reliability, and cut costs.
Collaborations
Collaborative solutions are also being developed in the construction industry, such as the strategic partnership between Trimble and Boston Dynamics. Boston Dynamics is a leader in mobile robotics solutions with its “Spot the Dog” and a humanoid robot named “Atlas,” based on research. This partnership aims to create a robotics-based solution for the building and civil construction sectors, concentrating on three different payloads for gathering construction data on the project site, including reality capture, terrestrial laser scanning, and autonomous mobility.
Canvas and Okibo, have created robots that assist in the finishing touches of a construction project. Of the two American companies, Canvas has developed a plasterboard finishing robot while the other company’s robot is used for painting and coating. According to market research firm IDTechEx, autonomous mobility is one of the most crucial aspects of robot autonomy, and autonomous mobility will experience exceptional growth due to the rising need for autonomous solutions across various industries, including construction.
Conclusion
Robotics can assist with many different activities on the job site, but automation is what separates it from competing technology. Construction automation is becoming more common, particularly in larger metropolitan projects where time and money are constraints. This minimizes worker fatalities and increases efficiency as manually operating heavy equipment and carrying out every task on-site can be quite dangerous.
Collaborative solutions between companies are increasingly common in the construction industry. In 2020, Trimble and Boston Dynamics launched a strategic partnership to create a robotics-based solution for the building and civil construction sectors. Trimble is focusing on three different payloads for gathering construction data on the project site, including the X7 scanner, which is now being used with Boston Dynamics’ “Spot the Dog.”
There is controversy about whether automation will help the skills shortage or lead to job losses as it enters the building sector. Cooperation between all the parties involved is necessary for the effective use of robotic technology in the construction industry.