Contractors Hot Line August 9, 2024 | Page 13

and maintain the new technology and hardware.
Just mentioning“ autonomous equipment” or“ robotics” raises flags for many construction workers. Change in the workplace can often be met with resistance due to fear of job loss to robotics. Reluctant workers may lack trust in the new technology and push back when change threatens established practices.
Heavy equipment, either diesel or electric-powered, can experience technical failures and downtime. It’ s important to recognize this and understand that technical issues will occasionally disrupt project productivity.
As the technology advances, regulatory and legal issues will become commonplace. Different regions may impose laws and regulations that could inhibit autonomous equipment. This is constantly evolving, and it is recommended to stay abreast of the issue.
Looking to the Future The future of automation looks bright.
Many construction companies have started adopting and integrating autonomous and remote-controlled equipment to provide greater flexibility, increased productivity and address concerning labor shortages within the industry. But with the acceptance comes some hesitancy.
For now, it appears construction robots and autonomous equipment are a more futuristic dream than a current reality. Semiautonomous robotics are considered the best viable approach, working with preset steps on predetermined shapes and structures.
But that’ s not to say things won’ t change. With experimentation, development, and early adoption, autonomous and remote-controlled equipment could be the next big thing in construction.
Drones generate aerial views of worksites, offering information about a project ' s impact and progress.