5 Robots That Are Changing Construction

Construction work has constantly changed as construction workers are always finding new methods to complete the job more efficiently. The future of construction is looking bright as robotics technology is now working with construction technology to make all different types of construction robots. Although the development of autonomous construction robotic systems is still in the early stages with what is available now, robots on construction sites look promising.

Robots Used in Construction

1. Bricklaying Robots

These bricklaying robots have been developed by an Australian company, FBR, and have replaced the tenuous stress that human laborers face in bricklaying. These built robotics were created to address housing shortages because the robot is able to move at a faster pace than a human could. This bricklaying robot named, Hadrian X, looks like a traditional crane truck but it has a control system, block delivery system, and dynamic stabilization system that allows the robot to lay the bricks.

Hadrian X operates through the control system as the software analyzes the walls structure and turns this into data. This data is then used for the robot to process placements, coordinates, and dimensions of the brick before picking it up and laying it down on the structure. 

2. Demolition Robots

Demolition robots are now being used within the construction industry to tear down buildings near the end of their lifecycle. This replaces the need for heavy equipment, like excavators, on construction projects as well as human labor as the robot will be able to knock down the structure itself. 

These robots are quite new within the industry but are able to use multiple attachments needed in demolition. These attachments include hydraulic breakers, crushers, drills, and buckets to break through the building. Their design is much like an excavator except they do not include a cab for an operator so they are able to fit into smaller spaces.

Demolition robots are an autonomous vehicle that was created to minimize the risk that human workers face on a demolition site. These robots also have amazing efficiency as they do not need any downtime in an already labor intensive job. 

3. Swarm-Bots

Swarm-bots are simply construction robots that increase safety on construction projects by completing tasks that are deemed unfit for a human to complete. The swarm-bot was created to use multiple robots in large numbers in order to build a design without any guidance. These robots can build many amazing structures where other construction machines would cost more and risk to humans is higher.

Swarm-bots are controlled by artificial intelligence as they are set up with rules and procedures to follow before the job commences.  With the rules in place the bots are able to work with one another building structures efficiently. 

4. Drywalling Robot

Drywalling Robots are currently being created and used by a company named Canvas. This robot is semi automated as it is powered through a control panel that a human operator has access to. This robot uses artificial intelligence (Ai), laser scanners, and a robotic arm that scans unfinished walls using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to then smooth the surface before applying a drywall compound.

This robot was created to help companies with efficiency and labor shortage as it can do more drywalling in a short time and does not require skilled laborers to operate. Its effectiveness in the drywalling industry will see this robot on many sites soon to come. 

5. 3D Printing Robots

Building construction was already a challenge, but designing the right structure can pose even more of a challenge. 3D printing robots have been frequently used as of late since they can lay concrete and create an entire structure in weeks rather than months.

These robots work autonomously as only one person is responsible for monitoring the machine, and this can increase efficiency on the job as other workers can be used for different tasks. As of now they are still in the testing phase for building structures using 3D printing robots, but in January 2020 a fully 3D printed building was created in Dubai. With proof of this concept being demonstrated by the building in Dubai we can expect more companies to look into using 3D printing robots in the near future. 3D printing is expected to be used as it reduces labor costs, and can increase efficiency meaning it is a valuable asset in construction.

Why Robots are Changing Construction

Construction robots are still being developed to complete most tasks, yet some are in use now. These machines will be able to change how workers complete their job as they will be able to help in areas needed for increasing efficiency.