Construction is one of the most labour-intensive industries worldwide. The industry must adapt to the fact that there is a constant labour shortage and, right now, social distancing. Adapting is a core skill of the industry. Technology advancements are making it easier to adapt every day. Construction robots are a new solution.
What are Construction Robots?
Construction robots are machines that aid in construction. While it is understandable to fear the robots taking over jobs, it seems more like they are improving jobs than stealing them.
4 Major Types of Construction Robots
Although the most popular definition of a robot is a bipedal automobile made from metal, it’s not the only type. Many machines can assist with construction, from driverless vehicles to humanoid labourers.
Industrial Robots
Some of the most well-known automation are industrial robots used in manufacturing. As construction technology advances, the industry has witnessed an increase in robotics used to perform repetitive tasks of high value.
There are three common uses of industrial robots:
Making with Articulated Robots
Articulated robotics are used in manufacturing. They resemble an arm of a human and can be used for many tasks. An articulated robot can be used for simple assembly or welding.
Moreover, articulated robots can be used for space construction. The Canadarms, robotic crane attachments, can be found on the ISS or LunarGateway. This reduces the need to involve humans.
Drones
It’s easy to see why drones are becoming more popular in the construction industry. Their versatility helps to ensure safety and progress on construction sites.
These machines can be remotely controlled using aerial capabilities and can provide real-time updates on a construction project. This is a revolutionary way to revolutionize the project’s life cycle without human labor.
The use of drones in construction will continue to rise as the industry grows and innovation increases. Some of the jobs they have improved are:
3-D Mapping using Drones
Drone mapping is one such method. A drone can produce an aerial map of the site that can then be converted into a 3-D model. Contractors can use this information to identify and plan for possible problems during the planning process. This will allow you to estimate your budget more accurately, which can save money over the long-term.
Self-Driving Construction Vehicles
While the auto industry is working to normalize self-driving cars like Tesla’s Autopilot feature for instance, the construction sector has been using autonomous building equipment.
Built Robotics currently “upgrades off-the shelf heavy equipment with AI guidance systems.” The company’s current lineup includes dozers and excavators, as well as CTL’s. All of these machines are fully autonomous. Safety on road construction is the main problem this solution can resolve.
Construction workers can get hurt working on busy streets. Even the most thorough road safety plan will not always be enough to prevent accidents. Human error can be reduced with autonomous construction vehicles.
ATL Upgrades Construction Jobs
Built Robotics’ autonomous track loader (ATL), is a compact loader that can be operated without the assistance of an operator. It’s equipped with a LIDAR or light detection and range sensors, and an augmented GPS. This autonomous vehicle can be used for light construction tasks, such as excavating family homes.
Humanoid Laborers
The construction industry is experiencing a labor shortage. There are many jobs, but there is not much interest in the sector. The humanoid laborer is a fully autonomous robot that has human-like characteristics.
These workers are not to be confused with other androids like Chief Operations Officer Data from Star Trek. However, the following robots bring that reality closer.
Fighting Humans With HRP-5P
The HRP-5P is a humanoid robot that performs tasks similar to humans. The HRP-5P was developed by Japan’s Advanced Industrial Science and Technology. It is a humanoid robotic that uses a combination of object recognition and environment detection technology to accomplish a wide range of tasks.
The prototype phase of the HRP-5P is still underway, but it can use power tools to install drywall sheets without any assistance. Even with the HRP-5P, human laborers are still needed.