The construction industry is booming. There’s currently significant growth in many sectors and regions. Despite this growth, the industry is also facing a lack of experienced workers and an aging workforce. Seventy percent of construction firms are struggling to find skilled workers. Additionally, the average age of construction workers rose from 37.9 years in 2000, to 42 years in 2015.

Automation is a problem solver

During this worker shortage, the great need to relieve pressure for enhanced operations, improve profitability and customer satisfaction requires innovation. One simple solution is turning to automation. However, the available technology is not nearly as simple as the decision to adopt it. There are numerous intricacies that enhance contractors’ ability to:

• enhance the speed of construction;
• improve jobsite safety;
• overcome manpower shortages; and
• improve efficiency and quality.

Check out the latest, greatest robotic technologies currently in development, and learn how they can assist with specific construction tasks.

Humanoid bots

These robots are being developed to hang drywall. At the current stage, they’re able to pick up, place and fasten sheets of wallboard in a highly repetitive environment. They also have sensor-based environmental detection and reporting; machine learning and visual recognition; and multi-jointed construction that allows them to be more flexible than a human arm.

Robot dogs

The build and features of this bot are similar to that of dogs. It walks around the jobsite on four legs, equipped with environmental sensors, cameras, navigation and proximity sensors. The robot dog records video and provides data to a dashboard that can be used for visual learning. With its mobile manipulation arm, the bot can be used to retrieve and deliver items throughout the jobsite. The robot dog has a variety of other features including the ability to recognize hazards like floor openings or edges; agility in various terrains and on stairs; and the capability to continuously scan jobsites.

Robotic welders

Robotic welders are autonomous robots designed for use in high-rise construction — also known as construction design repetition from floor to floor. This bot is capable of carrying, moving, placing and welding steel. It eliminates the need for scaffolding and human work at dangerous heights. The robotic welder’s compact design is also beneficial for keeping parts contained as it moves through various heights and locations.

Are these bots coming to a jobsite near you?

While the construction industry works to overcome its current labor shortages, emerging technologies will be used to keep up with the high volume of work. The industry must also consider the disruption and economic prosperity associated with using these technologies.

Several other inherent industry challenges require resolution, in order for these technologies to become mainstream. These challenges include:

• mobility to move through a construction site with uneven floors, unpredictable openings, zigzagging routes, rough terrain and environmental collisions;
• increased repetition;
• cost and scalability; and
• widespread acceptance of automation on the jobsite.

While these exact technologies may not exist in the near future, it’s likely there will be accepted and scalable adaptations of them. Once some of the industry challenges are resolved, robotic technology will be used for more specific functions.