Automation in construction
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Automation in construction is the combination of methods, processes, and systems that allow for greater machine autonomy in construction activities. Construction automation may have multiple goals, including but not limited to, reducing jobsite injuries, decreasing activity completion times, and assisting with quality control and quality assurance.[1] Some systems may be fielded as a direct response to increasing skilled labor shortages in some countries.[2] Opponents claim that increased automation may lead to less construction jobs and that software leaves heavy equipment vulnerable to hackers.[3]
Research insights on this subject are today published in several journals such as Automation in Construction by Elsevier.
- Equipment control and management: Automation can be used to control and monitor construction equipment, such as cranes,[4] excavators, and bulldozers.
- Material handling: Automated systems can be used to handle, transport, and place materials such as concrete, bricks, and stones.
- Surveying: Automated survey equipment and drones can be used to collect and analyze data on construction sites.
- Quality control: Automated systems can be used to monitor and control the quality of materials and construction processes.
- Safety management: Automated systems can be used to monitor and control safety conditions on construction sites.
- Scheduling and planning: Automated systems can be used to manage schedules, resources, and costs.
- Waste management: Automated systems can be used to manage and dispose of waste materials generated during construction.
- 3D printing: Automated 3D printing can be used to create prototypes, models, and even full-scale building components.[5]
Autonomous heavy equipment
Advances in sensors, machine learning, and autonomous vehicle technology have led to the development of self-operating construction equipment and retrofit systems designed to automate excavators, bulldozers, tracked loaders, skid steer loaders, and haul trucks, allowing them to perform tasks with limited human supervision.[6]
Since 2017, tech companies have developed autonomous or semi-autonomous retrofit kits that can be installed on existing construction machinery. Examples include Bedrock Robotics, Built Robotics, and SafeAI, which develop sensor and software systems that enable excavators and other earthmoving machines to operate with varying degrees of autonomy.[7][8][9] Major equipment manufacturers have also introduced autonomous capabilities: Caterpillar and John Deere have developed autonomous or semi-autonomous systems for construction and mining equipment, including haul trucks and earthmoving machines.[10][11]