How Construction Robotics are Changing the Job Site Experience

By Kristijan Vilibi?

As a construction enthusiast, you may have noticed that the industry is going through a major transformation with the advent of digitalization. Tech companies and startups are now creating cutting-edge solutions to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in construction, including safety, quality, efficiency, and budget constraints. This has led to the development of innovative software platforms offering powerful project management tools and insights into previously inaccessible project metrics. Additionally, the use of construction robotics is becoming increasingly common on job sites worldwide.?

The use of robotics in the construction industry has been developing for a number of years through advancements in manufacturing, prefabrication, and logistics. However, one of the most significant changes in the industry is the use of robotics on construction job sites for highly repetitive, dangerous, or tedious tasks.

Construction robotics can do various tasks which include:

• Building walls and other constructive elements
• Operating autonomous equipment
• Minimizing staff on the jobsite by being remotely operated
• Surveillance and inspection tasks

Several unique technologies are playing a crucial role in shaping the construction industry.?

These include the following:

Dusty Robotics

The Dusty Robotics team is developing tools to automate the layout process in construction projects, with the goal of increasing efficiency and accuracy in the installation of architectural and mechanical elements. Their product Dusty FieldPrinter can autonomously print a full-scale model onto the construction surface in a fraction of the time it takes a manual layout crew with a chalk line.

The FieldPrinter system requires a control point file, which signifies where in 2D space the system is operating. From there, you can add the model information that will be printed on the floor, either in DWG or CSV format.

The FieldPrinter is capable of printing any combination of points, text and lines directly from a CAD file. Linework styles can be customized to display layer information such as wall types or plumbing types.

Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics has built an autonomous jobsite robot, "Spot", which can perform various tasks on job sites, including scanning and documenting the site with laser scanners and 360 cameras, allowing project teams to focus on more critical tasks.?

Potential uses for Spot on job sites include:?

• Site progress monitoring – frequent capturing of site progress using 360° images and videos, allows for the integration of this information into construction documents, which can then be used to automate the process of gaining insights and generating reports on work progress.
• BIM model comparison - by equipping Spot with a laser scanner and programming scanning routes, it is possible to collect highly accurate 3D data on construction progress. This data can be used to remotely measure key areas of the site and compare the actual conditions to the design intent within BIM, which allows for early detection of conflicts and reduces the need for rework.
• Worker health and safety - Spot can be used to survey confined spaces and hazardous environments, allowing workers to avoid these areas. This information can be further integrated into the BIM model as a warning about potentially dangerous site areas.

Canvas

The Canvas team has developed a construction robot that can improve the speed and quality of drywall finishing by working alongside skilled site workers. This robot can automate repetitive tasks such as cutting and installing drywall and increase consistency in wall finish across large-scale projects. Additionally, the robot can be programmed to move and work in coordination with skilled workers, which can help to minimize the need for scaffolding or other equipment, and thus increase safety on the job site.?

The advantages of using the Canvas robot include:

• Consistent quality control
• Reducing the typical finishing cycle from 7 to 2 days?
• Removal of repetitive tasks and congestion from the job site.

Brick Laying Robots

1. Semi-Automated Masonry (SAM) System

Construction Robotics has developed the SAM system to help reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve the quality of masonry work. The system automates physically demanding tasks such as lifting and placing bricks and applying mortar, while the worker is responsible for accurately placing the brick, cleaning excess mortar, and supervising the entire process.

2. Hadrian X

Fastbrick Robotics has developed the Hadrian X, a prototype bricklaying robot that can place 1,000 bricks in just one hour. The robot is capable of building an entire family home in just two days, including the creation of paths for electrical and water installation systems, as well as leaving the space for doors and windows.

As robots become more common on construction sites due to technological advancements, general contractors are taking a more proactive approach by delving into the technology and startup realm. They are partnering with tech companies and running pilot programs across their projects to try out new solutions and determine their efficiency.

The use of Construction Robotics on job sites can greatly improve efficiency and safety by allowing robots to perform repetitive, tedious, and dangerous tasks.

Do you agree? How is digitalization and the use of construction robotics impacting your job site?