Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 96 | Page 73

USING THIS TECHNOLOGY , BUILDING CONTRACTORS CAN ALSO GATHER REAL-TIME DATA FROM THE JOB SITE , WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING .
DISRUPTIVE TECH

USING THIS TECHNOLOGY , BUILDING CONTRACTORS CAN ALSO GATHER REAL-TIME DATA FROM THE JOB SITE , WHICH IS ESSENTIAL FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING .

The construction industry has long been an important part of the economy , contributing to the infrastructure that allows us to live and work in the modern world . While the industry is thriving , it does face some challenges , such as the need for increased efficiency , cost-effectiveness , and safety . However , this is now being solved by advancements in robotics that are revolutionising the sector , enabling faster and more accurate construction , while also lowering the risks connected with human labour .

The concept of a humanoid machine first emerged in the beginning of the 20th century , with George C Devol developing the first known robots in the 1950s . Modern robotics was born with Devol ’ s creation of the reprogrammable manipulator known as Unimate . After the first industrial robots were invented in the 1950s and put to use by the automotive industry in the 1960s , construction automation utilising robotics saw a slow but steady rise in the 1960s and 1970s . While factory automation has spread rapidly throughout the industrial world , automation in construction took longer to gain traction . Today , there is a renewed interest in construction automation , owing to effective collaboration among businesses and institutions . can promise additional strength and accuracy for employees , allowing them to perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible or difficult . An employee wearing an exoskeleton , for instance , can easily lift heavy objects , thereby lowering the risk of injury and increasing efficiency .
Robotics in construction , however , comes with its share of difficulties , with the need for qualified technicians to run and maintain the machines being one of the obstacles . Additionally , smaller construction companies may find it challenging to adopt robotics due to the technology ’ s high upfront costs , which limits the possibility of democratising the technology .
That being said , a major challenge in the segment is the need for greater collaboration and standardisation among robotics manufacturers and construction companies . Currently , it is challenging for construction companies to implement and integrate robotics technology into their workflows due to a lack of standardisation in robotics hardware and software .
In order to stay ahead of the curve and fuel growth in the robotics sector , businesses must initiate strategic partnerships with technology providers .
At present , one of the most significant advancements in robotics for construction is the use of automated vehicles and drones . These tools are equipped to carry out operations like excavation , demolition , and transportation , completely eliminating the need for manual labour . Using this technology , building contractors can also gather real-time data from the job site , which is essential for project management and planning .
Spot is an advanced robotic dog from Trimble and Boston Dynamics , designed for industrial and commercial use
Use of robotic arms and exoskeletons is another significant advancement in the sector . These devices
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