The construction industry continues to evolve and adapt to the latest technologies. Commercial construction robotics have been particularly beneficial. This is because robotics can introduce efficiciencies into the process and assist construction companies with the ongoing labor shortage.
They also have several other benefits that lead to commercial construction being more efficient and cost effective.
Below, we outline what commercial construction robotics are and the ways they benefit construction projects.
What Are Commercial Construction Robotics?
Commercial construction robotics are automated machines that assist with various areas of the industry.
There are several different types of robotics designed to help with various aspects of construction.
Some robotics fit directly onto people to aid them in a specific job. These are known as exoskeletons and they work to enhance and protect the human body. For example, some exoskeletons fit around a worker’s arm and waist to increase their strength while protecting their muscles from strain.
Other commercial construction robotics assist from a distance. For example, drones have become an important part of construction projects and assist with viewing hard-to-access areas.
Types Of Commercial Construction Robotics
To understand a little more about commercial construction robotics, let’s take a look at some different types and how they fit into the construction industry.
Articulated Robots
These robots often resemble the human arm and are mainly used in manufacturing. They assist with tasks like welding and assembling. These robots lead to fewer delays and manufacturing faults that may often result from human error.
Cartesian Robots
Also known as the linear robot, this robot assists with a number of tasks like pick and carry and loading. It is also the robot behind 3D printing.
Collaborative Robots
As the name suggests, these robots work with humans. Like the exoskeletons mentioned above, these robots work to perform tasks that both the robot and the human would struggle to perform alone.
These robots fit onto a body part of a human-like the arm, waist, or legs. They assist with weight distribution and work well to reduce injury.
5 Benefits Of Robotics In Commercial Construction
Boosts Efficiency
The use of robotics can make certain tasks much quicker to complete – such as welding and assembling. Enhancing processes with robotics can therefore boost the efficiency of projects.
Commercial construction robots also minimize the likelihood of human error in a project. As a result, the production process is often far more efficient, precise and reliable.
Reduces Operating Costs
Commercial construction robots are able to work longer hours at a fraction of the cost of labor. So, even though the initial investment costs are high, the return on investment is worth it.
While this may seem like it’s aiding the labor shortage issue, it’s not. Instead, it frees up workers so that their skills and expertise can be used in other areas where robotics are not sufficient. For example, in the engineering, maintenance, and programming divisions.
This allows for a proper division of the workload as it utilizes workers’ expertise where it counts and where it’s needed.
Improves Safety
A huge priority when it comes to commercial construction projects is safety. Construction work is extremely strenuous, which often leads to injury and delays in the overall project. With the introduction of commercial construction robots, workers experience far less strain on their bodies.
Plus, some of the work takes place in hazardous environments. With the use of commercial construction robots, a worker can oversee a task remotely via the use of a drone or camera. This keeps the worker out of harm’s way.
Reduces Waste
Robotics are highly accurate and reliable. As a result, the products they create are of an overall higher standard and quality. They rarely make errors and therefore waste less materials overall. This saves both time and money.
Maximum Productivity
Another important benefit of commercial construction robots is the fact that they allow for maximum productivity. This is largely because they operate 24/7, seven days a week.
The robots don’t require lunch breaks or shift changes and as a result, projects are completed speedily. This is obviously a great advantage that makes up for the initial high investment costs as construction companies are able to get more work done in a shorter time period.
Conclusion
While the idea of a robot on a construction site may seem futuristic, it’s not. More and more construction companies are taking the leap and introducing these robots into their projects where they can. With all the benefits, it’s easy to see why. With a commercial construction robot on the project, you enjoy fewer delays, at a lower cost, and a flawless final product.
When choosing a team for your commercial construction project, look no further than the experts at Chad Fischer Construction. We combine our human expertise and customer service with the latest technology to give you the best possible product.