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 | Mar 26, 2019
Embracing collaboration tools from outside the AEC industry
Let's take a look at the available technologies from outside AEC that are seeing greater adoption within the industry.
AEC Tech | Mar 24, 2019
5 ways designers and builders can use business intelligence with data they already have
Tricky construction budgets, large project teams, and unique designs needing extensive coordination are all problems increasingly being handled with new software tools and data.
AEC Tech | Feb 8, 2019
BI(m): BIM data without models
A new breed of data tools creates a valuable opportunity for the next wave of BIM and facilities management, one where “pure data” is at the center, writes John Tobin of SMRT Architects.
AEC Tech | Jan 9, 2019
Our robotic future: Assessing AI's impact on the AEC profession and the built environment
This is the first in a series by Lance Hosey, FAIA, on how automation is disrupting design and construction.
3D Printing | Dec 7, 2018
Additive manufacturing heads to the jobsite
Prototype mobile 3D printing shop aims to identify additive manufacturing applications for construction jobsites.
AEC Tech | Sep 27, 2018
BD+C editors want your input on AEC technology
Please help us improve our editorial coverage by taking this brief survey.
Sponsored | AEC Tech | Sep 14, 2018
Sponsored webinar: Benefits of traceable construction
In this free 60-minute webinar, Keith Alcorn of FARO Technologies will talk about the concept of traceable construction and how 3D reality capture solutions provide portable, efficient, secure, and forward-looking solutions for data collection, pre-processing, and evaluation in the design, build and operating phase. September 18, 2:00 EST.
AEC Tech | Jul 24, 2018
Weidt Group’s Net Energy Optimizer now available as software as a service
The proprietary energy analysis tool is open for use by the public.
Accelerate Live! | Jul 17, 2018
Call for speakers: Accelerate AEC! innovation conference, May 2019
This high-energy forum will deliver 20 game-changing business and technology innovations from the Giants of the AEC market.
Accelerate Live! | Jun 24, 2018
Watch all 19 Accelerate Live! talks on demand
BD+C’s second annual Accelerate Live! AEC innovation conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago) featured talks on AI for construction scheduling, regenerative design, the micro-buildings movement, post-occupancy evaluation, predictive visual data analytics, digital fabrication, and more. Take in all 19 talks on demand.
