Exploring Construction Robotics: Types, Benefits & Real-World Applications

Robotic technology has the potential to revolutionize every part of the construction industry – yet it can be hard to separate the buzz about the potential from the actual advantages of implementing new tools. Deciding if and how to adopt robotics starts with understanding the technology, being able to assess whether it’s a good investment, and understanding how it integrates into the larger tech ecosystem.

This article explores robotics in construction, including important considerations and challenges, plus key implementation strategies.

Types of Construction Robotics

Robotics in construction refers to the use of automated machines and systems to improve performance or create new possibilities related to tasks and workflows. Robotics encompasses a range of technologies and applications, ranging from simple, task-specific robots to advanced, autonomous systems. 

At this point in the evolution of technology, robotics currently in use on construction sites are mostly semi-automated, meaning they can extend human capabilities but still require human supervision and input. These robots usually perform single tasks in ways that are more efficient and quick than humans or in ways that avoid putting humans in dangerous situations. 

Reality Capture

One of the most common and effective uses of single-task robotics currently is in reality capture. Robotics mounted with cameras can be used to collect data on the jobsite through images, 3D scans or environmental readings. 

Drones can be programmed to fly a set path every day or week to record site progress. On the ground, robotic “dogs” armed with 360 cameras can walk the jobsite, recording high-resolution images for a digital, 3D walkthrough. 

These systems can often be paired with BIM software and augmented reality hardware to compare the installation with design side-by-side and in 3D, making it easier to identify potential clashes or deviations on a jobsite walk. 

Examples: 

• DroneDeploy Aerial
• Boston Dynamics: Spot 
• Unitree Go1

Surveying & Site Layout

Laying out a site is traditionally a very deliberate, manual process — shooting grades, setting elevations, snapping chalk lines and marking penetrations, etc. — that can be time-consuming and subject to human error. Robots can automate certain surveying tasks. Others can take a digital site map or CAD/BIM file and print the layout on a concrete slab with precision. 

Examples: 

• Trimble Total Station
• DustyRobotics Field Printer
• HP SitePrint

Installation & Quality Control

There are many examples of single-use robots currently available to assist with installation, including track-based rovers navigating job sites, robots taping drywall or machines drilling anchors. Robotics are also used in the creation of prefabricated elements, including cutting and shaping materials, assembly and quality control. 

Examples: 

• Canvas drywall finishing robot
• Hilti Jaibot drilling robot
• Robotic Installation System for Elevators (R.I.S.E.)

Autonomous Systems

Fully automated robotics operate completely on their own, performing tasks without direct human direction or intervention. These systems can handle complex activities, such as autonomous equipment for grading or excavation. 

When many people hear about robotics, this is the type they imagine in the form of robots that look like futuristic humanoids. However, most types of fully automated technology are still in the early stages of development and face challenges related to environmental adaptability or regulatory compliance. 

Key Benefits of Robotics in Construction

Robotics should have a defined and measurable impact on a project or company. When implemented effectively, the benefits can be great.

Safety & Risk Management

Robotics can significantly improve safety and reduce the risk of injury on job sites by taking over dangerous tasks. For example, robots can handle jobs like drilling anchors in high places, minimizing the need for workers to get in potentially dangerous positions.

Increased Productivity

Robotics can expedite many processes and increase overall productivity. They can perform repetitive tasks quickly, accurately and without breaks, which can accelerate progress towards milestones and improve workflows. 

Rather than replacing human workers, robotics can enhance skilled labor by handling mundane, strenuous or dangerous tasks. This allows human workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of projects. 

Improved Accuracy & Quality Control

Robotics can significantly improve accuracy and quality control on the jobsite. Task-specific robots are frequently used to enhance precision by eliminating human errors associated with repetitive or complex tasks. 

For instance, the use of robotic total stations for site layout allows for more accurate placement of building components. These robotic systems can cover more ground and facilitate precise layouts, reducing the likelihood of errors and rework.

Cost reduction

Improving efficiency and reducing errors can lead to significant cost savings. Automated systems can help optimize material usage, reduce labor costs and minimize rework. 

Sustainability

Optimizing resource use and reducing waste can increase the sustainability of a project. Automated processes can ensure precise material application, align work with sustainable building practices and reduce a project’s environmental impact. 

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Keys to Adopting and Implementing Robotics in Construction

Robotics shouldn’t be adopted without a lot of consideration. They are often expensive to acquire and require a lot of time and energy to master. Robotics should be late-stage additions to a tech ecosystem, which should already have foundational components such as project management software and BIM tools that can inform and optimize the robot's ability to execute tasks and collect and analyze data. 

Below are additional considerations before adoption or during implementation of robotics, including how to overcome common challenges. 

Start with existing processes and workflows.

The impact of robotics is almost always maximized when applied to existing workflows. Using robotics on established procedures rather than entirely new ones isolates variables that can cause issues, allows for easier monitoring of efficacy, and means that team members and stakeholders already have the expertise to contribute to the process. 

For example, a contractor investing in a robot for layout tasks should already have a site engineer performing layout tasks manually. That way, the new technology enhances the existing workflow, as opposed to creating a new one, with a human to supervise and intervene when necessary. 

Demo and pilot the technology.

Whenever possible, conduct pilot projects or demos before full-scale adoption of robotics. This allows for a period of testing the efficacy of the tool and helps identify potential issues based on real-world performance. 

For example, spending $20,000 to test a robot before spending $100,000 to own it is a good way to understand if the investment will ultimately be worth it. This step isn’t always possible, especially for smaller contractors, and often relies on a company having a dedicated budget and department for innovation. 

Address team concerns.

Address workforce fears and misconceptions about robotics head-on by having transparent, open conversations. Explain the benefits of each new tool and how efficacy will be measured as a way to demonstrate its adoption is meant to aid workers – not replace them. This type of communication can also enlist worker expertise in implementing and maximizing the tools.

Provide training and guidance.

Invest in training programs to equip workers with the skills needed to operate and maintain robotic systems. This helps demonstrate an investment in workers’ futures with the company, while also leading to smoother integration and safer execution. 

Humans are important parts of the implementation process to ensure the tool is meeting performance and regulatory requirements. Training helps them understand how to identify issues, measure success and analyze data. 

Define the purpose.

The adoption of robotics should be aligned with clear project or business objectives, such as improved performance, increased safety or reduced cost. Robotics are usually best for jobs that are dull, dirty or dangerous, but can lead to unnecessary expenses when they are acquired and implemented without intent or used to launch a new procedure, as opposed to enhancing one that already exists.

Establish clear metrics.

The success or efficacy of robotics should be monitored through clearly defined metrics, such as measures of efficiency gains or cost savings. Collecting data on project costs, rework or timelines before introducing robotics can create simple ways to assess the difference once robotics have been implemented. For example, understanding how much time and money it takes for a site engineer to lay out a floor will help to assess the return on investment on a layout robot. 

Create a system to collect and manage data.

Data collection and analysis should be standardized across projects. Reliable data helps to optimize robotic performance, achieve consistent results and address issues. 

Most robotics require integration with artificial intelligence (AI), which requires the collection of reliable data in order to function effectively. AI enables adaptive navigation and decision-making for robots in dynamic situations and environments. 

Consider logistics.

Even if a robot might be a good investment in theory, it’s important to understand if it will be good in practice. Consider the downtime that might come from maintenance, recharging, movement between sites or training to ensure the investment will get enough use — especially since mass deployment of robotics across all projects isn’t currently common.

The future of robotics starts with an open mind.

The current reality of robotics is far from its potential future. However, that future is fast-approaching, and promises never-before-seen efficiency, safety and sustainability. But even as new technologies emerge and costs drop, the successful adoption and deployment of robotics in the future will depend on the same mindsets it does now: an openness to new ways of thinking, a commitment to asking difficult questions and a dedication to careful planning, workforce engagement and effective data management. 

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