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 | Oct 25, 2021
Token Future: Will NFTs revolutionize the design industry?
How could non-fungible tokens (NFTs) change the way we value design? Woods Bagot architect Jet Geaghan weighs risk vs. reward in six compelling outcomes.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Oct 15, 2021
7 game-changing trends in structural engineering
Here are seven key areas where innovation in structural engineering is driving evolution.
AEC Tech Innovation | Oct 7, 2021
How tech informs design: A conversation with Mancini's Christian Giordano
Mancini's growth strategy includes developing tech tools that help clients appreciate its work.
AEC Tech | Oct 5, 2021
EarthCam Builds On its Connectivity with Autodesk Construction Cloud
Premiering new visual verification features for Autodesk Build and BIM 360
AEC Tech | Sep 21, 2021
A new webtool follows ConTech from incubation to application and beyond
MIT and JLL have created Tech Tracker to help real estate professionals see what’s hot now and what might be.
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
AEC Tech | Jul 14, 2021
Bjarke Ingels Group and UNStudio invest in SpaceForm, a virtual workspace for architects
Squint/Opera developed the platform in 2018.
AEC Tech | Jun 30, 2021
Orro Launches New Integration with Sonos, Providing Seamless In-Wall Control for Sonos Speakers
With the new integration, customers can use the dynamic display on Orro’s smart light switches to control their favorite audio content on their Sonos speakers.
AEC Tech | Jun 9, 2021
Orro Announces Unified Smart Home App
Orro app now provides control of other smart home devices from leading professional and consumer device manufacturers.