From AI to 3D printing, the construction industry is rapidly adopting emerging technologies1 . Forward-thinking construction companies realize that new technology tools like construction robotics in electrical engineering can help them design and complete projects more quickly, safely, and inexpensively. All construction projects share repetitive, burdensome, and time-consuming tasks. Eliminating these tasks through automation can help save time and money without reducing the need for human labor. And many companies have found tremendous value in utilizing industrial robotics to automate specific processes and tasks. In recent years, construction companies have found particular value in leveraging electrical engineering robotics for construction applications to help manage aspects of their project's electrical engineering work.
Robotic Applications in Electrical Engineering
Whether constructing an entirely new building or a new building interior, construction companies rely on electricians to power the project. Electrical work for new construction includes installing temporary power supplies for the construction crew and installing cabling and wiring, circuit breakers, overhead lines, and switchboards. Without these essential elements, the completed building will lack power, light, heat, ventilation, and other crucial features. Moreover, these elements must be installed safely and precisely to mitigate the risk of fires, shocks, and other electrical hazards.
Building projects begin with architectural plans. But when concrete has been laid on new construction or work has begun on a shell, the construction crew must begin markups for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) components. Translating electrical gridlines from architectural plans to actual floors, walls, and ceilings is time-consuming but must be done accurately.
However, even the most careful efforts may not be precise enough to eliminate electrical hazard risks. Robots that can replicate an architectural plan's electrical gridlines can be a valuable resource in this regard. Teams can handle MEP markups quickly and precisely, leaving construction crew members the time they need to perform other critical tasks.
Robotics and Automation
MEP markups are just one of many effective uses of robotics and automation in construction. Other tasks include:
- Ordering materials
- Threading cable through tight spacesThe choice between lasting or permanent prints
- Some estimation work
By automating such tasks, construction crews can save time while completing projects with greater precision. When crews save time, construction companies can save money.
Robots can perform up to 48 percent of electrical work.1 But that figure greatly oversimplifies the nature of electricians' work - and the value that robots can add. Much of the work electricians perform on construction sites is repetitive. Automating these tasks can give electricians the time they need to do the numerous tasks robots can't do. Electricians must account for the realities on the ground, which may require adjustments to architectural plans.
Today's electrical engineering robotics for construction applications cannot match human dexterity, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination for precision installation. Inspections are still the province of humans by law. Also, of course, human oversight of the work robots perform—and the robots themselves —is critical to ensuring these projects are completed with the necessary accuracy.
Impact on Worker Productivity
However, despite their limits, robots can substantially boost worker productivity on construction sites. By eliminating routine manual tasks, electrical engineering robotics for construction can give people the time they need to perform the tasks only they can. Also, they can do so safely; using robots eliminates the risk of injury workers face when performing routine tasks. Robots can also work in hazardous operating conditions.
From a business perspective, robots can help address workforce shortages as they arise. When a crew is short-staffed, project timelines suffer, and costs increase. But companies that use hybrid workforces, where human workers work alongside drones and industrial robots, can keep projects moving according to schedule.
Thanks to Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, today's electrical engineering robotics for construction applications are equipped with sensors that provide companies with helpful real-time data. Robots can identify potential hazards, flaws, and unforeseen environmental conditions and instantly relay that information to crews. With that information, crews can implement safety measures, identify areas for remediation, and determine the best solutions for unanticipated obstacles.
Speed and Precision
Not only can robots complete "busy work" tasks, but they can also improve the speed and accuracy with which these tasks are performed. Consider MEP markups. Traditionally, crews had to translate electrical gridlines from 2D renderings on 3D surfaces. Doing so required repeated comparing and contrasting plans with site markings, considerable communication between workers, and error correction.
Overall, this process has been tremendously time-consuming, even when performed flawlessly. Lighting markups alone can be quite complex, as lighting placement is a crucial design element for residential and commercial spaces. In luxury spaces, lighting is typically more abundant and often requires complex fixtures.
Even if a building employs a relatively conventional lighting setup, electricians must mark up areas for outlets, fixtures, junction boxes, and wiring. RTS, or robotic total station, systems have helped considerably in this regard. This surveying tool has been used to measure the area in order to develop more accurate grid systems. Electricians can manually mark up building spaces using these grid systems more accurately. However, while this method improves accuracy somewhat, it still requires manual markups.
The Role of the HP SitePrint Robot in Electrical Engineering
Some companies have used HP SitePrint to capitalize on the speed and precision robots offer. HP SitePrint leverages RTS survey and measurement data to mark up spaces rather than construction work crews. Not only do electrical engineering robotics for construction save time, but it can also increase the markups' precision. With the marking completed, work crews can coordinate more effectively about any unanticipated challenges, identify solutions, and meet project deadlines.
HP SitePrint is compact and portable , allowing crews to transport it between work sites easily. After uploading a 2D CAD file to the cloud-based device and setup, HP SitePrint will navigate the space autonomously, avoiding obstacles and marking up the site as appropriate. These precision markups help different teams, such as the drywall and electrical teams, coordinate more effectively and communicate potential problems before the work starts.
The more complex the project, the more room for errors, cost overruns, and safety hazards. Construction robotics in electrical engineering, like HP SitePrint, can help minimize operational challenges and increase worksite efficiency. Reducing or eliminating the costly delays that come with misplaced fire safety equipment or incorrect equipment and supply orders will help construction companies complete projects on time and at or under cost projections. Companies that employ skilled workers and use electrical engineering robotics for construction, like HP SitePrint, stand to profit the most.
If you're interested in how HP SitePrint can help improve productivity at your worksites, fill out our contact form to reach a friendly expert.
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