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
AEC Tech | Jun 27, 2016
If ‘only the paranoid survive,’ what does it take to thrive?
“Sooner or later, something fundamental in your business world will change.” The late Andrew Grove (1936-2016), Co-founder of tech giant Intel Corp., lived by these words.
AEC Tech | Jun 17, 2016
Driverless cars could soon start impacting commercial, retail project design
Offsite parking and more space for valet parking lines are among the foreseeable changes.
3D Printing | Jun 14, 2016
By 2021, 3D concrete printing is projected to be a $56.4 million industry
The 3D concrete printing industry is expected to more than double in size within the next five years.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 13, 2016
The race to digitize the globe with 3D imagery
Tech firms are creating a highly-detailed virtual planet available instantly for those who would like to scrutinize it. SmithGroupJJR's Stephen Conschafter details the new technologies being used to map our world.
Sponsored | AEC Tech | Jun 9, 2016
With all these sharks in the water… (No Predictions Here...Part 2)
Rather than fighting to control the proliferation of apps, perhaps we should be training our eyes to look for signs of long-term viability among all the fins in the water
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 7, 2016
Conquer computational design: 5 tips for starting your journey
Data-driven design expert Nathan Miller offers helpful advice for getting your firm ready to use CD tools and concepts.
BIM and Information Technology | Jun 7, 2016
6 ways smart AEC firms are using computational design methods
Rapid prototyping, custom plug-ins, and data dashboards are among the common applications for computational design.
AEC Tech | May 31, 2016
As commercial buildings get ‘smarter,’ concerns rise over cybercrime
As buildings become increasingly connected, opportunistic hackers have countless avenues into a building’s network.
Sponsored | AEC Tech | May 31, 2016
CannonDesign manages a $2 billion hospital design review with digital processes
Collectif Santé Montreal turns to Bluebeam Revu for project efficiency in establishing the largest hospital in Montreal.
3D Printing | May 26, 2016
Dubai opens world’s first 3D-printed office
The 2,690-sf structure took 17 days to print. City officials say the labor cost was only half as much as similar size conventional buildings.