Traditionally known for taking a careful approach to adopting new practices and technologies, the construction industry is embracing a remarkable transformation due to the rise of robotics. A 2023 report published by market research company The Brainy Insights indicated that the global construction robotics market was valued at $168.2 million in 2022 and is projected to skyrocket to $774.6 million by 2032.
Construction robots are automated or semi-autonomous machines designed to perform specific tasks in the construction industry. These robots are developed to enhance efficiency, safety, and precision in various stages of construction projects.
The introduction of construction robots was first recognised in the 1980s in Japan, when an ageing population left companies with a shortage of manual workers. To address this issue, they started developing machines for heavy-duty yet simple construction tasks, like excavation and concreting. Construction robots then gained traction in the 1990s, when about 150 construction robots were developed.
Construction Robots: The 3 Main Categories
Semi-Autonomous Robots
Semi-autonomous robots require some degree of human input while being capable of performing tasks independently once set up. For example, the semi-automated mason (SAM) can lay bricks at remarkable speeds while human workers oversee the process and manage more complex tasks.
Fully autonomous robots
Fully autonomous robots are designed to execute complex construction processes from start to finish without human intervention. Hilti’s Jaibot is one of the perfect examples of a fully autonomous robot. Jaibot is capable of drilling holes for electrical installations following a predetermined pattern. Its integrated sensors and safety mechanisms ensure that it functions within established parameters, greatly minimising the need for human labour and the hazards linked to manual drilling.
Another example is Built Robotics’ ATL, which is a compact track loader. Equipped with LiDAR sensors and augmented GPS, the ATL works without an operator. This autonomous vehicle is designed for light construction work, like excavating for single-family homes and townhouses.
Tele-operated Robots
Tele-operated robots are remotely controlled machines designed to perform various tasks on construction sites. The TyBot by Advanced Construction Robotics is one of the construction machines that fall into this category. While TyBot performs the repetitive task of tying rebar, it is monitored and controlled by a human operator from a secure distance. Thus improving productivity and safety at work.
The Types of Tasks Performed by Construction Robots
Bricklaying
Construction robots are capable of laying bricks on structural components, such as walls and facades. They place each brick according to the design specifications, which helps reduce human error and ensures consistent quality.
Demolition
These robots are specialised machines designed to demolish structures more efficiently than manual methods. They can break concrete, cut steel, remove flooring, and other building elements, thereby speeding up the demolition process.
Excavation
These construction robots are designed to automate and enhance the process of excavating earth and other materials on construction sites. Equipped with a range of tools and arms, they can perform tasks like digging trenches or moving soil safely.
Welding
Welding robots typically feature articulated arms that can move in multiple directions, allowing them to access hard-to-reach areas and perform complex welds. These robots are equipped with specialised welding tools such as MIG (metal inert gas), TIG (tungsten inert gas), and spot welding equipment, depending on the specific requirements of the task.
Material handling
These construction robots are engineered to lift, move, and transport items like concrete blocks, steel beams, and other heavy construction equipment and materials. Thereby reducing the physical demands on human construction workers.
Inspection and monitoring
Using advanced sensors and high-resolution cameras, these robots can closely examine buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. This allows for detailed inspections that might be difficult or dangerous for human inspectors. Moreover, these robots can track the progress of construction projects by capturing images and data over time, providing valuable information to project managers and stakeholders about whether the project is on schedule and within specifications.
3D Printing
By depositing layers of materials—such as concrete or plastic—according to a digital design, these robots can quickly create intricate shapes and structures. This technology enables the efficient production of custom components, reducing material waste and construction time.
The Role of AI in Construction Robotics and Automation
The incorporation of artificial intelligence in construction robots involves integrating complex algorithms and machine learning models into their systems. These advanced technologies enable the robots to interpret and learn from large amounts of data gathered from sources such as sensors, cameras, and past operations. By processing data, the robots can recognise patterns on tasks and perform the most efficient ways to complete them.
Colorado-based startup Canvas, for instance, has developed an AI-assisted robot designed for finishing drywall. Roughly the size of a laundry machine, this four-wheeled robot uses LiDAR to scan and understand the room it’s in. After mapping its environment, the robot’s computer directs an arm to sand surfaces and applies layers of drywall compound.
The Future of Robots and the Human Workforce in the Construction Industry
As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more advanced AI and machine learning being integrated into construction robots, enabling these machines to improve and optimise their performance in the long run.
However, despite the anticipated advancements and the predictions of massive job losses due to the rise of construction robotics, the construction industry is unlikely to see a significant reduction in human jobs. Instead, AI and robotics are more likely to serve as a support system that takes the stress off human workers, permitting them to focus on more complex tasks.