In 1968, the film 2001: A Space Odyssey featured an intelligent robot called HAL 9000. Imbued with speech recognition, natural language understanding, and cognition capabilities, HAL 9000 could beat humans at chess.

But now the scenario is a little different. Modern-day robots are enhancing the human experience in many ways. Thanks to advancements in technology and science, modern-day robots can do things that only humans could do in the past. They can mow lawns, assemble cars, and deliver packages. They even conduct land surveys, impart training courses, and assist with surgeries. So, it’s unsurprising that robots are making a mark in every industry. One such industry is construction.

The Construction Industry: From Tech-Averse To Tech-Inclined

The construction industry has traditionally been tech-averse, with a complicated, love-hate relationship with technology. This is because in the past, technology was not available to deal with complex construction environments, nor could it replicate the artistry and competence of skilled human workers.

But times are changing. Advanced technology is creating new avenues for progress and growth in the construction industry. It also provides the means to deal with challenges in the sector. One challenge is low productivity. Recent research by McKinsey and others shows that average construction productivity has lagged the productivity of all other industries since the late 1970s. Other serious challenges are labor shortages and supply chain disruptions. In this landscape, construction firms are forced to reevaluate their manual/human processes and adopt technology to augment these processes.

Many construction companies are also turning to technologies like computer vision technology, low-cost laser sensors, and navigation software to boost productivity, lower costs, and ensure personnel safety. Further, they are taking advantage of advances in robotics to meet demand and maintain organizational growth.

Applications Of Robotics Technology In Construction

Construction has emerged as one of the most suitable application areas for robotics. Robots are helping to construct large parts of buildings that workers then assemble onsite. They also perform previously “human-only” construction like welding, drilling, and brick-laying.

Robotics-powered autonomous vehicles (AVs) ferry materials and tools around work sites. They also assist with bulldozing and ground excavation and enable project managers to build project building information modeling (BIM) and deliver instructions to their workforce.

Robots can scan and inspect work sites to assess project progress, identify discrepancies between planned and in-progress work, and help construction managers to better plan their work schedules. They can also detect potential errors and problems and predict what tasks are required.

Different types of robots are making a mark in construction. For instance, brick-laying robots can quickly build walls and other block structures. Through automation, they bring consistent and better-quality output, speed up masonry processes, reduce material wastage, and ensure cost-efficiency.

Robots also work with drones to create 3D site maps and models of project sites. Managers can use the data and images from these robots for site inspections, surveillance, and worker supervision.

Powered by AI and programmable code, 3D robots create accurate 3D structures by reading 3D CAD models. Robots are also playing a part in securing construction sites. These AI-based machines capture high-resolution aerial footage, enabling site managers to protect their equipment and resources. Finally, demolition robots provide construction companies with a safe and cost-effective way to complete demolition works.

The Impact Of Robotics On The Construction Industry: Present And Future

Clearly, there are many applications of robotics in the construction sector. In the coming years, the number of applications will increase even more and deliver all these advantages to the industry:

• Robots will help address chronic labor shortages with automation and precision technology.
• Implementing autonomous robots will enable construction companies to use their human workers more efficiently.
• Robots won’t replace workers. Rather, they will augment human capabilities and enable workers to tackle more mission-critical jobs.
• Robots will complete repetitive jobs quickly, saving both time and money on construction projects.
• Construction robots will boost the efficiency and productivity of construction workers and sites.
• Robots can be controlled remotely, eliminating the need to physically access unsafe locations
• Unlike humans, robots are not prone to stress injuries so employing them allows human workers to move away from dangerous tasks and focus on activities that require non-physical and cognitive skills.

Conclusion

Over the past couple of decades, robotics has broken new ground in the construction industry. For a sector that’s grappling with labor shortages and other challenges, autonomous robots are helping construction firms to close the demand-supply gap. Many are using robots to finish projects on time and within budget. Robots are also helping to cut wastage and improve the safety of construction sites.

In the coming years, robotics technology will advance even further and bring even more benefits to the industry. The future is bright for construction. And robotics will be a crucial enabler of this future.