The use of robotics has become increasingly prevalent in many industries, including construction. However, the robotics used in construction are considerably different from technologies used in other industries. Construction technology (ConTech) encompasses the advanced technology used within the construction industry to plan, design, and build structures, and robotics in construction (RiC) involves various elements of ConTech that have helped innovate the industry and automate many processes.
Here you'll learn more about robotics in construction and what it means for the future of this industry.
Historical Perspective: Early Use of Robotics in Construction
Robotics in construction primarily involved Japanese manufacturers in the 1980s and 1990s that developed robotic systems to assist with the automation of certain construction tasks. For example, these early teleoperated systems helped streamline processes such as bricklaying, building finishing, and guidance using laser technology.
As a result of these innovations, the construction industry saw an increase in efficiency and workplace safety for construction workers. These systems would also pave the way for the continued development of robotics in construction.
Present Trends: Robotic Applications in Construction
There are multiple robotic applications in the construction industry that help automate various processes. These applications include the following:
Layout Robots
Many sites use layout robots to help increase the efficiency and accuracy of construction projects. These systems, including HP SitePrint, use robotics to develop highly accurate on-site layouts and print text for enriched information. In turn, they can significantly boost productivity and enable workers to focus on other crucial tasks requiring their attention.
Robotic Automation in Repetitive Tasks
Many of the most commonly used robotics in construction assist with completing repetitive tasks. For instance, robotics systems developed in the 1980s by Japanese company Shimizu perform various tasks, from plastering and tiling to fireproofing steelwork and facade cleaning.
Drones and Autonomous Vehicles in Construction
Construction sites also often use drones and autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles to perform multiple tasks. For instance, drones can assist with remote inspection of construction site work, while autonomous vehicles perform tasks such as paving and compacting.
Wearable Robotics and Exoskeletons
Construction workers may opt to use certain wearable technology and exoskeletons that enable them to perform tasks more efficiently. Exoskeletons can allow for more efficient and guided manual work. Also, augmented reality (AR), mobile devices, and smart glasses can further help complete many tasks with increased precision and accuracy.
Benefits and Challenges of Robotics in Construction
There are multiple advantages and difficulties in the construction industry revolving around robotics.
Benefits of Robotics in Construction
Some of the benefits of robotics in construction include:
Increased Productivity and Efficiency — The use of robotics systems can help improve productivity and efficiency. Robot tools can complete many mundane and repetitive tasks that might otherwise unnecessarily take up workers' time. As a result, workers can divert their attention to other vital tasks while robotics help improve the overall accuracy and efficiency of different tasks.
Improved Safety and Risk Reduction — Using automated systems and autonomous vehicles can also improve safety and reduce risk in the workplace. Robotics can perform dangerous tasks in place of construction workers.
Enhanced Precision and Quality — Today's robotics solutions, including automated pavers, other systems, and wearable technologies, facilitate improved quality and precision across all tasks.
Challenges and Limitations
Some certain challenges and limitations come with robotics in construction, such as:
Integration with Existing Construction Processes — Robotics can significantly help increase the efficiency and quality of many processes in the construction industry. However, it may be a challenge to effectively integrate these systems into existing construction processes that currently rely on human workers and other systems.
Skilled Labor and Workforce Impact — Today, there is a serious shortage of skilled workers that can compromise many companies and projects. But robotics in construction will help mitigate this. The skilled labor shortage isn't likely to change anytime soon. So it's important to use innovative technologies to help alleviate this pain and supplement existing workforces.
Future Trends: The Evolving Role of Robotics in Construction
As technology develops and new innovations come along in robotics in construction, we can anticipate a few key trends for the future of these systems:
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Using a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), robotics in construction can optimize the efficiency of many tasks. As robots complete certain processes, machine learning enables them to determine how to perfect the task and continually improve its performance.
2. Advanced Sensors and Vision Systems
Many pieces of robotic construction equipment use sensor-based technologies such as cameras, laser scanners, and radio frequency identification (RFID) to scan and analyze construction sites and work. Vision-based systems can also help robots "visualize" construction sites. Then they can complete tasks such as waste management by allowing them to more easily find nails, screws, and other items.
3. Human-Robot Collaboration and Coexistence
Many workers understandably worry about robotics replacing them in the construction industry. But the fact is that robots are often more complementary to allow for collaboration and increased safety. For example, construction workers can use human-robotic collaboration (HRC) systems to control robots on-site from a remote and safe location. Equipment such as teleoperated excavators allows workers to control them using solutions such as cameras, orientation sensors, and head-mounted displays.
Be Part of the Future of ConTech
Robotics in construction still has a long way to go before this industry effectively adapts this technology. But it has the potential to transform construction work. The continued research and development and collaboration for future advancements will help shape a safer and more efficient future in the construction industry.
If you're looking for the ideal robotics solution to help develop layouts with optimized accuracy and efficiency, consider using HP SitePrint. Contact us today to learn more about this advanced solution and how it can help you boost the productivity and quality of your layout processes.
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