The use of robotics in the construction industry is not new, in 1998 due to a shortage of labor dock 22 of the Lisnave Shipyard in Portugal was constructed using remote controlled hydro-demolition equipment which carried out the more dangerous job of extracting the existing concrete structure and then relaying a new one.
However, over the past 20 years the use and development of robotics in the industry has not progressed at the same rate in comparison to other industries. There are numerous reasons this maybe from lack of willingness and cost of the technologies, through to fears of job losses in the labor force. Whatever the reason/s currently this trend seems to be reversing and over the past few years the use of drones in construction has increased significantly, with usage tripling in the last year alone. Drones are most used in surveying and has significantly enhanced the accuracy, speed and ease of which surveys can be done. But how else are robotics changing the industry?
In this webinar, How will Robotics change the Construction Industry, experts from Accenture, Encord and IFS discuss how the use of robotics has changed and what impact this is having on the industry. From Boston Dynamics, “Spot” which is capable of mapping out advanced surveys to Kier using autonomous robots to collect data and compare against its BIM (Building Information Modelling), the use of robotics in the industry is much more widespread and stems from being able to provide:
- Enhanced Data Collection (Scanning/Surveying/Planning/Automated/etc)
- Improved – Productivity/Quality/Efficiency
As assets become more complex and their design processes become more intricate, the use of advanced robotics like 3D-printing are also increasing. An example of this is the world’s longest 3D-printed concrete pedestrian bridge in The Netherlands, the bridge which has an elaborate and freeform geometry would be incredibly difficult to construct without the use of a 3D-printer which has greater accuracy and speed compared to traditional methods.
In summary, the trend for the use of robotics in the construction industry continues to increase, as assets continue to increase in complexity, investment in robotic technologies is also increasing and reliance on their place on the jobsite is ever more important.
About Accenture
Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 537,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.
European Network of Construction Companies for Research and Development
ENCORD is a forum for all industry stakeholders whose main business lies in the construction sector. Founded in 1989 ENCORD has become a major network in the construction sector. Our members are leading companies and suppliers with a business focus on Europe. Representatives of the companies are decision-makers and executives working on research, development and innovation. Visit us at www.encord.org.
