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- Quick guide to construction automation and robotics
This short guide is intended for those readers who are newcomers and who want to get a quick grasp of the subject. Once you have done so, you might like to try the self-study exercise to broaden your knowledge and appreciation.
- What is a construction robot and how would I recognise one?
First of all, we need to say what we mean by the word robot. The word itself was coined by the Czech playwright, Karel Capek in the early part of this century, having been taken from the Czech word 'robota' meaning forced work or slavery. In Capek's play, Rossum's Universal Robots, the robots were humanoid machines. The proliferation of industrial manipulators in factories in the latter part of this century has served to reinforce the image of the human-like machine to the extent that it has become the benchmark against which to judge whether or not a machine is a robot.
Strictly speaking, there are few industrial robots to be found in the construction sector, but that does not mean there are no other types. Ever since machines came under computer control we have had automation. Automated machines are, in fact, robots. They not only carry out a complex sequence of operations, but can also control their performance. They are self-regulating, correcting themselves as they go.
Turning to the specific case of construction robots, the question is, how do we recognise one? First, they need to comply with the above basic requirements. Second, they must be suited to their purpose: it would make no sense putting a high precision 'pick-and-place' robot on to a construction site and expect it to work wonders. The construction environment is very different to that encountered in the comparatively well ordered factory and both the demands for mobility and ruggedness impact on the design criteria for construction.robots.
The examples pictured below are two of the most well known and there are others that will be added to this site over the next few months.
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| Shimizu Corporation's wall climbing painting robot. |
The company's concrete power floating machine. |
There have been many examples of prototype and working construction robots. The concrete power floating machine above is used routinely on sites and not just in Japan. It is an example of a dedicated or task specific robot and one that has been shown to raise the productivity of the human (or mechanically-assisted) task it performs. There are other types, including those where more conventional forms of construction plant and equipment have been enhanced by the addition of sensors and controls. They enable operatives to perform at a higher level and, in some cases, can replace them. The accompanying self-study exercise expands on these ideas.
- Why isn't it possible to automate more of the construction process?
Construction is a diverse industry and one that has to cope with an almost unique set of circumstances on each project and site. Whilst these can be used to excuse the industry's lack of progress, when compared with manufacturing, there are many problems that construction faces that exceed the current limits of technology and engineering know-how. The unstructured, dynamic nature of the construction site, the hazards and difficulties presented by temporary works, weather and, sometimes, the shear scale of activity mitigate against greater automation. There is also the investment needed. That said, significant progress has been made in, for instance, tunnelling, mining and other civil or heavy engineering applications. In the case of buildings, the development of a systematised approach to construction using largely dry, prefabricated components delivered just-in-time has advanced the degree of automation now possible. Although it is still early days, development of this kind is indicative of a longer term trend.
Shimizu SMART building project in Nagoya, Japan. See case study under the Technologies section or self-study exercise.
- When is it likely that construction robots will become an everyday sight?
The short answer is: don't hold your breath. The diversity of construction activity and the uniqueness of the problems to be solved mean that it will be some time before we see robots as routinely as one might hope. In some cases, for instance, high-rise construction, it is possible that automation systems will be progressively developed and refined to the point where the sites themselves come very close to an assembly operation. In heavy and civil engineering, more autonomous machines will appear replacing humans where safety and productivity are key issues.
25 years ago, it would be very uncommon to see much construction plant and equipment on small scale, domestic work. Yet today, access equipment, mechanical excavators and power hand tools are the norm. This incremental development of productivity-raising and cost-saving devices will continue alongside the more ambitious site automation and autonomous systems. 25 years from now, it will be a very different picture to now on many sites around the world where concern for human life is paramount. Safety and the environment will become a driving force for more automation and robots on our sites.
- Who is developing robots and automation systems for construction?
To be fair, most of the running - so to speak - has been done in Japan by the major construction companies, often supported by large research institutes (of their own) and by collaboration with heavy engineering enterprises. There have been developments in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia, but by number alone the Japanese have produced far more than the rest put together. Of course, much development has and is continuing to be undertaken by major plant and equipment manufacturers - work which can be done on the back of sales and close relationships with the customer. In some respects, it is tempting to say that we are seeing a convergence of technology just as we see in telecommunications and elsewhere.
You will forgive us for not naming individual companies here, but to name a few would be to leave out many more.
- How do I become more involved in this subject?
This first answer has to be to join IAARC, if you are not already a member. This can be on an individual basis or corporately. We would be bound to say that, wouldn't we? The truth is there is no other organisation of this kind. Throughout the world, there are local interest groups (or chapters) affiliated to IAARC. You can enquire about one in your own country by using our feedback form. For those of you who want a more active role, there is the chance to seek election to the Board of Directors of IAARC or, at the very least, to participate in one of its many committees.
Where can I find further information?
The global reach of construction, IAARC and the internet would suggest this site might be a good place to visit regularly. Attending the annual ISARC, that is a two-three day symposium devoted to all manner of construction robots and automation issues, should also prove beneficial. Then there is the Elsevier refereed journal, Automation in Construction, which is included in IAARC membership for all categories (except students).
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