Guide to Advanced Construction Robotics for Mechanical Engineers

Exciting innovations in advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers have made things easier than ever in many ways. For example, construction layout robots, robotic exoskeletons, surveyors, and other advances in robotics for construction and mechanical engineering have automated many processes, increased safety, and maximized accuracy for all types of projects.

Here, you'll learn more about these advancements and what they mean for the future of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEP/FP).

The Evolution of Construction Robotics in the MEP/FP Trade

In recent years, advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers has continued to evolve based on ever-changing needs in the MEP/FP trade. With the help of the latest advancements in robot technology for MEP/FP, mechanical contractors experience multiple key benefits, from increased efficiency and speed to improved cost-effectiveness and safety.

Continuing advances in robotics for construction and mechanical engineering will allow this industry to innovate and achieve better project outcomes with their implementation.

Specific Benefits of Construction Robots for Mechanical Contractors

Today's construction robots offer multiple benefits, including enhanced precision, productivity, safety for workers, error prevention, and cost-effectiveness across all projects.

For instance, layout robots enable mechanical engineers to easily map out areas for the future installation of heating, air conditioning, fire safety systems, and many other building systems. As such, these professionals and others in this trade can deliver satisfactory projects far more easily and efficiently while staying within budgetary constraints.

Most Popular Construction Robots Used in Mechanical Engineering Today

There are several types of advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers and other professionals, including:

Multi-purpose robots assisting with everything from BIM modeling to demolition
Construction layout robots that can simplify layouts for walls and MEP/FP installations
Inspection robots that ensure projects are properly completed
Masonry robots that automate masonry work to maximize speed and cost efficiency
Bricklaying robots that can lay as many as thousands of bricks per hour
Exoskeletons that can help operators perform manual tasks by reducing physical stress

However, there are some challenges in integrating these and other robotics systems into mechanical engineering workflows, including a lack of training or overall incompatibility. At the same time, certain solutions are available to ease integration and get the most from robotics. Knowing these challenges and their potential solutions can help mechanical engineers successfully implement the right robotics.

Existing Challenges and Solutions With Construction Robotics

Despite the many advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers, many mechanical engineers still struggle to integrate these solutions. For example, engineers may not have the proper resources to finance robotics, train workers to utilize these systems properly, or ensure their compatibility with existing workflows.
Thankfully, there are some solutions available to overcome these challenges, such as:

Recognizing the cost benefits of integrating the ideal robotics
Implementing training programs with a focus on robotics
Working with robotics manufacturers for assistance with integration specifically for use in mechanical engineering applications

By overcoming the potential challenges of robotics integration, mechanical engineers can fully realize the benefits of these invaluable assets.

Advancements to Expect in Construction Robotics

As advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers continues to develop, we can expect to see several specific advancements. These solutions include construction layout robotics, surveyor robotics, and more.

Ultimately, the utilization of construction robotics is changing to meet the ever-evolving needs of this industry. The following solutions allow for automation and increased accuracy, among other benefits.

Construction Layout Robots

These robots automate—and increase the accuracy of—all types of layout projects, and their future looks interesting as they continue to evolve. Certain advances in robotics for construction and mechanical engineering will focus on improving these robots in key areas, such as:

Automation
Integration with existing systems and technologies
Agility and mobility on different types of sites

Ultimately, these advancements will make all kinds of tasks much easier and cost-effective for mechanical engineers.

How Will Layout Robots Improve in the Future

All types of developments are in progress to optimize construction layout robots' automation, mobility, adaptability, and integration. As a result, they'll be able to more easily overcome the various challenges these professionals face when implementing robotics.

Specific advancements include:

Increased Automation and Self-Reliance

New developments in construction layout robots will enable them to perform layout tasks with little human involvement. They can improve these processes through increased efficiency, accuracy, and overall reliability.

One specific development is the ability to work with existing Robotic Total Stations to maximize worker efficiency and automate all workflows. Solutions like HP SitePrint also print all required information to facilitate communication between different trades with notes and other details.

More Integration With Other Technologies

Construction layout robots like HP SitePrint also allow for more ease of integration in the MEP/FP trade. They'll prevent clashes between trades by working directly with your digital model, with the ability to print all types of layouts, including:

Water supplies
Electrical systems
Ventilation
Drainage
Fire protection
Sewage
And more

Other potential integrations include augmented reality (AR) and machine learning (ML) to optimize project communication. In turn, mechanical engineers benefit from improved data analysis, enhanced visualization, and collaboration with optimized efficiency and accuracy.

Other Emerging Construction Robots

In addition to construction layout robots, there are other advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers and other professionals under development.

Here are some more advanced robotic construction solutions that are revolutionizing the industry.

Robotic Exoskeletons

Robotic exoskeletons provide workers with physical support to help them complete certain manual tasks, including lifting and moving heavy items. Subsequently, workers experience reduced physical strain and improved productivity at work sites.

For instance, EksoWorks manufactures industrial exoskeletons that fit onto a worker's upper body to reduce fatigue, potentially preventing injuries while increasing a worker's strength and stamina.

Robotic Surveyors

For increased precision of measurements and mapping, mechanical engineers and others could implement robotic surveyors. These solutions can improve accuracy and efficiency while also reducing labor expenses through automated surveying.

An example of these solutions is the Duncan & Parnell Robotic Total Station, which includes a Magdrive instrument drive system for silent mobility while repeating angle measurements.

Autonomous Robot Vehicles

These robots can perform various tasks at construction sites for mechanical engineers, including inspections, site monitoring, and material transport. They can assist manual workers by completing tasks in unsafe areas and optimizing their efficiency.

One type of autonomous robot vehicle could include an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), i.e., a drone, that mechanical engineers can pilot above a construction site to inspect various areas, including those that might present certain hazards to workers.

How to Integrate Construction Robotics Into Mechanical Processes

Looking at your current mechanical processes is critical to determining how best to integrate advanced construction robotics for mechanical engineers.
One area to consider is ease of operation based on your workforce's current capabilities, potentially requiring a training program in place to give workers the knowledge and skills needed to integrate robotics solutions. Other steps you can also take include:

Performance monitoring
Choosing the right robots based on your needs
Establishing clear usage protocols

Get Ahead With the Integration of HP SitePrint

To meet these integration needs, consider using HP SitePrint construction layout robots. HP SitePrint can supply multiple construction project efficiencies to help mechanical contractors make full use of automated robotics technology.

For example, HP SitePrint solutions can integrate layouts for specific building systems for seamless compatibility. They can print straight from your digital models to facilitate the accurate positioning of fixtures and components. These robots print using your existing CAD layouts, minimizing the need for training when integrating them into your Robotic Total Station.

Also, HP SitePrint facilitates collaboration efficiency through the incorporation of text with MEP/FP system assembly instructions.

The Final Word on Construction Robotics and What It Means for Mechanical Engineers

With the help of the latest advances in robotics for construction and mechanical engineering, mechanical contractors will be able to simplify projects while securing great outcomes. They'll help transform mechanical processes for increased accuracy, precision, safety, and cost-effectiveness, especially with proper integration practices in place.

Using solutions such as HP SitePrint, you can contribute to your industry through improved mechanical engineering practices and better overall efficacy.
To learn more about how a construction layout robot like HP SitePrint can help your mechanical operations on construction projects, contact us today.

HP SitePrint HP SitePrint