Already being used in many ways across the industry, robotics and automation are enhancing productivity, addressing labor shortages and reducing costs.
Interestingly, North America has led the trend, accounting for nearly 40 % of the global market share, with Asia- Pacific noted as the“ most rapidly expanding market for autonomous off-road vehicles and machinery.”
As the technology advances, fully autonomous equipment isn ' t far from making its way onto construction sites within the next decade. In fact, similar industries have already adopted and integrated certain devices and technologies.
Fully- and semi-autonomous vehicles are most commonly used in mining operations. In this sector, automation is attractive as most operations occur in remote areas where the labor force is lacking. Production often takes place on semi-permanent roads and underground, providing companies with a safe and secure working area.
In construction, major companies like Caterpillar, Volvo and Built Robotics are experimenting with and actively developing autonomous and remote-controlled heavy-duty machinery.
Examples and applications of automation in construction include: for carrying out repetitive tasks with predictable outcomes like cutting materials and drilling holes.
• Intelligent Machine Control( IMC)- used for operating heavy-duty equipment during tasks like grading.
• A combination of humans and robotics- one of the most practical and promising applications, also known as“ collaborative robots” or“ cobots”. These robots are engineered to follow precise instructions and safety guidelines alongside human workers.
Out of 1,900 construction companies surveyed by ABB, only 55 % are currently using robotics. In the coming decade, 80 % intend to implement or expand automation and robotics. As a result, experts predict automation in construction will leap a staggering 85 % by 2030.
Hence the interest for automation use in digging out and remediating ash ponds. Due to the extreme hazards and increase in fatalities, lawmakers are starting to crack down with mandates and regulations.
LOS vs. NLOS Two types of automation systems exist: line of sight and non-line of sight. Each comes with its own set of benefits and applications.
Line of sight( LOS) automation allows the operator to remotely control heavy equipment or machines from a line-of-sight distance up to 1,300 feet away. This protects the workers from hazardous working environments while maintaining a close eye on the project.
The Cat Command remote control for construction LOS product provides enhanced productivity, operator safety and precise machine control. The advanced remote-control system allows the operator to control a single machine, like a crane or excavator, at a safe distance. The technology keeps them close enough to the worksite, but far enough away from hazardous jobs like crumbling walls and toxic dust or debris. After automated tasks are complete, the operator may choose to reenter the vehicle for manual operation.
On the other hand, non-line of sight( NLOS) automation allows the operator to work on a construction project from miles away. Seated in a virtual cab environment, the operator uses a range of
• Drones- used for inspections and surveying job sites.
• Autonomous haul trucks- mostly used in mining and other large earth moving and hauling projects.
• Robotic equipment- used
Already being used in many ways across the industry, robotics and automation are enhancing productivity, addressing labor shortages and reducing costs.
10 August 9, 2024 www. contractorshotline. com