Rapid developments in robotics and artificial intelligence are ushering in a new age that
could change profoundly change the way we live.
From smart houses to self-driving cars, the applications of AI and robotics are virtually
limitless.
The construction industry is by no means immune to these developments. It’s an incredibly
exciting time for our sector as numerous pioneers and research teams develop robotic technology
to take over dangerous or highly repetitive tasks improving quality, productivity and efficiency.
Here, we delve into the roles that robots are starting to play in construction and look
at how they will affect our industry in the future.
Before we start, it's important to be clear on the difference between a machine and a robot.
While all robots are machines, not all machines are robots.
Ultimately what sets a robot apart from a machine is its ability to be programmed to
undertake complex tasks and to operate, at the very least, on a semi-autonomous level.
While a worker lifting a heavy load with an exoskeleton might appear robotic, the process
is still controlled and operated by the worker.
The same can be said for drones. Though they are able to carry out a series of tasks, at
present, most commercially available drones are controlled remotely and are unable to
perform those tasks without human interaction.
Arguably the most prevalent type of construction robot at the moment is the mechanical arm.
While stationary versions of these robots have been in operation in factories and on
manufacturing assembly lines for years, portable adaptations are now being developed for use
in all manner of tasks on construction sites.
Able to be programmed to perform a range of repetitive and labour intensive activities
- such as moving materials, tying rebar, building masonry walls and even 3D printing structures
- these robots are set to have a huge impact on the industry reducing accidents and greatly
increasing productivity.
One particularly prominent example is Odico Formwork Robotics who have developed a robot
that uses “hot wire cutting” to develop complex double curved concrete moulds.
Traditionally this time consuming and costly process was used sparingly in construction.
Now, these robots can be programed to create intricate formwork moulds with a higher degree
of accuracy than a human worker and in a fraction of the time, unlocking complex designs and
helping to make them a reality.
This particular robot looks set to work on Zaha Hadid Architects’ “Lushan Primary
School” project in China.
Meanwhile in bricklaying, SAM 100 - developed by Construction Robotics - claims to be the
world’s first commercially available robot for on site masonry construction. There’s
also Hadrian X developed by Fast Brick Robotics that can 3D print and lay bricks, completing
the superstructure of a conventional masonry home in just two days.
In the world of steel reinforcement “Tybot” - a robot developed by Advanced Construction
Robotics - has been trialled tying rebar on a bridge project in Pennsylvania, one of the
first examples of a robot undertaking an activity on a live construction site.
There are also rapid developments coming out of ETH Zurich National Centre for Competence
in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication in Switzerland.
Researchers here have developed in-situ fabricators that can build masonry walls, construct
steel reinforcement structures and even assemble timber frame buildings.
Robots are also entering the construction industry in the form of autonomous rovers
equipped with high definition cameras and sensors that allow them to navigate their
way around sites.
Able to identify and avoid obstacles, robots such as “EffiBOT” - developed by French
robotics firm Effidence - can follow workers, carrying tools and materials.
Even more advanced is this rover by Doxel that uses high definition cameras and “Light
Imaging, Detection and Ranging” (or LIDAR) sensors to carry out building site inspections,
comparing progress with design models and programmes.
Moving things up a gear, complete autonomous vehicles and plant are able to transport materials
or undertake specific tasks in accordance with design models.
Activities like excavation or grading can be carried out around the clock without the
need for breaks, greatly enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Prominent examples include
Volvos’ HX1 dumper and this autonomous dozer developed by Built Robotics.
While we are only just beginning to see what robotics could do for construction
there are already more advanced robots in development that could one day replace
humans in certain industries and job roles altogether.
Whilst this might sound daunting, the rise of robotics, and indeed artificial intelligence,
is likely to lead to the creation of new job roles and opportunities that we haven’t
yet imagined.
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