The larger a construction project is, the more complicated it is going to be to manage. Small oversights or errors can lead to exponentially greater losses in time and money.
Doxel, a new construction productivity solution, claims to simplify the construction management process to help avoid these costly loses. Doxel’s preferred solution? Robots equipped with new artificial intelligence-based computer vision software.
In addition to drones capturing the site from above, Doxel uses rovers to comb through the site and gain the most accurate, up-to-date information. Part WALL-E, part MSE-6 mouse droid from “Star Wars,” Doxel’s self-directing robots survey building sites each day to capture HD imagery and laser scans at all stages of construction. The robots can traverse uneven terrain, multiple terrain types such as rock, concrete, or dirt, and can even climb stairs. Once in the correct position, the robot will stop and take a 360-degree scan of a space before moving on to the next area.
Courtesy Doxel.
Working behind the software is a 3D semantic understanding algorithm developed by Doxel. This algorithm classifies objects in real-world construction environments with a high level of reliability. 3D computer vision was used because a 3D neural network, theoretically, requires fewer datasets for training than 2D. This new computer vision algorithm avoids the issues commonly associated with scans such as occlusion and poor visibility. It also is able to interpret clutter from installed materials.
Doxel’s algorithms classify installed components and measure quantities in real-time. This data is then cross-referenced with the project estimate to provide instant feedback of where a project stands financially. The software calculates earned value for thousands of line items to provide an exact amount owed for a day’s work.
Courtesy Doxel.
Doxel also tracks model-to-field deviations instantly to catch and correct errors early, before they cost time and money to rectify. The AI software deep links to the project schedule and detects when a crew falls behind. Alerts are sent via an integrated app notifying everyone of the delay so managers can re-prioritize and optimize labor
productivity.
Integrated cloud software makes it easy to track progress over time for things like plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. In one case study, Doxel increased productivity by 38% and helped the project team deliver the project 11% under budget.
Related Stories
| Sep 21, 2010
Forecast: Existing buildings to earn 50% of green building certifications
A new report from Pike Research forecasts that by 2020, nearly half the green building certifications will be for existing buildings—accounting for 25 billion sf. The study, “Green Building Certification Programs,” analyzed current market and regulatory conditions related to green building certification programs, and found that green building remain robust during the recession and that certifications for existing buildings are an increasing area of focus.
| Sep 21, 2010
Middough Inc. Celebrates its 60th Anniversary
Middough Inc., a top ranking U.S. architectural, engineering and management services company, announces the celebration of its 60th anniversary, says President and CEO, Ronald R. Ledin, PE.
| Sep 13, 2010
7 Ways to Economize on Steel Buildings
Two veteran structural engineers give you the lowdown on how to trim costs the next time you build with steel.
| Sep 13, 2010
Community college police, parking structure targets LEED Platinum
The San Diego Community College District's $1.555 billion construction program continues with groundbreaking for a 6,000-sf police substation and an 828-space, four-story parking structure at San Diego Miramar College.
| Sep 13, 2010
Campus housing fosters community connection
A 600,000-sf complex on the University of Washington's Seattle campus will include four residence halls for 1,650 students and a 100-seat cafe, 8,000-sf grocery store, and conference center with 200-seat auditorium for both student and community use.
| Sep 13, 2010
Second Time Around
A Building Team preserves the historic facade of a Broadway theater en route to creating the first green playhouse on the Great White Way.
| Sep 13, 2010
World's busiest land port also to be its greenest
A larger, more efficient, and supergreen border crossing facility is planned for the San Ysidro (Calif.) Port of Entry to better handle the more than 100,000 people who cross the U.S.-Mexico border there each day.