Every offsite construction company is looking at robotic arms and automated machinery to help factory management fill unskilled labor shortages on the production line. These robotics already have a proven track record.
Now two more types of robots are entering the market and as they gain acceptance both in the offsite factory and on the job site, the need for unskilled labor could be a thing of the past.
Microbots and quadrupedal robots are being used in the construction industry. Microbots are small, lightweight robots that can be used for tasks such as inspection, cleaning, and repair. Quadrupedal robots are larger, more powerful robots that can be used for tasks such as demolition, excavation, and material handling.
Microbots can be used to inspect structures for damage, clean up debris, and repair small cracks. They can also be used to apply sealants and coatings. Microbots are ideal for these tasks because they are small and can access tight spaces. They are also lightweight, which means that they do not damage the structure they are working on.
Quadrupedal robots can be used to demolish structures, excavate land, and handle materials. They can also be used to perform tasks that are dangerous for humans, such as working in high-rise buildings or in hazardous environments. Quadrupedal robots are ideal for these tasks because they are strong and can carry heavy loads. They are also stable, which means that they can work on uneven surfaces.
Microbots can be used to perform tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans, while quadrupedal robots can be used to perform tasks that are physically demanding or require a lot of strength. Both types of robots are helping to make the construction industry more productive and safer.
Microbots are typically controlled by a human operator who uses a remote control. The operator can direct the microbot to move to a specific location and perform a specific task. Microbots can also be programmed to perform tasks autonomously. In this case, the microbot is given a set of instructions and it will carry out the instructions without any further input from the operator.
Quadrupedal robots are typically controlled by a computer program. The program tells the robot what to do and how to do it. Quadrupedal robots can also be controlled by a human operator who uses a joystick or a gamepad. The operator can direct the robot to move to a specific location and perform a specific task.
Here are some of the benefits of using microbots and quadrupedal robots in the construction industry:
Increased efficiency: Microbots and quadrupedal robots can perform tasks more quickly and accurately than humans. This can lead to significant cost savings and time savings.
Improved safety: Microbots and quadrupedal robots can be used to perform tasks that are dangerous or difficult for humans. This can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Increased productivity: Microbots and quadrupedal robots can work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This can help to increase the productivity of construction projects.
Improved quality: Microbots and quadrupedal robots can perform tasks with a high degree of precision. This can help to improve the quality of construction projects.
But there are still some challenges to using microbots and quadrupedal robots in the construction industry:
Cost: Microbots and quadrupedal robots are expensive to purchase and maintain.
Technology: The technology for microbots and quadrupedal robots is still in its early stages of development. This means that there are some limitations to what these robots can do.
Training: It takes time and training to learn how to use microbots and quadrupedal robots effectively.
Regulation: There are some regulations that govern the use of microbots and quadrupedal robots in the construction industry. These regulations can make it difficult to use these robots in some projects.
Despite the challenges, microbots and quadrupedal robots are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. As the technology for these robots continues to develop, they are likely to play an even greater role in the future of construction.
MICROBOTS
There are a number of leading construction microbot companies, including:
Boston Dynamics: Boston Dynamics is a robotics company that develops and builds robots for a variety of applications, including construction. The company’s Spot robot is a quadrupedal robot that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as inspection, mapping, and delivery.
Construction Robotics: The company’s SAM100 robot is a bricklaying robot that can lay bricks up to three times faster than a human.
FBR: The company’s T-Rex robot is a demolition robot that can demolish concrete structures up to 10 stories tall.
Komatsu: Komatsu is developing a fleet of autonomous construction robots that can work together to build structures.
Okibo: Okibo’s Okibo robot is a wall-finishing robot that can apply plaster, paint, and other finishes to walls.
Spider Robotics: Spider Robotics’ S1 robot is a spider-like robot that can climb walls and ceilings to perform tasks such as inspection and repair.
QUADRUPEDAL ROBOTICS
The leading construction quadrupedal robot companies are:
Doosan Bobcat: Doosan Bobcat is a multinational corporation that manufactures construction equipment. The company’s MAXXON robot is a quadrupedal robot that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as material handling and demolition.
Hyundai Robotics: Hyundai Robotics is a robotics company that develops and builds robots for a variety of applications. Their CR-200 robot is a quadrupedal robot that can be used for material handling and demolition.
Kuka Robotics: Kuka Robotics is a robotics company that develops and builds robots for a variety of applications, including construction. The company’s KR QUANTEC robot is a quadrupedal robot.
Liebherr: Liebherr is a multinational corporation that manufactures construction equipment. The company’s LR1300-P robot is a quadrupedal robot that can be used for a variety of tasks.
SANY: SANY is a multinational corporation that manufactures construction equipment. Volvo’s SY1600-6 robot is a unique quadrupedal robot.
Volvo Construction Equipment: Volvo Construction Equipment is a multinational corporation that manufactures the ECR250E.
These are just a few of the leading construction microbot and quadrupedal robot companies. As the technology for these robots continues to develop, we can expect to see even more companies entering the market.
Gary Fleisher, the Modcoach
