The industry’s drive toward jobsite automation continues apace, with leading contractors test robots and GPS systems to supplement their equipment for greater jobsite efficiency at a time when these companies struggle with labor shortages.
In a recent report, Tractica, a market intelligence firm that focuses on emerging technologies, estimates that global shipments of construction robots would increase to 1,475 units by 2025, from 358 units in 2018.
Earlier this month, the contractor and project management firm Mortenson entered into a strategic partnership with Built Robotics, a developer of autonomous robotic equipment technology.
The two companies will work in tandem to develop Built Robotics’ equipment upgrade kits specifically for heavy civil earthmoving on renewable energy projects that Mortenson is building in North America.
For example, the companies point out that robotic equipment can be useful in the development of wind and solar farms that cover hundreds of acres of land, usually in remote areas distant from workforce centers.
Mortenson has already used Built Robotics’ equipment on three projects and has plans for more in the pipeline, according to Twin Cities Business.
“Our goal is to embrace the change that is happening in our industry to help create safer working environments for our team members, and value for our customers,” said Eric Sellman, Vice President and GM of Mortenson’s Civil Group, in a prepared statement.
Related Stories
Sponsored | Building Team | Nov 3, 2017
4 strategies for marketing your AEC firm
Having a clearly defined competitive brand and a fine-tuned marketing approach can give your firm a significant competitive advantage.
Sponsored | AEC Tech | Oct 19, 2017
3 reasons why your firm needs cloud software
For firms looking to propel their architectural design services to new heights and levels of sophistication, a consolidated cloud-based platform is a valuable asset.
AEC Tech | Oct 6, 2017
How professional bias can sabotage industry transformation
Professional bias can take the form of change-resistant thinking that can keep transformational or innovative ambitions at bay. Tech consultant Nate Miller presents three kinds of bias that often emerge when a professional is confronted with new technology.
AEC Tech | Aug 25, 2017
Software cornucopia: Jacksonville Jaguars’ new practice facility showcases the power of computational design
The project team employed Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, and a host of other software applications to design and build this uber-complex sports and entertainment facility.
AEC Tech | Aug 24, 2017
Big Data helps space optimization, but barriers remain
Space optimization is a big issue on many university campuses, as schools face increasing financial constraints, writes Hanbury’s Jimmy Stevens.
Lighting | Aug 2, 2017
Dynamic white lighting mimics daylighting
By varying an LED luminaire’s color temperature, it is possible to mimic daylighting, to some extent, and the natural circadian rhythms that accompany it, writes DLR Group’s Sean Avery.
Office Buildings | Jul 20, 2017
SGA uses virtual design and construction technology to redevelop N.Y. building into modern offices
287 Park Avenue South is a nine-story Classical Revival building previously known as the United Charities Building.
Accelerate Live! | Jul 6, 2017
Watch all 20 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s inaugural AEC innovation conference, Accelerate Live! (May 11, Chicago), featured talks on machine learning, AI, gaming in construction, maker culture, and health-generating buildings.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Is the road to the future the path of least resistance? Sasha Reed, Bluebeam (sponsored)
Bluebeam’s Sasha Reed discusses why AEC leaders should give their teams permission to responsibly break things and create ecosystems of people, process, and technology.
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: 3D laser scanning for the project lifecycle, FARO Technologies (sponsored)
Brent Slawnikowski of FARO Technologies and Jennifer Suerth of Pepper Construction discuss how implementation of laser scanning has helped Pepper become more successful in the completion of their projects.
